Literature, Languages & Publishing

Literature, Languages & Publishing Literature, Languages & Publishing Literature is an art form stretching from our country’s larger organisations are found in the earliest days – from religious writings on Iona to central belt – Edinburgh is home to national modern, contemporary fiction. Scotland’s literary organisations such as the Scottish Poetry Library figures and their creations are recognised and and Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as the respected worldwide, drawing people to Scotland. world’s largest celebration of the written word, Books and writing from Scotland ignite debate, the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Its enrich lives, and help people find their voice. prominence as a city of books, words and ideas is recognised in its designation as the first UNESCO Literature in Scotland is mature, ambitious and City of Literature. Although activity takes place highly accomplished. Scotland’s writers work around the country, more can be done to ensure in multiple forms and genres, including poetry, there is equality of access for writers and readers fiction and non-fiction prose, spoken word around the country. and storytelling. With a choice of indigenous languages to work in, writers express themselves The publishing industry, in Scotland and in English, Gaelic and Scots. Far from being the worldwide, has changed enormously in recent solitary activity writing was once presumed to be, times and there must be a continuing focus on writers in Scotland collaborate widely and engage development to build capacity for innovation and with the public in various ways. sustainability. Membership organisations such as Publishing Scotland and the Gaelic Books Council, Scotland’s literary organisations, companies, represent the interests of Scottish publishers festivals and programmes range enormously in and provide training, networking and brokerage scope and reach. Some are world leaders and look support. However more effective marketing, and beyond Scotland for inspiration and competition, navigating the new territories presented by digital whilst others’ ambitions are more modest. possibility, remain the chief challenges for most Regardless of scale, they are well-connected and Scottish publishers. collaborative in spirit, and many opportunities exist to make the most of their combined The promotion of Scottish literature knowledge and experience. internationally represents a huge opportunity, for writers and publishers alike, whether it be via Reader development in Scotland is championed better profiling of Scottish books, translation and by Scottish Book Trust, whose program includes education, marketing and rights sales for Scottish Bookbug, ensuring every child in Scotland receives work in foreign markets or marketing Scotland as a pack of books before their first birthday, and a literary tourism destination. Book Week Scotland, whose expansive and inclusive program encompasses libraries, schools Scottish literature is a unique and highly and communities around the country. respected cultural export and with the right support structures, it can continue to flourish and Writers live and work all over Scotland. Writer carry Scotland’s voices to the world – be those development supports writers all across Scotland, voices on the page, stage, screen or airwaves. We from Shetland to Galloway, and organisations look forward to working with the sector to ensure such as Literary Dundee and Moniack Mhor its continued success. in the Highlands, make literature a focal point for their respective regions. Book festivals, of Given significant changes in the literary and which Scotland now boasts over 50, energise publishing environments in recent years, the focus communities and create opportunities for writers within Creative Scotland in 2014/15 will be on to discuss and promote their work. Many of the producing a review of literature in Scotland. Opportunities for Literature, Languages and Publishing and how they can contribute to Unlocking Potential, Embracing Ambition Talented writers are supported to confidently research, develop, produce and promote high quality work. Support is available at Excellence and every stage of their careers, including mid-career, and at every experimentation stage of the development of a book. across the arts, Networks and skills are developed for writers, publishers and screen and creative leaders to enhance recognition and opportunity. industries is recognised and Scotland’s writers are empowered to challenge and take risks in valued their artistic endeavours, as well as using recognised approaches. A new generation of writers produces high quality work of outstanding achievement. The creation of new work in all of Scotland’s languages, English, Gaelic and Scots is encouraged and supported. Gaelic and Scots, as national languages with distinctive traditions, are used more widely in the creative endeavours of Scottish writers. Organisations foster a culture of engagement with books, reading, and storytelling – and the ideas and values that underpin them. Opportunities are increased for people across the demographic Everyone can access spectrum throughout Scotland – especially those who do not and enjoy artistic and currently have easy access to literature – providing them with creative experiences access to high quality reading material, direct encounters with writers, and the opportunity to become writers and contribute to the literary economy. Young people are encouraged to have access to Scottish writing, led by teachers who are supported and resourced in their teaching. All of Scotland’s school children are able to have encounters with authors, and foster a close relationship with books and reading. The Time to Shine Youth Arts Hubs create a new opportunity to engage young people with writing. National and local programmes, including festivals, build a sense of community around writing and ensure that access to literature, and literary experiences are available in localities all over Scotland. Places and quality of Projects respond to locations, energising and transforming places life are transformed and quality of life, especially where literature is not easy to access. through imagination, Organisations work with local authorities to embed literature ambition and within cultural provision across Scotland. understanding of the potential of creativity Literary tourism is encouraged as a tool to cement Scotland’s reputation as a literary nation, building on the worldwide reputation of authors and their creations, drawing people into Scotland. A sector review is put in place in order to devise a sector-led vision for literature, languages and publishing. Given the significant changes in the literary and publishing environments in recent Ideas are brought years, comprehensive research into the following areas would to life by a diverse, provide an excellent, evidence-based foundation to ensure the skilled and connected needs of writers and literature are met or exceeded: leadership and – the environment in which writers work; workforce – the gaps and successes in provision for writers and readers in terms of access to books, to networks and to high quality cultural experiences; – the profile of Scottish books in Scotland and beyond; the publishing industry and the retail market. A new generation of writers and literary professionals, including publishers, programmers and creators, is proactively encouraged. Leadership in the sector is developed, particularly in publishing, to build confidence and the practical skills to find larger markets for Scottish books. New sector-led pathways are established into the literary world, for new generations of writers and practitioners, publishers, curators, programmers, and administrators. Certain forms of literature, in particular poetry, translation and literary journals are a vital part of the ecosystem, but remain commercially precarious. Publishers are supported to encourage risk-taking and innovation, testing new genres and exploring new opportunities offered by the digital environment. Networking and partnerships are facilitated and brokered across the creative industries to bring new perspectives and skills to the publishing industry. Scottish literature and Scotland as a literary nation is recognised internationally. Scottish books are more widely available internationally in traditional and online markets, creating Scotland is a opportunities for Scottish publishers, as well as individual writers, and promoting Scotland as a literary tourism destination. distinctive creative nation connected Scotland’s publishing industry develops emerging leaders in to the world the market, raising the scope of publishing ambitions to bring more Scottish writing to international markets in response to the changing global publishing landscape. More opportunities for international connections and overseas promotion are developed so that Scotland’s writers are confident, outward looking and find inspiration within and beyond Scotland’s borders. June 2014 © Creative Scotland No part of this publication may be reproduced in any format without prior written permission of Creative Scotland. Equal opportunities Creative Scotland operates an equal opportunities policy. Our offices have disabled access. Certain publications can be made available in Gaelic, in large print, Braille or audio format. Contact Enquiries on 0845 603 6000 Typetalk please prefix number with 18001 This publication is produced in electronic form by Creative Scotland – please consider the environment and do not print unless you really need to Your feedback is important to us. Let us know what you think of this publication by emailing [email protected] Waverley Gate 2-4 Waterloo Place Edinburgh EH1 3EG Scotland UK F +44 (0) 131 523 0001 249 West George Street Glasgow G2 4QE Scotland UK F +44 (0) 141 302 1711 Reception +44 (0) 330 333 2000 Enquiries +44 (0) 845 603 6000 enquiries@ creativescotland.com www.creativescotland.com @creativescots Cover: Wigtown Book Festival. Photo: Colin Tennant.

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