OBSERVER: I Could Do That
Have you ever finished reading a book and thought “I could do that”?
Major publisher Penguin Random House is offering an opportunity to would-be writers.
PRH’s Write It Fellowship Program is open, offering writers from under-represented communities the opportunity to be mentored by PRH editors over 12 months, with the hope of publication.
While Write It aims to discover writers across all genres, there is a specific focus on applicants from marginalized socio-economic, LGBTIQ, First Nations, Culturally Diverse and disabled communities.
Joining the program as a consultant is the 2021 fellowship winner, Melanie Saward (pictured). The Bigambul and Waka Waka woman had her first novel Burn published in 2023 and her first romantic comedy novel, Love Unleashed, is being published by PRH.
Melanie is full of praise for the program.
“It’s a fantastic fellowship and I am so proud to be a small part of someone’s path to publishing,” she said.
The Write It program is open to all Australian residents aged 18 or over, A short list will be chosen in July with the winners being announced in November.
The winners will also received a $2000 grant and the opportunity to participate in a PRH open house session about the nuts and bolts of the writing and publishing processes.
For more information, email writeit@penguinrandomhouse.com.au, and entries can be submitted to penguin.com.au/writeit by 11.59 pm on Monday, April 14.
Julie Houghton