Would you like to connect with a counterpart that works in another City of Literature?

Keira Brown
Communications Executive
Edinburgh City of Literature Trust

09 May 2023

The Pen Pal project is a unique opportunity to join an international informal network of people working in literature!

As one of the UNESCO Cities of Literature here in Edinburgh, there is a great opportunity to help literary workers connect, and exchange ideas and knowledge with each other in a relaxed setting. It's like catching up for a coffee but with a peer potentially miles away and over a screen!

It is open to any writer, librarian, bookseller, literary programmer or anyone who works in the writing world, who is currently connected to a City of Literature. If you work in literature in Edinburgh, this is you!

The PenPal Network is a project by Melbourne City of Literature and will run from June to December 2023. It will host 3 virtual group meetings across 6 months.

Participants will be paired based on their professional roles, interests (and even reading interests). They will connect over email and Zoom. Participants will engage in a digital exchange, both structured and unstructured, over the 6-month programme.

If you would like to take part in The PenPal Network, please fill out this Wufoo form by 23.59 pm, Monday 29 May. The form includes questions about your role in your City of Literature, what you are reading, and why you want to participate.

The Pen Pal Network is an unpaid opportunity. However, we can offer one paid place for a selected Edinburgh-based participant who is unwaged, to help cover costs when taking part in the programme.

If you have any questions or queries, and wish to find out more, feel free to drop us an email:edinburgh@cityofliterature.com.

The Pen Pal network was inspired by Literature Alliance Scotland’s most excellent Here’s a Haun programme.

If you want to find out more about our international work, read our overview of international projects 2022-23.