Call for submissions: Seeking Edinburgh children’s writers for “Dear Library: Family Story Sessions” at the National Library of Scotland

Dr Harriet MacMillan

Director

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust

4 February 2026

Following the success of August 2025’s Dear Library: Story Sessions, Edinburgh U​N​E​S​C​O City of Literature will host a follow-up programme in partnership with the National Library of Scotland. Dear Library: Family Story Sessions will offer free storytelling and craft events to younger readers and their families, taking place in the heart of the ‘Dear Library’ exhibition.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking six writers to share their own work, as well as a selection from a book that inspired them, with young audiences aged 6 to 10. We’re looking for writers who have experience working with younger audiences and can provide visiting children with an exciting storytelling experience. Selected authors will be invited to a Development Day on March 30th to meet fellow writers, experience the exhibition, and learn more about opportunities in children’s literature. An honorarium will be provided for the performance.

Session Details

Dear Library: Family Story Sessions will include two ten–fifteen‑minute reading sessions followed by craft activities (led by National Library of Scotland staff). Each author‑led slot will include:

  • Around five minutes from a book that inspired the writer
  • Up to ten minutes from the writer’s own work

Applicant Criteria

  • A writer based in Edinburgh with an EH postcode
  • Available for one of the following dates:
    Tues 14th, Wed 15th, Thurs 16th April (11:00–11:45am)
  • Comfortable with reading publicly and having your performance shared on social media
  • Interested in sharing a book that shaped your own craft

How to Apply

To apply, please email edinburgh@cityofliterature.com.

In the body of the email, please provide:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Address
  • Title and author of the book that shaped you
  • Details of any prior publications
  • Details of any public readings
  • Your availability

Please attach as a PDF or Word document:

  • A writing sample containing the piece you would like to read for the session

Please ensure your writing sample is anonymised.

Deadline:

Writing Sample Guidelines

  • Any genre is welcome as long as it is appropriate to be read or performed aloud to children ages 6–10.
  • Please make sure your extract takes no longer than 10 minutes to read aloud.
  • Please ensure it is in a legible font and format.

Queries

If you have any questions about your application or any general queries about Dear Library: Family Story Sessions, please email edinburgh@cityofliterature.com.