Image: a group of people of colour with different skin tones, hairstyles, and clothing reading against a yellow background. Text: Open Call: Blog Pitches. Deadline: 16 September 2022. For Black writers and writers of colour based in Scotland (or normally based in Scotland outside of COVID-19)

Open Call for Blog Pitches! – for September-December 2022

Past Opportunities by ScotBPOCwriters

COVID-19 has presented many challenges for arts organisations throughout Scotland. But it has also afforded new ways of thinking and engaging with creative communities. The Scottish BPOC Writers Network has witnessed great success with our online programming. As such, we’re pleased to re-open our calls for our online blog series for September-December 2022.

 

Call for Blog Pitches

The Scottish BPOC Writers Network is looking for guest bloggers in order to maintain and develop a dynamic blog that shares experiences, thoughts, and musings about a writer’s life in Scotland. 

This call is open to all adults who identify as a writer of colour based in Scotland (or normally based in Scotland outside of COVID-19).

Writers are invited to pitch a blog idea on any topic of their choosing around the theme of ‘Roots to Grow.’ While all applicants must identify as writers of colour, there is absolutely no obligation to pitch ideas about race and diversity – although these topics are welcome! (If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve provided some suggestions below.)

Each guest blogger will be asked to contribute one blog post. We will be publishing at least two posts per month.

This blog is part of our regular network programming and will continue through December 2022. 

We especially encourage submissions from BPOC writers who are disabled, D/deaf, blind, chronically ill, or neurodivergent; are over 45 years old; are from the LGBTQIA+ community; are a parent or carer; and/or have never been published.

 

The Basics

  • Theme: Our programme theme this year is ‘Roots to Grow.’ Please interpret this in the format and topic that suits you best.
  • You will send a brief pitch (100 words maximum) on what your blog post will be about
  • We need at least one writing sample along with your pitch. These can be published, self-published (e.g. on a personal blog/website), or unpublished.

 

  • Access: 
    • We will accept blog posts as text, audio or video.
    • We have some bursaries for childcare/caregiver or data costs for people on low incomes who would be unable to participate otherwise.
  • You will be paid an artist fee of £135 for a blog post of at least 700 words or 5 minutes audio/video.
    • Please note this is classed as ‘self-employed’ or ‘freelance’ work.
    • The blog post will be posted on the Scottish BPOC Writers Network website.
  • Blogs will be posted intermittently. Together, we’ll decide a publication date that works for you.
  • An editor will be provided.




How to apply 

Please only apply if you identify as a Black writer or writer of colour based in Scotland.

Apply by 16th September 2022 via this Google Form



Questions?

This round of blog posts will be published between September and December 2022. We will open applications again in a few months. Any other questions? Email us ScottishBPOCWriters@gmail.com



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