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Firefly Press has launched Ignite 2, a programme to "demystify young adult and children’s publishing" for would-be children’s authors from underrepresented backgrounds in Wales.
Now in its second year, the programme will consist of three online sessions beginning in February 2024 led by Gemma Cooper, literary agent, editors Janet Thomas and Penny Thomas and author Emma Smith-Barton. The sessions will cover topics such as how to write a query letter, how to write for different ages and how to make your novel standout. From the participant pool, two to three aspiring authors will be selected for a mentoring programme with an experienced children’s author over the summer. Children’s author Catherine Johnson will join the programme as a mentor.
Firefly Ignite coordinator Lucy Mohan said: "We were delighted with the success of last year’s sessions and, to ensure that the sessions are as valuable as possible, the new 2024 programme has been developed directly from previous attendees’ feedback. We hope that the Ignite programme continues to support and encourage the next generation of writers."
Ignite 2 is supported by Creative Wales and the Books Council Wales and is open to writers born, raised or living in Wales from backgrounds currently underrepresented in publishing. The free online sessions will be conducted on Zoom. Authors can register their interest on the publisher’s website.