Levenshulme Old Library is recruiting an emerging writer for a Ghosts at the Old Library, a new project coming later this year.
This is a paid mentoring and training opportunity aimed at an early-stage writer aged 18+ who is interested in developing their short fiction.
The project
Ghost stories at Christmas have long been an oral storytelling tradition, with historic reports of tales told around a winter fire going back to mediaeval times. This became more established thanks to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and continued into the TV era with A Ghost Story for Christmas, a series of late night television films broadcast on the BBC.
This Christmas Levenshulme Old Library is commissioning four original ghost stories for a series of atmospheric performances in our historic former Carnegie library building in South Manchester (stay tuned for more details on this!)
The completed stories will also be published and released digitally.
The Opportunity
Three of the writers we have commissioned are professional authors. The fourth will be an emerging writer.
The placement will match a writer at an early stage in their career with an experienced writer and editor who will provide dedicated mentoring and editorial guidance via a series of one-on-one in-person sessions at Levenshulme Old Library tailored. Their work will feature alongside professional peers, giving them a unique experience in terms of career progression, developing their confidence and making valuable contacts.
This project is funded by Arts Council England and the successful applicant will also be paid for their writing and performance in line with their fellow authors. The fee is £300 for an original work of short fiction, and £150 for each performance of which there are three, bringing the total fee to £750.
We’re particularly interested in applications from those currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including racially diverse applicants and applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds. We will also prioritise applications from people who currently live, work or study in the Levenshulme area.
The Application
Those interested in applying should please complete this form by 11:59pm on Friday 23rd September.
If you have any questions please get in touch via levoldlib@gmail.com