INTERVIEW
Exploring a library role in the publishing ecosystem
Relationships between readers and writers are brokered by a multi-billion pound global industry. What happens if libraries step into the local knowl- edge gap? Here Rebecca Gediking, Head of Libraries at GLL, tells Rob Mackinlay how they’re planning to do it.
TWO motives drove the creation of the GLL Literary Foundation. One was data showing that readers benefit from meeting writers, the other was evidence that new writers are struggling more than ever.
Rebecca Gediking, Head of Libraries at GLL says: “Librarians, authors and publishers were anecdotally feeding back that a number of early career authors were struggling to establish themselves and considering stopping writing. We know it can be challenging to make a living as a children’s author, it is not just about writing an excellent book, authors often rely on income from events and have to be able to deliver engaging and inspiring sessions as well as manage the ‘business side’ in terms of booking and invoicing for these events. This can be a daunting prospect for early career authors.” The GLL Literary Foundation’s patron is former Children’s Laureate, poet and author Joseph Coelho OBE. He says: “Becoming established as a children’s author is extremely challenging, it takes so much more than just writing a fantastic book. This new Foundation will help authors promote their work and provide essential training and ongoing support.
“Libraries are very close to my heart and have played an important role in my journey as an author. I’m therefore delighted to support the GLL Literary Foundation.”
The offer
Established specifically to support ‘up and coming’ children’s authors the Foundation will offer 20 author bursary placements in areas where GLL operates public libraries: Bromley,
38 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL
Rob Mackinlay (
rob.mackinlay@
cilip.org.uk) is a journalist at Information Professional.
Greenwich, Wandsworth, Dudley and Lincoln- shire. Authors selected will receive £750 as well as further ‘in kind’ support valued at up to £4,000. They will be partnered with a specialist local librarian mentor to help them deliver a series of author events and provide networking opportunities with local booksellers, publish- ers, literary festivals and schools.
Rebecca says: “Mentor Librarians will be part- nering with authors to support them through the year-long programme providing expert train- ing, support and generating opportunities for connecting with local communities. The mentors all have qualifications or significant experience in working in children’s libraries. There is a specific training programme that has been developed for Librarian mentors, a toolkit and support.” Selected authors will also get online training courses on Brand Identity, Marketing and Busi- ness Planning through GLL’s Start Up Business Libraries. Alongside this, online support will be given to a further unlimited number of authors.
December 2024
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