Local Writers Spotlight Call Out

Calling local writers of poetry and prose, fiction and non-fiction! Wigtown Book Festival has created a series of morning reading slots, and invites you to apply to share a short extract from your work. (Spaces are limited.)

Venue: The Open Book, 2 High St, Wigtown, DG8 9HQ

Time: 10:30-11:15am

Dates: Monday 29th September through Friday 3rd October 2025

The Slot: Three authors per day, 15 minutes per author. This includes time for you to introduce yourself and field any audience questions. [NB: There will be a timekeeper present.]

Who’s Eligible: Published and unpublished authors of any age residing within Dumfries and Galloway

The Perqs: You will receive a Same-Day All-Access pass to any event that is not sold out, plus Same-Day Access to the Authors’ Retreat. Your name will be included in our online programme. As an extra bonus, we are happy to waive our standard percentage fee if you wish to sell books, chapbooks or pamphlets at the end of your reading. There is no fee offered for this reading, and you are responsible for your own transportation and accommodation.

The Deadline: Please submit your request and a brief sample of your work NO LATER THAN 15th August at 5pm.

When Choosing Your Reading: Please be aware that Wigtown Book Festival will not tolerate any form of hurtful language, discrimination, abuse, marginalisation or insulting behaviour on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion, background, skin colour, religious belief, sexuality, gender identity, socioeconomic class, caste, disability or age. Please remember that there may be children present.

How to Apply: Email Lynne at: lynne@wigtownbookfestival.com with a sample of no more than 5,000 words of the work you intend to read. Successful applicants will be notified by 22nd August, via email.