Norfolk Writers’ Resources

Here's an overview of just some of the resources available to writers in Norfolk (and East Anglia more broadly). It's quite a treasure trove, but perhaps that's not a surprise given that in 2012 Norwich became England's first UNESCO City of Literature.

Festivals and events

• East Anglian Book Awards – this annual event celebrates literature either set in East Anglia or written by authors living in the region. Entry for 2016 is now closed, but keep an eye out for 2017 submission details.
• FLY Festival of Literature for Young People – hosted by the University of East Anglia, FLY is an annual programme of activities, readings, workshops and entertainment for 11–18-year-olds. The 2016 event has now finished, but FLY will be back from 10–14 July 2017
• Jarrold, one of Norwich’s oldest independent departments stores, Jarrold hosts regular author readings, signings and book launches. This year’s autumn programme includes the East Anglian Book Awards, Alan Partridge, and Elizabeth Haynes.
• King's Lynn Literature Festivals – this year’s event is the King’s Lynn Poetry Festival, taking place from 30 September–2 October 2016.
• Noirwich – Norwich’s annual crime-writing festival always includes some top names in the noir genre. This year’s author events include Ian Rankin, Sophie Hannah and Peter James, and there are also writing workshops and a number of fringe events. Noirwich 2016 kicks off on 15 September. Definitely one to put in your calendar!
• The Book Hive hosts regular literary events in Norwich, including An Evening with Tommy Wieringa (6 October 2016), The Making of the British Landscape with Nicholas Crane (4 November 2016), and An Evening with Carol Ann Duffy (1 December 2016) 
• UEA Literary Festival – the University of East Anglia has a super programme of ‘in conversation’ events lined up for this autumn, including David Lodge, Bernard Hill, Paddy Ashdown and Rose Tremain. The events start on 5 October and run through to 23 November 2016.
• Waterstones, Castle Street, Norwich – fabulous author signings and readings including Natasha Pulley (The Watchmaker of Filigree Street: 5 October 2016), The Magpie Murders – an evening with Anthony Horowitz (20 October 2016), and Garth Nix – Goldenhand (22 October)

Groups and organizations 

• East Anglian Writers – affiliated with the Society of Authors, East Anglian Writers welcomes applications from professional writers based in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk  
• Norwich Writers’ Circle – the group meets twice a month in Norwich, and runs an annual programme of events including writing workshops, competitions, guest-speaking sessions and social meet-ups
• The Book Hive – hosts regular literary events in Norwich
• Writers’ Centre Norwich (WCN) – a must-visit site featuring events, interviews, courses and workshops

Courses 

• Norwich Arts Centre periodically offers writing courses. Keep an eye on the calendar to see what’s available
• Unthank School of Writing – offers a range of onsite and online writing courses
• Creative Writing Online ­– partnership between the WCN and University of East Anglia
• Creative writing courses at the UEA – undergraduate and postgraduate courses
• Creative Writing with Norfolk Adult Education – this is a link to the group’s Facebook page. Here you’ll find information about what’s currently on offer from a range of regional providers. Past events include self-publishing workshops as well as novel- and script-writing courses
• Writers’ Centre Norwich – annual programme of writing workshops

Editorial support: proofreading, editing and indexing
If you are looking for an editorial professional in Norfolk, you can find a qualified member by visiting the Norfolk Proofreaders and Editors Network (NPEN).

Members offer a wide range of services including proofreading, copy-editing, structural and developmental editing, manuscript critique and evaluation, indexing, formatting, translation, and publishing consultancy.

Independent publishers ​

• Black Dog Books 
• Full Circle Editions
• Poppyland Publishing
• Salt – this vibrant independent publisher accepts unsolicited manuscripts and has had two books nominated for the Man Booker Prize in four years.

Louise's Writing Library for Self-Publishers
For more self-publishing resources, visit the library on my Self-publishers page. Or join the library to get monthly updates.

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Louise Harnby is a professional proofreader and copyeditor. She curates The Proofreader's Parlour and is the author of several books on business planning and marketing for editors and proofreaders.

Visit her business website at Louise Harnby | Proofreader, say hello on Twitter at @LouiseHarnby, or connect via Facebook and LinkedIn.

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