APPRENTICESHIPS 2008 – Frequently asked questions

Are the Apprenticeships open to non-UK residents?
The sole criteria for application is that you must have completed or almost completed a first draft of a novel. Non-UK residents should however bear in mind that the scheme is aimed at writers who will ultimately be seeking publication within the UK (and related) markets. One-to-ones are also based in the UK. (Though phone consultations are an option.) Adventures in Fiction’s regular clients include writers based in India, Australia, Singapore, Yemen, France, Spain, Ireland, Finland and Sweden.

So presumably the scheme is open to writers based in Scotland/Northern Ireland/Wales?
It certainly is. We would positively encourage these writers to apply.

What about Ireland?
Ditto. We have strong links with Ireland and the Irish publishing industry.

I want to apply in the category for children’s fiction. Please could you offer some guidelines? Do you accept picture books for example?
We accept novels aimed at children and young people from aged nine up to fourteen-year-olds. Writers who will most benefit are those working on longer manuscripts. (Over 100 pages or 30,000 words)

As a general rule we do not accept picture books. (Though writers may submit illustrations to supplement their novel if they wish, the selection will primarily be made on the text.)

I want to apply, but I can’t afford the fees. Is it worth me applying anyway?
We have tried to keep the costs down and broken them down into three payments to make them more manageable. In exceptional cases, we may offer an income-related bursary. We will also be encouraging any selected apprentices who cannot afford the fees to seek funding.

It may be worth applying to see how you get on. If you are shortlisted you will become eligible for access to Stage 1 in the form of specially discounted appraisals, one-to-ones and targeted workshops. The names of both finalists and shortlisted candidates are listed on the website.

I have only half finished the first draft of my novel. Can I apply?
The scheme is aimed at writers who have already completed (or almost completed) a first draft and would now like some input as they aim towards publication. Why not use next year’s deadline as an incentive to complete your first draft?

Are there any age restrictions?
No, there aren't, though given the level of competition we anticipate that most applicants will be over eighteen. Applicants are selected primarily on the basis of their submitted manuscript.

I have previously applied for an apprenticeship, but was unsuccessful. Does this exclude me from applying again? I have developed my novel since then. We positively encourage submissions from previous applicants who have continued to improve their work.

What level of time-commitment does the scheme require?
We treat apprentices as aspiring professionals who are prepared to make time to get their work to a publishable standard. As a guideline, you will probably need to be prepared to redraft your novel more than once.

Does the programme include a fixed timetable?
You will be negotiating your timetable with your mentor. Workshop dates are flexible to fit with a range of commitments.