Fledgling Māori writers needed for incubator programme

The Māori Literature Trust is calling for submissions from writers who are serious about creating a best-seller. The submissions will be judged and the best six writers will be offered a living allowance to work full-time on their writing for six months in an incubator programme. With the help of a mentor, you will have the chance to develop your writing into a solid piece of literature, with the possibility of getting published.

The competition closes Friday, 14 May at 5 p.m., less than two months away. You may already have examples of writing that you’ve started and never quite finished, or some short stories that have sparks of potential.

Entries are invited from Māori writers who meet the conditions of this incubator programme – from those who have completed creative writing courses to those who write stories for their tamariki or mokopuna. We are looking for people who have a drive and passion to write.

Those of Māori descent living in Aotearoa New Zealand are invited to submit their work in either English or te reo Māori under the following categories:

·    Novel
·    Short Stories
·    Non-fiction
·    Children’s novel/chapter book
·    Children’s picture book
Submitted work should be 5,000–50,000 words and may be a finished piece or a working manuscript.

Six winners will be chosen to go onto the incubator programme. For more details about the competition and the incubator programme visit www.huia.co.nz.

Entries for the incubator programme must include the application form found on the Huia Publishers website. Entries close 5pm, Friday 14 May 2010.