The 2011 NZSA Manuscript Assessment Programme is now open for applications.

The Assessment Programme is aimed at new writers at an early stage of their career. It offers an opportunity for a writer to have a complete manuscript evaluated by an experienced assessor.

An assessment can assist an author improve the quality of their work, by providing constructive critiquing and suggestions for improvement. This can be enormously helpful for a writer when considering a new draft of their work.

A selection panel will choose 10 successful applicants and match them with an assessor who specialises in the genre in which the applicant writes. The programme is open to writers of poetry, fiction, short fiction, memoir and non-fiction.

For the first time, the 2011 programme will also involve 5 ‘mini-mentorships’ which will be offered to 5 of the successful writers. These short mentorships will begin in early October and will help to guide each writer in the reworking of their manuscript. Expressions of interest will be asked for in the application form.

Please note that there is a new deadline for the Assessment Programme: 30 May.

For an application form please contact the NZSA national office by emailing programmes@nzauthors.org.nz or visit our website.