Support for Writers during the Pandemic

We are living through strange days – it’s more important than ever that we support one another and stay connected as we face uncertainty and these difficult times. Reading, writing, and the stories we tell will help us get through, and aid us in recovery.

With that in mind, we’ve started to compile resources and useful information to help our writing community. We will be updating it on an ongoing basis – if there is something you’d like to add, please comment below.

Promoting your work

Writers Go forth. Launch. Promote. Party. is a rapidly growing Facebook group for Australian writers to post new releases, livestreamed launches and events, and connect with other writers and readers.

The Guardian have put together a list of ways for creatives, artists and writers to think creatively and get your work out there.

The team at the Emerging Writers Festival have rounded up their advice on online events, workshops and community-building in a literary context.

Add your latest book, work, Patreon or Ko-Fo link to our call out on Twitter.

Supporting the industry

Via the ABC, an excellent story featuring tangible ways to support Australian writing right now. Top takeaways:

  • Buy books (see a list of SA local booksellers here)
  • Give or lend books to friends
  • Share what you’re reading on social media
  • Review books on social media and other websites
  • Contact writers and tell them you love their work
  • Pledge to a writer’s Patreon or Ko-fi or donate to them in other ways
  • Listen to book-related podcasts
  • Download eBooks and Audiobooks
  • Buy a friend or yourself a subscription to a writers’ centre or pass to a future festival.

You can also attend one of our digital writing workshops, renew your membership, or buy a Writers SA gift voucher for a writerly friend.

The Guardian have also put together a growing list of art and literary events that have moved to livestreaming.

Financial support

Australia Council have announced a new resilience fund, information here.

The Government’s JobKeeper payment is currently in the works – there are no confirmed details to date, but it appears it will apply to sole traders who are writers and artists. You can register for the latest updates here.

Contact us if you are a writer or editor who is available to provide a literary service such as manuscript assessment or professional mentorship, or any other skill you want to offer. We want to promote—and pay—you.

Record your loss of income with I Lost My Gig Australia here. This supports the efforts of our national colleagues in advocating for an arts assistance package.

Take the survey to record the impact of the crisis on your writing practice here.

*Now closed* Arts South Australia has re-configured its available grant funds to assist artists and organisations to respond to immediate pressures being experienced. Total funding of $1.5 million will be allocated in the coming weeks. Find out more.

SOCIAL MEDIA

It’s important to stay connected while we’re socially isolating, working from home, or just needing a little extra community support. We’ll be updating our social media with opportunities and resourcesL

Connect with us on Twitter
Head over to our Facebook page
Subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest updates.


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