To Be Continued is Literature Alliance Scotland’s career development programme for literature professionals, delivered in partnership with Coaching for Creatives.
The programme supports a cohort of three individuals based in Scotland through a programme of one-to-one coaching sessions, action learning sets as a group and individual mentor meetings across 2026 into 2027 – final dates to be confirmed.
Through this programme we intend to support a more resilient, inclusive and supportive literature sector in Scotland – one where individuals from all walks of life feel empowered to make positive change happen, work collaboratively and take up new opportunities.
After a successful pilot round of the programme, we are delighted to be returning and welcome applications from freelancers in the literary sector and working for literary organisations.
To Be Continued opened for applications on 17 July and will close to applications on 30 August 2026.
Please read the criteria carefully before applying.
Programme
- Introductory Listening Circle in Oct 2026
- First Action Learning Set in Nov 2026
- Five one-on-one coaching sessions across an approximately three month period (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027)
- Second Action Learning in Feb 2027
- Mentor meeting in early 2027
- Evaluation meeting as a group to conclude
Final dates and times of the sessions will be co-ordinated to suit the availability of the three selected awardees.
Eligibility
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in any aspect of the literature sector
- Resident in Scotland
- Aged 18+
- Not currently in Higher or Further education
- Committed to own professional development
- Willing to work as part of a small group as well as independently
To Be Continued is a fully remote programme: there are no requirements to travel or attend in person meetings.
A stipend of £100 is available for freelancers to cover time engaging with each of the two Action Learning sets, a mentor meeting and the evaluation meeting (£500 total). For employees, if there is a specific reason your organisation cannot release you during paid hours to participate, please contact us to discuss.
We welcome applicants with portfolio careers, those who have taken career breaks for any reason and those who work part-time. If you feel this programme could be of benefit to your professional development, then we encourage you to apply.
Please note: this is not a programme for developing creative practice or writing projects – this is for professionals working in literature organisations and their own personal development.
Making an application
Our online application form is intended to be short and simple. You can view the form at this link.
The form asks you to confirm your eligibility against the criteria and to answer the following three questions:
- Either copy and paste from your CV or describe the roles you have held in the literature sector to date.
- What role(s) or areas of the literature sector do you hope to work within in the future? (max 500 words)
- How do you think taking part in To Be Continued could help you achieve that? (max 500 words)
There is also an optional equality monitoring form, which will be linked to for you to complete separately should you choose to do so. This will not impact your application.
If you need additional support with your application, please get in touch via the Literature Alliance Scotland contact form here, and allow 5-7 working days for a response.
Applications will close at midnight on Sunday 30 August 2026.
FAQs:
Literature Alliance Scotland is Scotland’s largest network of organisations working to support and develop books, reading, writing and other engagement with literature. Through our annual programme we create opportunities to lift each other up through shared professional development, networking and collaborations.
Coaching for Creatives matches individuals with experienced, creative coaches. They provide one to one coaching, programmes of support and training to help individuals achieve their goals and drive positive change in the creative sector. You can learn more about them at coachingforcreatives.co.uk.
A ‘literature professional’ is anyone working within the broader literature sector, supporting the development and connection of writers, books, readers, communities and cultures. You might be a programmer, translator, curator, reading champion, librarian, bookseller, editor, facilitator, project manager, publisher – or you might work in any department of an organisation or charity whose mission has a focus on reader or writer development.
No – but you do need to be resident in Scotland, even if your work is or has been based elsewhere in the UK or abroad.
No – this opportunity is only open to individuals resident in Scotland.
No – this opportunity is only open to individuals resident in Scotland.
This means you must have been employed in an aspect of the literature sector for at least 5 years (in total – not in a single role) in order to apply. This includes working freelance, part time, and fixed-term opportunities as well as full-time or permanent roles. Time spent studying (e.g. towards a literature degree or publishing qualification) does not count.
We greatly value and respect the skills and insights gained through volunteer roles, but if this is your only experience of working within the literature sector then you would not be considered eligible to make an application.
The final dates and times of the sessions will be co-ordinated to suit the availability of the three selected awardees. In the application form you are asked to confirm you are available to engage with the programme in timeline to be outlined, and there is the opportunity to highlight any existing commitments which clash.
All applications received by noon on Monday 24 August 2026 will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility against our published criteria. All complete, eligible applications will then be considered by our selection panel, drawn from LAS freelance staff, Board of Trustees and our delivery partner, Coaching for Creatives.
For this second round of To Be Continued we will continue to welcome applications from freelancers and those who work for smaller organisations as well as larger. We understand that many literature professionals have portfolio careers and will also take into account other factors, including whether applicants have previously worked freelance or for smaller organisations with fewer CPD resources and whether they are on temporary or permanent contracts.
We are aware that applicants who face structural barriers – including those relating to racism, ableism, caring responsibilities and class – are likely to have had fewer opportunities for career development and progression and will ensure our process is sensitive to this reality.
We aim to be in touch with all applicants about the outcome of their application within 6 weeks of the deadline.
As part of the To Be Continued programme, awardees will be matched with an experienced coach and receive five one-to-one coaching sessions. Coaching can help build resilience and develop a growth mindset, allowing you to bounce back from setbacks and challenges more effectively. This can be achieved through goal setting, positive self-talk, and learning to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. It can lead to clarity on career goals, develop strategic plans and overcome obstacles along the way. This can lead to greater job satisfaction, professional fulfilment, and a stronger sense of purpose.
An action learning set usually takes the format of a small, facilitated group of peers who meet on a regular schedule to solve real-world work challenges and learn from each other’s experiences through insightful questioning and reflection. As part of the To Be Continued programme, the three awardees will engage with two action learning sets – an initial group session to establish a foundation for collaborative learning and goal setting, and a follow-up group session to reflect on progress, share insights, and address challenges.
If you have further questions not covered in the FAQ, please get in touch via the Literature Alliance Scotland contact form here, and allow 5-7 working days for a response.