The RNA New Writers' Scheme - Guest Post Karen Aldous

A very warm welcome this morning to new author Karen Aldous. Karen has gone through the Romantic Novelists' Association New Writers' Scheme and as a result has just had her debut novel The Vineyard published. Karen has kindly agreed to write two blog posts for me which will be of interest to new and seasoned writers alike. Today's post will be an introduction to the scheme and the second, on Tuesday 3rd, will lead us along the path from New Writer's Scheme to Karen's eventual publication.

If you have also been on the scheme it would be lovely if you could leave a comment or feel free to ask Karen any questions.

So now it's over to you, Karen.

You’re very kind for inviting me to your lovely blog. May I just say how impressed I am at the volume and quality of content - it's very professionally presented.

I am a new author, publishing my first title The Vineyard, and I would like to tell you about the Romantic Novelist Association (RNA) New Writers Scheme (NWS).

As an introduction to those who are not familiar with it, this scheme was set up in 1962 (although it was not called NWS at this time) to encourage fresh writing talent for romance-themed writers in any genre, and has been further supported since early noughties by Dr David Hessayon whose wife, writer of historical fiction, Joan Hessayon, always supported new writers. The lovely Dr Hessayon wished to leave her legacy and so The Joan Hessayon Award was set up for any writer whose novel has been through the scheme and published with a recognised publisher.

The great thing about the scheme is that it allows unpublished novel writers to send their work for a professional critique - normally a considerable cost for most authors. You can send all, or part of your novel before the deadline date of 31^st August and a professional writer will read it (for which they are paid a small fee), giving a detailed report on what the novel needs to make it as professional as possible before sending it to a publisher. Writers would be advised to get as much of their novels written as possible so that the whole work is assessed. But from joining, you have nine months to complete the work if it isn’t already started or it can be sent in at any time before, if it’s ready. The earlier you send it in, the sooner you get your report back - remember, the load gets heavier at the end of August.

At this stage, once you have submitted your work, if you are one of the lucky few whose work has impressed in its entirety, both a good story and professionally presented, then it could be forwarded for a second read and possibly recommended or, read by an editor. This is what we all dream of and, believe me, it does happen. I have met a few authors who have obviously worked hard enough to make that initial first impression. *Elaine Everest has kindly pointed out that this no longer happens*

And meeting other authors is another great benefit of joining the RNA NWS. Those on the scheme are welcomed by the RNA to take part in the majority of their events such as their annual conference, award nights and other writer events held around the country and in London. Chapter meetings (and you can go to any region) are fantastic for workshops, talks by professional authors, editors and agents on all types of subjects, whether grammar or structuring or marketing your novel, you gain so much knowledge from their expertise. Plus, you get to meet them! Yes, I’m still in awe as I meet all the lovely talented people  - they are so supportive and friendly. I cannot recommend it enough.

 

Thank you so much for this interesting post, Karen and we are all waiting with bated breath to hear how your own journey through the New Writers' Scheme led to you finding a publisher.

We look forward to reading your next post on *Tuesday 3rd June* Read it here!

 

You can visit Karen on her website, twitter or Facebook

Karen's novel, The Vineyard can be bought from Amazon, Nook, Kobo and ibookstore


The RNA website with more information about the New Writers' Scheme is here

If you have any questions regarding the RNA NWS please direct them to Melanie Hilton who is the organiser. The link can be found here