16th September 1999

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Have you ever thought about writing or illustrating books for children? If so, Magee College is offering aspiring writers and artists help in making that all-important first step.

The campus will be the venue for a special workshop next month held by a representative of the International Society of Children's' Book Writers and Illustrators.

The initiative comes at a time when children's literature has never been more popular. This summer, the children's book 'Harry Potter' knocked an adult novel from the top of the best seller's list - the first time such a thing has happened.

Sandy Wilson, who is herself an author, will run the workshop, to help people plan, plot, edit and market manuscripts and illustrations for picture books and juvenile novels:

"There is a mushrooming market in this area and it represents a golden opportunity for aspiring authors. The school book club market alone has over 50 million members world-wide.

"Libraries and booksellers often dedicate as much as 30% of their floor space for the promotion of books, tapes and videos for young people," she said.

The workshop will be held in the evening of Friday, 1 October and all day on Saturday 2 October. It will provide practical help, a chance to work on personal projects and a list of publishing addresses.

For a place on the workshop please contact the Short Course and Professional Development Unit at Magee College. Tel 028 7137 5271.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk