The Book Council is calling for applications for its International Writers’ Programme, and offering support to local writers attending high-profile international literary festivals.

Last year, successful applicants included Catherine Chidgey (Guardian Hay Festival in Wales), Robert Sullivan (Harbourfront Festival in Toronto) and Greg O’Brien, Ian Wedde and Tusiata Avia (all to a book launch in Moscow).

According to the press release,

Writers should be of proven literary excellence with a good publishing track record. Inquiries are welcome from writers in all fields of literary work (fiction, poetry, children’s literature, drama and literary non-fiction). Writers on promotional visits connected with the international publication of their work are also eligible to apply for assistance.

The closing date for applications in the first funding round is 15 November 2005, but writers can continue to apply in 2006. Interested? Fancy getting enough free Airpoints for a quickie weekend in Sydney, or failing that, Hamilton? Fire off an email to director@bookcouncil.org.nz. (And take a tip from us: pick a festival or book launch in London or North America, and and haggle for Premium Economy class at least.)