At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead creative writing sessions for refugee and migrant women in Glasgow.
- Company: Open Book, a social enterprise empowering communities through literature.
- Benefits: Competitive fee per workshop, training hours funded, and opportunity to attend literary events.
- Other info: Join a supportive community of readers and writers across Scotland.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while sharing your passion for writing and storytelling.
- Qualifications: Published author with workshop experience and skills in supporting English language learners.
The predicted salary is between 2200 - 3000 € per month.
Open Book is looking for a Lead Reader to support its creative writing programme at MILK in Glasgow. MILK is a social enterprise set up to empower and support refugee and migrant women in Glasgow. Open Book is looking for a Creative Writing Lead Reader to deliver 10 shared reading + creative writing sessions at MILK in Glasgow across a 12-month period, between April 2026 – March 2027. The Lead Reader will be joining a community of approximately 75 Open Book Lead Readers, who lead groups all over Scotland and online.
Applicant Requirements
- Be a published author with a publication record commensurate with authors on Scottish Book Trust’s Author Database.
- Have previous experience of workshop delivery.
- Have experience and/or training in supporting participants with English as an Additional Language (e.g. ESOL training).
- Be available to run these sessions monthly on Friday mornings at MILK.
- Be asked to join the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme) and provide two references (Open Book will meet the costs of PVG membership and process the application on behalf of the Lead Reader).
- Be available to attend an online, paid training session in April and to deliver 10 monthly workshops from that point onwards.
Applications will be accepted from women only under Schedule 9, part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.
Scope of Role
The successful candidate will be contracted to deliver 10 x 2‑hour shared reading + creative writing workshops in the Open Book model on Friday mornings at MILK in Glasgow across a 12-month period. The fee for each workshop (including preparation, delivery and post-session feedback) is £220. Up to 5 training hours – including compulsory training in the Open Book delivery model – will be funded across the year at £30 per hour. No travel costs will be provided. Lead Readers are also asked to support their groups to attend a literary event during the course of the project year. This can be attendance at an online or an in-person festival event local to their group. An additional fee of up to £120 will be available to Lead Readers for helping to organise and attend this visit.
Application Process
Preference will be given to applicants living and/or working in or near Glasgow. Please submit a CV including details of publications, experience in community workshop facilitation and any other experience you feel is relevant to admin@openbookreading.com by 12pm on Wednesday 1st April 2026. The deadline is Wednesday 01 April 2026 at 12:00.
Creative Writing Lead Reader – MILK (Glasgow) employer: Creative Scotland
Open Book is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its Lead Readers at MILK in Glasgow. With a strong focus on empowering refugee and migrant women, the company offers meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside competitive fees for workshop delivery and training. Joining Open Book means becoming part of a vibrant community of creative individuals committed to making a positive impact through literature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Writing Lead Reader – MILK (Glasgow)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow writers, join local writing groups, and connect with people in the creative community. You never know who might have a lead on opportunities or can give you a shout-out when a position opens up.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for creative writing and community engagement shine through. Share your experiences and how they align with the role at MILK.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those workshops! Think about how you can make your sessions engaging and supportive, especially for participants with English as an Additional Language. Have some creative ideas ready to share during your interview to demonstrate your workshop delivery skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Writing Lead Reader – MILK (Glasgow)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:As a Creative Writing Lead Reader, your writing chops are key! Make sure to highlight your publication record and any relevant experience in your CV. We want to see what you've got!
Experience is Everything:Don’t forget to mention your workshop delivery experience. We’re looking for someone who can engage and inspire participants, especially those with English as an Additional Language. Share specific examples of your past workshops!
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the role at MILK. Mention your passion for supporting refugee and migrant women and how your skills align with our mission. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to send your CV to admin@openbookreading.com before the deadline. We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Scotland
✨Showcase Your Writing Journey
As a published author, make sure to highlight your publication record during the interview. Share your journey as a writer and how it has shaped your approach to creative writing workshops. This will help the interviewers see your passion and commitment to the craft.
✨Demonstrate Workshop Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in delivering workshops. Bring examples of successful sessions you've led, especially those that catered to participants with English as an Additional Language. This will show your ability to engage diverse groups and adapt your teaching style.
✨Connect with the Community
Research MILK and its mission to empower refugee and migrant women. During the interview, express your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute to their creative writing programme. This connection will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the community.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios in the workshops, such as encouraging participation or addressing language barriers. Think through some practical strategies beforehand so you can confidently share your ideas and show your readiness for the role.
