Publisher ‘could not be prouder’ to join scheme for young writers

A development organisation committed to supporting young, aspiring writers in the north of England has welcomed publishing leader ALEXA VON HIRSCHBERG as chair.

Publishing director at Orion Books’ imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson, Hirschberg said she had been following the Writing Squad charity’s work for years and “could not be prouder” to help direct its mission.

The Writing Squad, which is supported by Arts Council England, recruits writers living, working, or studying in the north for a programme of workshops and mentoring, including in one-to-one sessions.

Participants are aged between 16 and 22, with alumni including playwrights CHRIS BUSH, novelist SABA SIMS, and Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction nominee YUAN YANG.

The organisation is saying goodbye to managing director at MVB Books UK, SOPHIE O’NEILL, who has chaired its board since June 2015.

“Although I am sad to be resigning as chair of the Writing Squad board, I could not be happier to be passing on the role to Alexa von Hirschberg,” said O’Neill.

“Alexa has collaborated with us in the past, organising a packed-out writer showcase for us in London. She understands the organisation and is passionate about promoting new writers and writing. I know Alexa will be great support to the Squad team and a strong advocate for the Squad and its writers.”

Expressing her admiration for charity director, STEVE DEARDEN, Hirschberg commented: “I first became aware of Steve Dearden and the Writing Squad nearly a decade ago and was struck by the clarity and integrity of their vision, and the sheer quality of their writers.

“It is a unique organisation that has become, over two decades, a vibrant community and the professional results speak for themselves. Steve is a dedicated and inspirational leader, and I could not be prouder to be joining the Squad at this moment in its story.”