A NEWPORT writer has been chosen for a mentoring programme with a major book publisher.

Emma-Jane Smith Barton was one of twelve writers selected for Penguin Random House’s WriteNow mentoring programme. They were chosen to join the programme which aims to find, mentor and publish new writers from communities currently under-represented on the UK’s bookshelves.

This includes writers from a socio-economically marginalised background, LGBTQ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer (LBQT) or Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, as well as writers with a disability.

More than 2,000 writers applied for WriteNow, with 150 invited to attend regional events in London, Birmingham and Manchester where they heard from editors, literary agents and authors including Jonathan Coe and Malorie Blackman. The twelve writers announced were selected from that group based on the quality of their writing.

Each of the twelve writers is being paired with a mentoring editor from Penguin Random House with experience and expertise in their genre. Together, the writers and editors will develop the manuscripts to make them the best they can be and ready for publication.

Ms Barton, 35, is a second-generation British Pakistani woman living in Newport, where she grew up. She is a secondary school English teacher, currently at home with her first child and focusing on her writing.

She says her work is inspired by Meera Syal and Bali Rai in particular.

Her book Black Moon is a young adult novel, telling the story of a fifteen-year-old British-Asian, Neena, who is tormented by grief and guilt after her brother’s death. Fraught to feel closer to him, Neena begins to adopt her brother’s behaviour and defy her conservative parents.

As Neena’s journey navigates the loss of her brother, her parents’ cultural expectations and the thrill of her first love, her fragile sense of self is threatened.

Ms Barton said: “I’ve been hugely inspired and encouraged by the WriteNow process so far. It’s been so exciting to be a part of and an extremely validating experience for me as a writer.

“The feedback I received during my one-to-one at the insight day resonated so deeply that – combined with the editor’s encouragement – it gave me clear direction and courage to complete the draft of my novel.

“Programmes like WriteNow are vital to find new voices and stories that aren’t being told or heard. For writers, such programmes provide encouragement, validation, guidance, and focus. They nurture talent and help writers find and build their voice.

“For literature and readers, these programmes help to fill gaps to provide a fuller representation of the society we live in today. I’m so excited to be a part of this programme.”

Tom Weldon, CEO, Penguin Random House UK, said: “Books play a unique role in society. They spark conversations and bring people together through new ideas and perspectives.

“Our role is to seek out voices that speak to all of society and make sure those books and stories are for everyone. That’s why programmes like WriteNow are so important.”

Mainga Bhima, editor and WriteNow mentor, Penguin Random House UK, said they were all “thrilled” to be able to work with this group of “exceptional writers, each with a distinct voice”. and a brilliant story to tell. The industry and our audiences need stories that reflect the multitude of experiences within our communities.

“Our job over the next year is to help refine their manuscripts, supporting each of the writers as they develop their stories and work to position their books in the market.”