Talent Program New Voices
Bringing new literary voices to the international stage
NORLA’s new talent program, New Voices for Children and Young Adults, is aimed at Norwegian authors writing fiction and non-fiction for young readers, and its goal is to provide emerging authors with international experience through travel, networking, and a deeper understanding of the outward-facing aspects of being a writer.
Nine authors and illustrators have been selected to participate in the program, which runs from May 2025 until the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in April 2026. The participants are:
Fabian Christensen
Julia Kahrs
Sigbjørn Lilleeng
Arne Lindmo
Reidar Müller
Pernille Radeid Cathrine Sandmæl
Kristine Rui Slettebakken
Gøril Sæther
The selection was made based on recommendations from Norwegian literary agencies and publishers.
Bringing new literary voices to the international stage is a central part of NORLA’s mission. The New Voices program will take full advantage of NORLA’s extensive international network. Participants will attend two workshops, where they will learn presentation and communication techniques, meet established authors with international experience, and gain insight into the global publishing industry and rights sales. They will also take part in an international program in autumn 2025/spring 2026. The program will conclude at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 2026.
The program is carried out in collaboration with Norwegian Non-Fiction Writers and Translators Association (NFFO) and Norwegian Writers for Children (NBU).
