Calling All Noir Authors – Shetland Noir 2026

Shetland Noir 2026 takes place in June, during Da Simmer Dim, the twilight of a Shetland summer. The sun barely sets and 19 hours of daylight cast long shadows across the islands. It's a time when the beauty, remoteness and the quiet mystery of the islands are enhanced, the perfect backdrop for Shetland Noir.

Our first headliner is international bestselling authors Lee Child and Louise Penny. Joining Lee and Penny will be three more headline authors, to be announced in the coming weeks, as part of a programme curated by Shetland’s own Marsali Taylor and festival patron Ann Cleeves OBE.

We are now accepting author applications for the 11th - 14th June 2026 edition.

Would you like to be part of Shetland Noir 2026?

What you'll get
- Successful applicants may be invited to take part in panels, give talks, lead workshops, or interview guests - alongside national and international noir authors. There will also be the opportunity to read from your work during the Festival.
- £100 if you are selected for a panel, payment for any other roles will be discussed at the time of offer. (Please note, there will be no payment for author readings.)
- Opportunities to connect with readers, other writers and grow your network
- Festival press coverage and social media promotion
How to apply
1. Send a 400 word CV including;
- Areas or topics of interest you can lead on
- Examples of your work
- 3 books you would want Shetland Noir to stock for sale, if possible.
- Who your publisher/ agent is
2. Email your submission to [email protected]