Every writer can feel daunted at the prospect of approaching publishers and agents with their work but this one-day course aims to dispel any anxiety.
All publishers and agents want to find good books but writers are often impatient, even ill-prepared, for their assessment and so rejection after rejection often follows. Learn what all writers need to prepare before they approach agents and publishers in this illuminating one-day course with examples, brief exercises and group discussion.
Over the day, we will explore everything that writers can do to prepare themselves and their submission to be read by publishers or agents. The differences between fiction and non-fiction books on submission, traditional publishing vs. independents, and positioning in the market. Most crucial is preparing your submission appropriately; which materials are essential, best and worst times to submit, how publishers filter submissions and the different paths to submission success.
Plus, there will be an exclusive opportunity to gain feedback on your submission from your host and peers. Simply print out and bring your opening pages (up to 5 pages or 2,000 words MAX), covering letter or synopsis, with you if you'd like feedback on the day.
What publishers most want to see from new writers will be discussed, debated and considered in depth. Highly interactive this course includes debunking some of the most common persistent fallacies that keep writers up at night too. Open to writers of all genres, stages and abilities who hope to approach publishers and literary agents with their novel or non-fiction proposal now or in the future.
The fee for the course is £45 per person.
Course Information
What will be covered:
- When is the right time to look for a publisher: how do you know when you and your book are ready for the next step?
- The submission process in detail for works of fiction and non-fiction
- Preparing the materials for submission success
- What's in a deal: the business of publishing for debut authors
- Sharing your excerpt/submission materials with the group for feedback (optional)
Course Agenda:
10:00 - 10:15: arrival and introductions
10:15 - 12:00: morning session (with tea break)
12:00 - 13:00: lunch break
13:00 - 15:00: afternoon session (with tea break)
15:00 - 16:00: feedback group
Hospitality:
Unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available as part of your ticket. There is a kitchette with fridge on site if you would like to bring your own snacks/lunch, or the amenities of Dulwich Village are only a 5mins walk away if you're not that organised.
Course Leader: Lisa Goll
Since 2010, Lisa Goll has worked in publishing and led the community at London Writers' Cafe, a bustling community for fiction writers with more than 4,500 members. In her time at the helm, she has produced more than 500 writing workshops, seminars and courses for writers with publishing professionals. Beyond London Writers' Cafe, Lisa worked at some of the UK's major publishing houses and media brands, most recently at Bloomsbury Publishing, and taught short courses previously at CityLit. With a background in communications and events, Lisa now works as a freelance editor, publicist and organiser. Connect with her on LinkedIn, join London Writers' Cafe (it's free!) or email [email protected].