Description
Wednesday April 15, 2026
Live Event at Bàrd Books, London | 15 April 2026 | 7.00–9.00 pm (BST)
Olivia Maidment & Freya Bromley
Our judges for the First Novel Award answer your questions, live! Get the inside track on submitting to agents.
When it comes to agent submissions, it’s essential to understand the industry. Olivia Maidment, literary agent at Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, & Film Agency, and writer Freya Bromley will share their industry insights, offering practical advice to help you get ahead of the game.
They’ll discuss what catches their attention in competition entries, along with key dos and don’ts for approaching agents.
This event will be especially useful for anyone planning to enter the First Novel Award, but will also include valuable tips on submitting to literary agents and competitions more broadly.
The talk and Q&A will be followed by live feedback on first lines. Writers are invited to submit their opening 4–5 sentences (maximum 80 words), and up to 20 entries will be selected at random for discussion on the night. You may include a brief introductory line outlining your novel’s title, genre, and premise. Submission details will be shared in your booking confirmation email.
