Writing Weekend – September 25 – 27, 2020
Writing Weekend Online Tutorials – September 25 – 27, 2020, Contact us for bookings >
Emma is responsible for BPA’s bespoke programme of literary events and retreats as well as managing the First Novel Award and submissions to literary agents. With a background in communications and special events she has an eye for detail and a desire to give writers the best possible experience in an imaginative programme of events. Her retreats at Asthall Manor, the childhood home of the Mitford sisters with guest tutors including Tessa Hadley and Claire Fuller have set a new benchmark in literary experiences. The First Novel Award now in its third year has proved remarkably successful for writers with five of the 2018 shortlist gaining agent representation. With an up to date knowledge of what literary agents are looking for, Emma offers a reading service and advises writers with a polished manuscript which agents to approach and how best to ensure your work gets read. She also contacts agents on behalf of writers where there is a potential match.
Autumn Writing Weekend – September 25 – 27, 2020
Online Writing Weekend 25 – 27 September, 2020, Contact us for bookings >
Agent submissions
Agent Submissions The inside track on getting an agent Guest tutor: Nelle Andrew, agent at Rachel Mills Literary AgencyDate: Tuesday July 14Time: 11 am – 12.30 pmLocation: ZoomCost: £30BOOK NOW Nelle discusses the dos and don’ts of submitting to agents, how you can make your submission stand out from the pile, and what you should…
Editing your Novel
Editing Your NovelGuest tutor: Author and writing coach Emma DarwinDate: Tuesday June 30Time: 11 am – 1pmLocation: ZoomCost: £38BOOK NOW All writers know that the most important stage of writing is actually the re-write. Most know that it’s about a whole lot more than tidying up the sentences – but what does that actually mean?…
Submissions Q & A with Eve White Literary Agency
Submissions Q & A with agents and readers from Eve White Literary Agency Wednesday May 6, 2020 6 pm – 7 pm on zoom. THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY SUBSCRIBED. PLEASE CONTACT US TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ON FUTURE EVENTS Our May retreat and workshops have been rescheduled to September. In the meantime we’re planning…
Pitch Prize Winners Announced
Christmas has come early for eight lucky winners of our inaugural Pitch Prize. Super agent Nelle Andrew of Peters, Fraser & Dunlop has selected her winners from over 300 entries across all genres. Each of the writers will have a one on one meeting with Nelle in the New Year. At the meeting writers will…
Over 300 submissions for Pitch Prize
Our inaugural Pitch Prize with Peters, Fraser + Dunlop agent Nelle Andrew attracted over 300 entries. Writers submitted their opening 500 words and synopsis for the chance to pitch their novel and receive feedback from Nelle. Up to 10 winners will have a one on one meeting with Nelle in February 2020. The standard was…
Announcing the winners of the First Novel Award
Kate McNair is the winner of the 2019 First Novel Award for The Price of Blood. She has been signed by agent Nelle Andrew.
Opening of Shortlisted Titles – First Novel Award 2019
Ahead of announcing the winners of our First Novel Award on Friday 27 September, here are the openings of the six shortlisted novels. The winner will receive £1,000 in cash plus an introduction to literary agent Nelle Andrew and the runner up, £250 in cash and a manuscript review from a BPA editor. The standard…
2019 Shortlist – 6 titles
Blue Pencil Agency announces the First Novel Award 2019 Shortlist. Our 2019 judges are literary agent Nelle Andrew and author of The Witchfinder’s Sister, Beth Underwood. Prizes for the winner and runner up include an introduction to Nelle as well as £1,250 in cash and an editorial report. The Award is given to unpublished writers without…