Spring Writing Retreat – May 14 – 17, 2020
Spring Writing Weekend at Templeton House, Kintbury, Berkshire. May 14 – 17, 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.
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 The Award is given to unpublished writers without…
2019 Longlist- 23 titles
Blue Pencil Agency announces the First Novel Award 2019 Longlist. 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 The Award is given to unpublished writers…
Shortlisted author Gill Thompson talks about her publishing success
Gill Thompson was shortlisted for the inaugural First Novel Award in 2017. Her novel The Oceans Between Us was published by Headline Press in March on the same day as The Conviction of Cora Burns by Carolyn Kirby, our 2017 winner! “I had wanted to write a novel for as long as I can remember. But…
Inspirational workshop, talks and editorial help at May retreat
Our May retreat at Asthall Manor in Oxfordshire took place last weekend. 10 writers spent four days in glorious sunshine in an inspiring and creative environment working on their novels and getting some help and advice from our guest tutors and BPA editors Sara and Emma. The highlight of the weekend was an afternoon workshop…
Book launch and an agent signing for Mandy Robotham
2018 First Novel Award runner up Mandy Robotham has signed with agent Broo Doherty of DHH Literary Agency. Sales of her first book A Woman of War have surpassed expectations – e.book and paperback sales in UK are now at 81,000, with the paperback edition titled The German Midwife launching in the US and Canada on…
Claire Lewis’ She’s Mine book launch
BPA retreat client Claire Lewis gathered family and friends together for her book launch at the Bluebird Cafe last night. Set in the Caribbean, She’s Mine is a gripping psychological thriller about a stolen child that Claire started while on the Faber Academy “Writing your Novel” six month course. It explores issues of sibling rivalry, loss of…
Damhnait Monaghan shortlisted for Caledonia
BPA client, Damhnait Monaghan is shortlisted for the Caledonia Novel Award. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!