Editor: Frances Merivale

Frances’s comments are so galvanising. I really feel like I know how to tackle this next draft, thanks to her close read and clarity – a good feeling!

Pitch Prize Longlist 2020

I love the BPA competitions for the following reasons:

1. The BPA team’s creative spirit and enthusiasm – sharing success stories that motivate and inspire writers on their journey.

2. The competitions are open to writers worldwide.

3. The competition includes the cover letter in the ‘submission package’. (Most competitions don’t include this but I enjoy the opportunity to pitch the novel and include comparisons and why the writer feels passionate about their story.)

4. The professional and personal response to queries.

Editor: Iain Maloney

Iain’s mark up and report are incredibly helpful and have given me a very clear idea of the changes I need to make to get my manuscript ready for submission. It is exactly what I hoped for. As someone who always wanted to take a creative writing course but never had the time or money to do so, Iain’s report has in many ways felt like a crash course in writing and has given me specific tools and insights not only to fix this manuscript but to make me a better writer for when I start the next one.

Editor: Tess O’Hara

I’m amazed and deeply impressed by how well Tess understood the book, how clearly she identified its flaws, how incisive her criticisms and how valuable her suggestions were. I am also extremely happy that she could see the potential within the book, and I’m sure that the next draft is going to be much stronger as a result of her comments. I’m so very glad I commissioned this report.

Editor: Katya Balen

Katya has reviewed a number of manuscripts now and the service received is always consistently first rate. The critique from Katya is very constructive. Katya obviously has a wonderful knowledge of what works and what doesn’t and is able to suggest things that ultimately improve the story and for me that is the goal – getting the story to be the best it can be. I highly recommend the services of Katya but also that of BPA – a professional team and agency.

Editor: Oliver James

I couldn’t have asked for a better editor than Oliver, even if his profile photo is utterly terrifying. Whatever happens, the poor man and BPA are stuck with me for life now!

I entered the BPA First Novel Award having never properly shared my fiction with anyone before, and not really knowing what to expect. It was without a doubt the best twenty quid I’ve ever spent. 

First making the longlist — and then the shortlist! — was such a huge vote of confidence in my writing style and the story I was trying to tell with Brotherhood and to actually win was unreal. It helped not just in cementing my confidence in my writing (and silencing my imposter syndrome) but it also inspired me to keep working on my manuscript and to stick to deadlines when it came to editing. 

Winning during the pandemic made things feel even more unreal, but even though I couldn’t meet the Blue Pencil team in person, I felt incredibly supported and involved and was then able to meet one of the judges, FBA’s Carrie Plitt, over Zoom to discuss my manuscript. Carrie’s continued guidance and expertise (and the depth of feedback of the rest of the BPA First Novel Award judging team) was really invaluable and helped me to see my work through a new perspective, whilst supporting me to get it ready for publication. 

I am over the moon to now be signed to FBA with Carrie, and I cannot wait to see where things go next. Without sounding too cliche, it really does feel like a new beginning in terms of publishing Brotherhood and in my fiction career, and I am so pleased I decided to enter last year. It really has been an incredible experience from start to finish. 

Roisin Lanigan was the winner of the 2020 Award for Brotherhood. She is represented by Carrie Plitt

I am emailing to thank you so much for taking a chance on me and telling Marina de Pass about my novel, The Silence Project. As of this week, Marina is now my agent and I am thrilled!

Because the novel was shortlisted for The Bridport Prize and was my London Library Emerging Writer submission, it was also seen by agents at A.M.Heath, but Marina has given me such brilliant feedback and encouragement that I have no doubt that she will be my ideal agent.

It’s all because of you. And the novel didn’t even make the longlist for the BPA First Novel Award, so doubly thank you for making the introduction.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to join the Q&A session with Nelle Andrew today. It was so helpful to know what agents are expecting when receiving submissions. I definitely feel more confident going forward with the process, and looking for agents for the novel I’ve written. 

The tutorial was great – really, extremely helpful – and Emma was wonderful.

Oliver’s editorial feedback was fantastically helpful. I’ve done a lot of workshopping of various kinds over the last few years, including an MA in Creative Writing, and this was honestly the best feedback I’ve had on the novel as a whole, the most helpful in helping me to see where I need to go next with it. Amazing. I have already recommended BPA to other writer friends, and shall definitely come back to you for more help later on. 

Really looking forward to the next session. I’m trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can. It’s the only thing that’s getting me through lockdown! 

Thank you for another brilliant session. All three of the presenters at the retreat have been such high quality.  I had high expectations but they have gone beyond those expectations.  Thank you so much for all your hard work putting the weekend together.

Emma – thank you so much for arranging such an inspiring series of talks for the Online Writing Weekend.  They were all of such a high level and unlike a lot of courses, had a very commercial focus which is important to remind of why we are doing this!

Thank you so much for organising “A Literary Marriage” with Jane and Claire this evening. It was fantastic – informative, inspiring and enjoyable. 

I’m really enjoying these and a great way to stay ‘connected’ with a writing community so thank you so much for keeping them coming! 

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Emma and Sara and all the lovely editors and speakers for a fantastic weekend, and to all my lovely retreat-mates. Of course it was such a shame not to be able to meet in person, but such is life these days. 

Emma Darwin was brilliant – she explains things so well. I now have a much clear picture of what Psychic Distance is and how it can be used.

Today was such an inspirational experience. Thank you so much. You run such friendly and helpful sessions.

Thank you so much for letting me attend the writing weekend and for helping to make it accessible. I hate feeling like the annoying disabled woman but you have all been super friendly!

I am still riding high after the Blue Pencil writing weekend and must thank you again for a massively inspirational experience.

Thanks Emma – the event with agent Jane Finigan and author Claire Fuller was fabulous and has filled me with enthusiasm. I loved my seat between you and Jane. I just hope I can polish my submission to meet your standards.

I have just had my editorial session with David Simons.  It was really valuable.  Over all I think the online writing weekend course is outstanding.  I have done a lot of writer’s courses and this one is really professional and focussed.  I am really enjoying it.

The course has been so brilliant. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job organising a virtual retreat.

“I was two months into maternity leave with my second child when I decided to enter the Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award. Maybe that’s not the obvious time to write a novel, but the competition offered me everything I needed to make that £20 investment in my writing; a deadline to work towards, an achievable word count, and the chance to have my work read by an agent with a fantastic reputation. Making the longlist was a huge vote of confidence. It inspired me to work harder. To actually win felt unreal. Before I knew it, I was taking my baby boy on a trip to London to meet the lovely BPA team. Nelle Andrews not only offered me valuable feedback but signed me as a client, which is truly a dream come true. Now, I’m excited to be working towards finishing the manuscript with a view to submitting it to publishers. I’ll always be grateful that the award prompted me to take that important first step.”

Katy McNair was the winner of the 2019 Award for her speculative novel The Price of Blood. She is represented by Nelle Andrew
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“Louise’s workshop was really informative and encouraging. I immediately went and split my novel into four piles and was relieved to discover it worked!”
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“Louise was engaging and knowledgable. She gave us useful and practical tips which we could all implement immediately. I really recommend her as a speaker.”
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“A well structured programme, the editorial sessions and workshop with Louise Doughty were excellent.”
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“It was a really, really special few days, a very well structured programme, brilliant location and fantastic food. it was lovely to meet Emma and Sara as well as to spend time with a fantastic and supportive group of writers. Thank you so much.”
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I entered the Blue Pencil First Novel Award in 2017. The deadline provided me with much needed motivation, and the thrill of being placed was a great morale- booster. It gave me the confidence to submit my work to an agent and now that my novel The Oceans Between Us published by Headline, I realise how much gratitude I owe the agency for recognising its potential.

“Winning the Award marked a real breakthrough in my writing life. The slightly overwhelming news that I had won first prize (I found myself shaking uncontrollably!) was followed by an exciting week involving a London photo-shoot with the judges, and the sight of my face in The Bookseller. The lovely Blue Pencil Agency team gave me the chance to meet the judges and to talk about my novel in some depth with agent Eve White. This was a fantastic opportunity and one that is rare in the writing prize world. Winning the Blue Pencil Agency competition gave me confidence that my novel is a good one and this, I would say, is the most valuable reward an aspiring writer can get.” February 2018.

Carolyn’s debut novel The Conviction of Cora Burns is out now. Her second novel When We Fall is coming in May 2020. She is represented by agent Andrew Lownie.

“Unless I ever buy a winning lottery ticket the entry fee to the Blue Pencil First Novel Award will be the best investment of £20 I’ll ever make. Each stage has given me so much: the energy of a deadline to complete the first draft; the confidence boost of reaching the long list; the heady excitement of the short list announcement (coinciding with my birthday!) And now the thrilling opportunity to discuss my work with Madeleine Milburn and take the first steps towards launching my writing career. My heartfelt thanks to Sara, Emma, Fiona and Maddy.” December 2018

Jules is represented by Madeline Milburn. She is working on her debut novel My Poor Deluded Girl.

Having re-drafted various aspects of my first novel, I realised that it still needed more work. However, I was unsure what the priorities should be, and worse, I was beginning to lose faith in what I was doing. On a recommendation, I contacted Bluepencilagency for editorial help. Iain Maloney’s detailed report came through on time, with sections on various key topics such as Plot and Pacing, and was written in a highly supportive style without losing incisiveness. The summary at the end pulled together his main recommendations. I have read the material numerous times: it provided carefully-reasoned insights. Iain emphasised that the nature of editorial guidance is to identify weaknesses and give examples, but he also pointed to certain strengths in my work. As a result of his report, I feel not only more confident in tackling the re-draft, but re-energised and keen to begin the task.

Lesley MacDowell reviewed several drafts of my work in progress. Her observations and criticisms were deft, intelligent, clear and entirely apt. They were (almost) a pleasure to receive. But above all, they enabled me to make the book significantly better, something I would not have achieved without her help.

I poured my heart and soul into my debut Y/A manuscript Resistance and I knew after the first few rejections that something was off, something that as a new writer I didn’t have the experience to fix.  A really kind agent emailed to say I could write but that my package needed work and she suggested Bluepencilagency to me. It was a godsend.  Sara gave me some of the best feedback notes I’ve ever had. Remarkable story insight, clear, concise, and professional notes.  Exactly what I needed to bring the next draft to a level where it would attract an agent. More importantly, Sara’s comments also gave me the confidence to really go for it when pushing the manuscript out. I have no doubt that the work she did with me is what helped me find an agent.  She’s a rare find in a tough competitive industry and I can’t recommend her and the team enough. When it came to seeking representation, both Emma and Sara were very helpful and found me an agent. As it turned out, I was offered representation by Marianne Gunn O’Conner at the same time, but it was their faith that kept me going.

“Asthall was a fabulous choice of venue. Amazing rooms, a welcoming ambience and good to soak up the Mitford history. Lovely grounds too.” 
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“Beautiful location.  Idyllic, pastoral village setting in Oxfordshire. Delightful family home of the Mitfords, steeped in history and literary vibes – an inspiring place to write! I enjoyed the delicious organic and vegetarian options prepared by Fiona. Her cakes were out of this world! Emma and Sara were great hosts ” 
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 “I absolutely loved everything about Asthall Manor. I thought it was a tremendous privilege to stay in such a gorgeous private home”

“Asthall was perfect with a wonderful Bohemian atmosphere” 

“I loved every minute of the retreat!  It was brilliantly organised and I haven’t felt so intellectually stimulated for ages. I loved meeting all the other aspiring writers and I feel we developed and special bond.  I will definitely keep in touch with them all.” 

“The retreat was absolutely brilliant. Emma you put together a very special package. Being able to spend time in a small group with an author was amazing. I feel I have met some delightful fellow writers too. I also want to mention the fabulous food cooked by Fi. Thank you for a wonderful week.”

“The retreat exceeded my highest expectations. Many congratulations on a most successful few days”. 

“Thank you Emma for going an extra mile for me. It is really evident that you dug very deep on my behalf. I am still reflecting on your report, and working out how to move forward.”

“Thank you Emma for all your feedback – it’s really useful. A lot of what you said was there in a small corner of my mind but I ignored it due to be essentially quite lazy. It’s given me a good push into reshaping the book and focusing on the narrative. It’s also really helpful to see where I’m speaking and not the character- again I kind of knew this was the case so it’s taught me to listen to my instincts and not be so slapdash and easily pleased.”

“Asthall was fabulous. Very good contemplative atmosphere with lovely gardens to stroll in and muse on the next chapter! Fiona’s food was excellent. The two speakers were really well chosen…and the whole event very warm and supportive. Thank you Emma.” 

When Sara Sarre sent me my report, I never expected it to be so incredibly detailed and helpful. I will be reading and rereading it until I have everything memorised and completely etched in my brain! It is going to be completely invaluable to me.  I have so much to learn and she has given me help and guidance which is critical for me to progress and develop.  I wanted to read her report several times immediately but sent her a note straight away to say thank you sincerely for taking so much time and trouble. It could not be more appreciated and it goes without saying that everything she said made perfect sense. What a skill she has… I am in absolute awe!

Iain Maloney has reviewed two of my novels and both have been meticulous and hugely helpful. As a newbie writer, he has guided me and educated me in every aspect of writing a novel. Iain showed me why things work and don’t work, and what the industry expects from a story and its characters. He queried plot decisions, suggested alternatives and picked up on things I just forget. Now I am on the way to considering myself a writer. A big thanks to Iain and the team at Blue Pencil. A tricky career change now makes sense.

Sara is a generous hard-working editor who has a strong instinct for story and structure. With all three of my novels, she reached a deep understanding of the characters and honed in on problems with laser precision. From the very beginning of working with her, she supported and encouraged me, which gave me a huge boost. Finding Sara, through Fiona Mitchell’s high recommendation has undoubtedly helped me to secure my agent, Jo Bell at Bell Lomax Moreton.

Oliver’s great gift was to reveal to me all that habit, lack of distance and impatience were preventing me from seeing for myself, and beyond that to come up with simple but inspired suggestions that would never have occurred to me, but whose sharpness and perceptiveness seemed blindingly obvious once I’d had the time to digest them. Honest, patient, supportive and tough throughout the entire process, his contribution to The Madness of Grief could not be overstated.

I contacted Bluepencilagency because I was unable to find an agent willing to represent me. David Simons was assigned as my editor and his report, completed promptly on time as promised, showed me why my story hasn’t received agent interest. I now understand which characters to develop and which scenes need expanding. From the annotations on the manuscript, I also know when to reign myself in and classically ‘show not tell’! However, where Bluepencilagency helped the most, was in returning to me a sense of inspiration and enabling me to reconnect with my characters and story. I am now rewriting with renewed vigour.

I poured my heart and soul into my debut Y/A manuscript Resistance and I knew after the first few rejections that something was off, something that as a new writer I didn’t have the experience to fix.  A really kind agent emailed to say I could write but that my package needed work and she suggested Bluepencilagency to me. It was a godsend.  Sara gave me some of the best feedback notes I’ve ever had. Remarkable story insight, clear, concise, and professional notes.  Exactly what I needed to bring the next draft to a level where it would attract an agent. More importantly, Sara’s comments also gave me the confidence to really go for it when pushing the manuscript out. I have no doubt that the work she did with me is what helped me find an agent.  She’s a rare find in a tough competitive industry and I can’t recommend her and the team enough. When it came to seeking representation, both Emma and Sara were very helpful and found me an agent. As it turned out, I was offered representation by Marianne Gunn O’Conner at the same time, but it was their faith that kept me going.

When I first met Oliver I thought I had a novel to discuss with him. I very soon found that what I thought was a novel was really a glorified memoir. In a few short sessions Oliver showed me how to structure a novel, how to plan in the round rather than tailing off in a straight line. He showed me the vitality of dialogue and how to pick out small observations which bring the story to life.

From the skeleton of a confused first draft, Sara helped me extract the backbone of the story I had wanted to write. Then with her toughness as a reader and her insight as an editor she helped me flesh it out. It was to no small degree because Sara saw its promise that POLK, HARPER & WHO came to life.

Sara and I met on the Curtis Brown novel writing course in 2013.  Yes, it often takes that long to get an agent.  At the end of 2017 I finally got one – Rachel Mills at Furniss Lawton, which I attribute entirely to Sara and Emma. At our first session on that course all 14 of us pitched our novels and Sara told me later that she thought, when she heard mine: ‘I could sell that book.  But I’m not sure she can.’  At that stage she hadn’t even thought of setting up her own agency, but when Bluepencilagency was set up, I was an early client.   Sara has now worked on two of my novels and it was she who persuaded me to revisit Persons Unknown, which I’d rather given up on, having received just about every conceivable agent brush-off. But Sara and Emma did feel passionately enough about it to try and sell it for me. The agency looks for a match between author and agent and when they met Rachel Mills, they pitched it.  I was completely bowled over by Rachel’s first email which made it clear she had got the book I had written; was hugely enthusiastic about it, and wanted to work with me.

Emma provided me with a very thorough, swift and perceptive report with an extraordinary amount of detail. I agreed with much of what she wrote at the time, but there were other comments that I dismissed but have been subsequently supported by a senior and very successful literary agent. If you’re serious about producing a book that is publishable, I believe that Emma could provide the kind of feedback you need, saving you time and from some of the painful ordeals of rejection.

Sara has been a wonderful mentor to me.Working with her is like having a writing partner who also understands the publishing world. She is full of great creative ideas and does not pull any punches in her criticism. The work always improves after her input. Oliver is also an excellent editor. He combines the ability to quickly understand the potential in a storyline while also fearlessly pruning and improving the prose. Most importantly of all he has helped inspire better writing.

Bluepencilagency was heartily recommended to me by a novelist friend. My own novel was intractably long and over burdened and despite my many years of experience as a TV drama editor I was finding it hard to see the way through. The report was extensive, detailed, infuriatingly provocative and extremely helpful.

My reader’s report identified the reasons why my manuscript has not yet received an offer from a literary agent. The constructive advice on writing technique has inspired me hugely and probably saved me years of fruitless struggle. This service is utterly invaluable and I really can’t thank my editor enough. I would recommend bluepencilagency for any writer that’s serious about being professional.

With a passion for quality writing Sara immerses herself heart and soul into bringing out the best in your manuscript. She possesses an excellent sense of structure and character, and doesn’t hold back from giving you tough but fair feedback.

I was given a terrific editor who had a clear, keen eye for what works, and provided a report that was honest and encouraging. It made me rethink both the structure of my novel and the way it’s narrated. I’m sure it’s a considerably better novel as a result. I’m very grateful.

An expert in sorting out plot and pace, Sara put her heart and soul into editing my book. She went well beyond the call of duty. Her insight helped me to turn my book into the very best it could be. The number one reason I am now a published author  is because of Sara’s editorial talent.

Sara is a talented and insightful editor. Her analysis was spot on, and her advice and encouragement provided a much-needed boost. Sara is a highly professional and experienced editor – a life support to all writers and would-be writers.

Sara brings a brilliant understanding of structure to every reading, cutting through to the heart of a novel, knowing what works and what doesn’t. I learnt long ago to trust her judgment. She’s a clever, imaginative editor and a sensitive, whole-hearted reader.