#BPAFavouriteLines: Why we Chose Them

Many of our BPA First Novel Award and Pitch Prize judges say they’re looking for an attention-grabbing opening and a stand-out first line. The first line of your novel is undeniably important, but terms like ‘attention-grabbing’ can be easily misconstrued. That’s part...

When Should You Put a Book in the Drawer?

One of the questions that came up at our recent Q&A with literary agents Eve White and Ludo Cinelli was ‘How do you know when it’s time to give up on a novel?’ Ludo suggested that 25 agent submissions – the number made by the writer asking the question – wasn’t...

21 Motivational Quotes from Today’s Top Authors

“I’m always hoping that I’ll offer something that will help someone who is feeling lost or unseen or desperate. I think literature has a power, it can rescue people at the right time.” – Diana Evans   “What you must do is write what you feel. Analyse your...

How to Edit Dialogue

Dialogue is a crucial component of almost every novel and short story, but it’s rarely taught. Author Ayn Rand says, ‘The best, most natural dialogue is usually written as if the writer is listening to dictation. You might get stuck on any particular point and have to...

What are Comp Titles and How do you Choose Them?

What are Comp Titles? ‘Comp’ is short for ‘comparable’. Comp titles are published books that would appeal to a similar readership as your novel. It’s a good idea to mention two or three comp titles in your cover letter when you submit a novel to a literary agent. It’s...

Characterisation: BPA’s Advice for Novel Writers

Characterisation is everything in fiction. Readers love a compelling story, but only if a character’s emotional journey is at its core. Ray Bradbury says this: ‘Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to...