When I entered the BPA pitch prize I was in the middle of querying another novel and had written just 10,000 words of the speculative novel which would ultimately win the prize and go on to receive an offer of representation from Millie Hoskins at United Agents.  Winning the BPA pitch prize gave me such a boost and with feedback from Millie, I set to work on drafting the full novel in just under six months. The characters and storyline captured my heart straight away and Millie was the dream agent to sign with.

I would say to any writer, keep going. Keep honing your craft. I’ve invested a lot in my writing journey, from courses to mentoring to entering prizes, all have led me here and hopefully beyond.  As for the pitch itself, a good hook will get you far, as will a sharp sentence that gets right to the heart of the story. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest benefits of the BPA Pitch Prize is to see if your story has enough potential before you fully invest in it. As a writer with five manuscripts in a drawer I really needed that!

Claire Williams 2023 Pitch Prize winner
Claire Williams2022 Pitch Prize Winner

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the recording of the session, which I just spent the morning working through. I found the ideas and insights valuable and Emma’s approach to narrative structure seems so simple but effective – not as prescriptive/restrictive as all those ’Save the Cat’ type templates, but a great way to stress test shifting plot ideas and first drafts. Looking forward to the next session.

Liz L

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the zoom workshop on The Art of Writing Award Winning Short Stories with a bursary place. I would also like to thank Susannah for the invaluable feedback she gave me regarding my short story writing. For many years, I have faced a lot of hostility from academic institutions for writing in the fantasy genre, so for the like of Susannah, an Oxford academic, to give me such positive feedback has been a brilliant boost of confidence to begin my journey in not only writing novels in the fantasy genre but short stories as well.

Mercedes G
The 1-2-1 session with Hattie Grünewald as a result of winning the BPA Pitch Prize was invaluable. She offered real insight into the pitching process, as well as astute, detailed feedback on my synopsis. The whole experience gave me the confidence to submit my work to twelve other agents, eight of whom requested the full manuscript. I am delighted to say I have signed with Alexander Cochrane at C&W Agency. I honestly don’t think I would have had the courage without the accolade and experience under my belt. Thank you BPA!
Letty Butler2022 Pitch Prize Winner
Thank you all so much for all your help and encouragement over the years. My novel, Bone Rites, first longlisted by you in 2019 then shortlisted in 2021, is going to be published by Aurora Metro books this October, after winning the 2022 Virginia Prize for Fiction. It’s been a long road, but from the moment you chose one of my sentences as one of your #BPAfavouritelines, I’ve had faith in this book!
Natalie Bayley BPA First Novel Award
Natalie Bayley2021 First Novel Award Shortlist
I have been trying to get my novel completed for the last 5 years having started it 10 years ago. Despite re-writes and getting feedback etc I must have been over it more than 30 times. The seminar with Emma Darwin was outstanding. It’s the best event I have attended and made total sense! So many practical tips with a couple of exercises will now enable me to get the job finished.
The session was highly motivating and the method of editing and revision will make the job so much easier but also enjoyable.
Peter O-S
I’m delighted to announce that I’m now represented by Katie Fulford of Bell Lomax. She is my dream agent. Also thank you so much for the manuscript review from BPA editor Frances Merivale. It was amazing – detailed and well thought out.
Thank you so much for the kickstart and for the support from Emma and the BPA team.
Karen Pierce2022 First Novel Award Runner-Up

Thank you so much for Saturday. It was an inspiring day, especially the evening, and the timing was perfect for me as I get back into writing after my summer break. I felt very lucky to be in the company of so many talented writers, and I thought you did a fabulous job hosting the event, animating the session with Joanna, and of course the session after supper when we all pitched our ideas. Well done. I thought it was terrific.

Jon O
I submitted my entry to the BPA First Novel Award in February, thinking…why not? Never did I imagine that seven months later, I would receive a call from Emma Haynes, telling me that I was the winner. I’m thrilled that the judges enjoyed my story, and I’m super excited to be represented by Rowan Lawton at The Soho Agency. Thank you BPA for giving unpublished writers like me (who might have been querying agents unsuccessfully for years), this incredible opportunity to expose our work. Winning this contest has brought me one step closer to my dream of having my novel, White Yams published internationally. I couldn’t be more grateful!
Tracy Coker, winner of BPA First Novel Award 2022
Tracy CokerFirst Novel Award 2022 Winner
Thank you Emma, for a wonderful experience at the away day and overnight at your stunning home. It is always nice to spend time with writers, but especially like minded creatives out in the deep woods of writing their novels.
Both you and your husband were exquisite hosts, taking care of every need. The quality of teaching was exceptional.
Catherine B