Description
Wednesday February 18, 2026
Online Event | 18 February 2026 | 7.00–9.00 pm (GMT)
Joanna Swainson & Katherine Burdon
The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide
Join us for a live, online event, featuring Joanna Swainson (co-founder and literary agent at Hardman & Swainson) and Katherine Burdon (commissioning editor at Quercus Books).
This two-hour event offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the full publishing journey — from the moment a promising novel lands in an agent’s inbox to the day it reaches bookshop shelves.
Drawing on their combined expertise in agenting and editing, Joanna and Katherine will guide you through the A–Z of publishing, breaking down:
What agents and editors really look for in a submission.
How to make your work stand out in a crowded market.
The selection, acquisition and editorial processes inside publishing houses.
The key stages a novel must pass through on its path to publication.
Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a writer preparing to submit, or simply curious about how publishing works behind closed doors, this event will give you clear, practical insight from two industry professionals at the heart of UK publishing.
Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.
