Q&A with 2025 Pitch Prize judge literary agent Liza DeBlock, October 13, 6 – 7.30 pm GMT.

Agent Q & A - Recording

Get the inside track on submitting to agents. Recording of an exclusive live Q&A with Liza DeBlock of Greenstone Literary Agency, our 2025 Pitch Prize agent judge. Liza reveals exactly what catches an agent’s eye—and what sends a submission straight to the “no” pile. Expect practical tips, unmissable do’s and don’ts, and behind-the-scenes insights from the industry. If you’re serious about getting published, understanding how to pitch your story is non-negotiable—this session will give you the tools to do it right and get ahead of the game.

Agent

Liza DeBlock

Cost

£20.00
Literary Agent Liza Deblock, 2025 Pitch Prize judge.
Literary Agent

Liza DeBlock

Emma Haynes - Blue Pencil Agency
Head of Events & Competitions

Emma Haynes

Literary Agent

Liza DeBlock

Liza started in publishing as an assistant at Eccles Fisher Associates in 2018. Working for literary scouts provided a foundation in understanding the international book market and she learned exactly what readers across the world are looking for. She then moved into the world of literary agenting and learned from the brilliant Robert Caskie and Silé Edwards amongst others while working at a boutique agency. Whilst there, she honed her skills selling international rights for major Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling authors such as Richard Osman, Claire Douglas, Abigail Dean, Saara El-Arifi, Hannah Kaner, and many more writers. 

She began building a curated list of authors across the spectrum of fiction and non-fiction, selling their rights in the UK, US, and beyond. Her authors include Fortnum & Mason Debut Food Writing winner Sally Abé, cookbook writer Dominic Franks, HWA Debut nominated Stacey Thomas, thriller writers Natalie Chandler and Carys Green, and speculative writer Pim Wangtechawat amongst others. She was a Bookseller Rising Star in 2022, and works with Black Girl Writers. She currently works for the Greenstones Literary Agency.

Head of Events & Competitions

Emma Haynes

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 have set a new benchmark in literary experiences.
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.

Assistance to writers on low incomes and/or from communities under represented in publishing

We are offering a free place on each of our online tutorials and Q & A sessions for UK based writers on low incomes and/or from under represented communities in publishing. Writers may apply for a free place on one of the sessions by contacting BPA with a short bio and a summary of their writing career to date. Please click here to Contact BPA with your application and in the case of writers on low incomes, proof of financial eligibility such as: Jobseeker’s Allowance; Disability Benefit; Income Support; Working Tax Credit; Child Tax Credit; Proof of being a full-time student; Housing benefit; Proof of being a full-time carer. All details will be kept confidential. Decisions on who receives the free places rest with the BPA team not the tutors.

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