Agent Q & A - Recording

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.

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.