Q&A with our 2026 First Novel Award Judges – Bàrd Books Live Event
Our judges for the First Novel Award answer your questions, live! Get the inside track on submitting to agents.
When it comes to agent submissions, it’s essential to understand the industry. Olivia Maidment, literary agent at Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, & Film Agencyand, and writer Freya Bromley will share their industry insights, offering practical advice to help you get ahead of the game.
They’ll discuss what catches their attention in competition entries, along with key dos and don’ts for approaching agents.
This event will be especially useful for anyone planning to enter the First Novel Award, but will also include valuable tips on submitting to literary agents and competitions more broadly.
The talk and Q&A will be followed by live feedback on first lines. Writers are invited to submit their opening 4–5 sentences (maximum 80 words), and up to 20 entries will be selected at random for discussion on the night. You may include a brief introductory line outlining your novel’s title, genre, and premise. Submission details will be shared in your booking confirmation email.
April 15, 2026
Live in-person event, 7.00-9.00 pm BST
Venue
Speakers
Cost
33 in stock
Olivia Maidment
Literary AgentOlivia Maidment is an agent at Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, & Film Agency, and judge for the 2026 First Novel Award.
Freya Bromley
AuthorFreya Bromley is a writer and judge of BPA's 2026 First Novel Award.
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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