Q&A with our 2026 First Novel Award Judges – Zoom
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 Agency, 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.
If you would like to purchase a recording, buy a ticket and email us at events@bluepencilagency.com.
April 22, 2026
Live Zoom session, 7.00-9.00 pm BST
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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