The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide
Join us for either our London-based event or a live, online event, both featuring Joanna Swainson (co-founder and literary agent at Hardman & Swainson) and Katherine Burdon (commissioning editor at Quercus Books).
These two-hour events offer 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.
They will also give feedback on a selection of novel pitches from the audience. Up to 20 will be chosen at random, and to enter the draw, attendees should email their pitches (80 words maximum) to frances@bluepencilagency.com.
Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.
A RECORDING OF THE ONLINE EVENT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE.
Recording
Zoom Event
Katherine Burdon
Senior Commissioning EditorKatherine Burdon joined Quercus in 2020 from John Murray and she is now senior commissioning editor at Quercus Books.
Joanna Swainson
Literary AgentJoanna is co-founder of literary agency Hardman & Swainson. She represent a range of authors, particularly across the genres of crime
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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