The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide
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.
Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.
February 11, 2026
Live in-person event, 7.00-9.00 pm GMT
Venue
Speakers
Cost
4 in stock
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
February 18, 2026
Zoom Event, 7.00-9.00 pm GMT
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.
Other online events you maybe interested in
Character with Emma Darwin – RECORDING
Everyone says that character is the foundation of storytelling, but what does that mean? How do you develop convincing, lifelike characters while still using them to power your plot? And what if your story-idea hasn’t arrived with characters at all? In this practical...
Voice & Prose with Emma Darwin – RECORDING
VIMEO Recording of live tutorialVoice is the element which all agents and editors say they are looking for in a manuscript – but that’s by no means the only reason to work hard on the word-by-word text and textures of your novel: in the end, the words on the page are...
Q & A with agents – RECORDING
Recording of live eventGet the inside track on submitting to agents. Our agent judges for the First Novel Award answer your questions live. Hellie and Suzy will outline what they are looking for as well as giving you lots of tips and do's and don'ts for your...