The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival kicks off on 8 October and runs for 10 days until the 17th.
Cheltenham Lit Fest is one of the oldest, largest, best-loved and most-respected literature festivals in the writing world. It attracts a huge range of brilliant writers, thinkers and talkers, all ready and willing to join in the celebration of the joy of books. I'm lucky enough to be (a very small) part of it.
On Friday 15 October I'll be hosting a How to Get Published seminar. I expect the participants to be readers of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook, all at varying stages of their writing.
I'll spend three hours delivering what I hope will be useful advice. I'll talk about the state of the industry today, how manuscripts become books, what literary agents and publishers look for in a new author, what a writer can do to get their work noticed and of course the submission, the all-important covering letter and synopsis, and how to make them the best they can possibly be. *
Festivals are wonderful places for writers to feel part of their chosen (or is it a calling?) profession. It's an opportunity to rub shoulders with established writers (the line-up at Cheltenham is impressive this year - an audience with A. S. Byatt anyone? Or perhaps Stephen Fry, Sebastian Faulks or Salman Rushdie?) and listen to their tales of success.
As well the chance to see the high-end literati, festivals offer the chance to mix with all sorts of like-minded book lovers and other working writers. The craft of writing can be an isolated business and a festival provides a few days in an environment where writers can feel they belong.
Last word - at a festival, the odds of bumping into an literary agent, scout or commissioning editor dramatically increase: right place at the right time? It might just be!
Best wishes, Jo
(Editor, Writers' & Artists' Yearbook)
* NEWS FLASH: I've just found out my event is sold out. I really look forward to seeing anyone who's bought a ticket! For those who haven't but are interested in similar events, keep an eye on blog posts for dates and times. Rest assured, there will be many more.
To find out more about events at Cheltenham Literature Festival, click here »
Hi Marie, all I know is that the prizes weren't awarded last year. Obviously I'll be keeping an eye on things for the next edition of the Yearbook, so all I suggest is that you do the same. All best, Jo