Are you a writer and/or an illustrator looking to get an agent for your picture book?
Literary agent Lorna Hemingway (Bell Lomax Moreton) will outline the submissions process for writers and illustrators, sharing insight into what to include in your cover letter, how to decide which sample illustrations to include with your submission and how to make your manuscript stand out. She'll talk about what she is looking for in a picture book submission, and share common do's and don'ts.
Lorna will also delve into the importance of finding the right agent for your work, and to how to go about researching agents. Plus she'll offer insight into how the process of submission and publications differs depending on whether you are a writer, an illustrator or someone who does both.
The session will end with a brief Q&A, so come ready with your questions!
This masterclass will take place online via Teams. It will also be recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you'll be able to catch-up and access the recording for up to two weeks after the event has taken place.
After graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in English Literature, Lorna Hemingway (she/her) completed her MA in Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, where she was personally mentored by Michael Rosen.
Lorna joined Bell Lomax Moreton in 2019 and is now building her own list and is searching for picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and YA.
For picture books, she is looking for stories that have heart at the core of their foundation that then stay with her for a long time after reading; narratives that subvert classic hooks (e.g. bedtime, new home, friendship) and tell them in a fresh new way and characters that exude warmth and familiarity. She also has a weakness for all things colourful, bold, and shiny!
For chapter books and middle grade, Lorna would love to read any laugh-out-loud funny texts that knock her socks off. She has a special interest in stories with a strong main character that has real brand and series potential. Think James Bond as a suave caterpillar, a Grinch-inspired dinosaur, or a puppy that is a world-renowned rockstar. There are no ideas too weird or wonderful! Please do not count her out for any texts that are a little more on the quiet side with gorgeous lyrical prose and stunning descriptions; as long as they pack a punch and have her grabbing for a box of tissues, she would love to take a look.
For YA, Lorna would love to receive graphic novel proposals that force her to devour the whole thing in one sitting! She has a special interest in non-Western mythologies and would love to share new and interesting stories that have previously been unheard; bonus points if there is a romance subplot!
Lorna is particularly interested in hearing from LGBTQIA+ authors and illustrators as well as other submissions from diverse and marginalised individuals who are currently underrepresented in the industry.
The workshop fee of £20 (incl. VAT) is payable in full online. Please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on events@writersandartists.co.uk so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
This is a live online event which will be presented using video conferencing software. Joining instructions and full guidance will be provided by the W&A Team a week before the event start-date. Please note, all event timings are in UK time.
To view our event refund and cancellation policy, please click here.
Accessible to All
- It’s of real importance to Writers & Artists that our events and courses remain accessible to all.
- Writers & Artists has made one bursary place available for this event as part of our accessibility scheme. Please visit our bursaries page to find out how to apply for a bursary to the event.
- Payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on events@writersandartists.co.uk so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
- At the speaker's discretion, event materials will be made available to attendees after the masterclass.
- A link to a recording of the masterclass will be circulated after the event. This will be made available to event attendees only, and for a time-limited period.
- If you'd like to receive a transcript of the session, please do let us know and we can circulate following the session.
- This event will include written text and visuals. Please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements to be sure all documents appear in a format that works for you.
- If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then please email AccessWA@bloomsbury.com
