How to Hook An Agent (Children's and YA Writing) - November 2023
Are you writing a YA novel, children's book or picture book for publication but unsure of how to find an agent?
Get the inside track on the submission process from leading UK literary agents at this intimate half-day event in the heart of literary London Held in the historic surrounds of Bloomsbury Publishing, home to authors including Margaret Atwood, Kamila Shamsie, Benjamin Myers and Sarah J. Maas, 'How to Hook an Agent' is your chance to meet and work with UK literary agents who represent writing and illustration for young people. They will help develop your pitch and offer all of the guidance you and your book need to have the best possible chance of success.
The event is designed for writers and illustrators preparing to embark upon the process of seeking representation, or those looking for pointers after having already queried a number of agents. Please note, this event is specifically for writers and illustrators who are making work for children and young adults. Attendees can expect to be placed in small workshop groups, with all agents invited on the day spending time with each group to discuss the role that the agent plays for the writer, trends within the current publishing marketplace, and also offer plenty of practical guidance on how to grab the attention of a prospective agent via the submission package (covering letter, synopsis and opening three chapters). All writers in attendance will enjoy a ten-minute 'speed-dating' session with an agent, while there will also be opportunities throughout to network with their writing peers.
Schedule
09.00-09.30: Registration and welcome breakfast
09.30-10.15: Seminar 1 - The role of a literary agent
10.20-11.05: Seminar 2 - The covering letter and how to pitch your book
11.15-12.00: Seminar 3 - Is my book ready? The synopsis and opening chapters
12.20-13.30: Agent one-to-one sessions
Joining instructions will be emailed to you about a month ahead of the course start date. You'll have the chance to select a first and a second choice of agent to speak to in your one to one session, so do have a think about which agents you'd most like to speak to.
