For Writers
We’re once again delighted to offer an array of goodies to the writers in our midst.
Looking to learn about writing (and publishing!) from a host of industry professionals? We’ve got you covered.
Are you ready to pitch your work to agents? They’ll be at the festival on Friday ready to listen!
Agent Speed Dating
After the success of last year’s Agent Speed Dating event we’re delighted that we’ve lined up an array of agents to read your query, first 1000 words, plus synopsis then listen to you pitch your work. This is an excellent opportunity to get 1:1 feedback from an industry professional.
Have you got a finished manuscript but don't know what to do next? Do you dream of being the next Emily Henry, Mike Gayle, Kate Mosse, Jilly Cooper or David Nicholls? Take the next step in your writing journey in our fast-paced agent speed dating event and get feedback on your story from three industry professionals.
This is an exciting opportunity to get some constructive feedback from industry professionals. It will not guarantee agent representation or publication, but may demystify the process and how the industry works.
Participants may submit their cover note (up to one page), a synopsis (up to one page) and first 1000 words in advance. Writers will be assigned to the editors and agents at random.
This event is for writers of all genders, experiences, and backgrounds who write in the women's fiction genre, which is an umbrella term for books that focus on the characters' life experiences and are usually marketed to women. These books can be contemporary or historical and can have elements of magic, mystery, and more. We welcome commercial, romance, historical, literary, and book club fiction. However, our agents do represent other commercial genres.
Workshops
Lessons in Indie Marketing with Julia Boggio
Fri 26 Sep 2025 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sponsored by
If you’re struggling to market your books, this is the class for you. In this one-hour masterclass, bestselling author Julia Boggio will share her marketing tips and what you can start doing right away to get more readers. She’ll offer ideas that are suitable for both introverts and extroverts, technophobes and tech lovers. You’ll walk away from this class with a clearer view of marketing and a revitalised enthusiasm for coming up with a workable strategy to sell more books.
Cultivating Creative Hunger with Amita Murray
Fri 26 Sep 2025 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Why do we so often hide our creative side and needs? In this one-hour workshop, bestselling author Amita Murray will talk you through harnessing your creative hunger, talk about her journey, how we can and must honour, nurture and develop our deepest creative needs, and get you writing!
The Story in Cards: Using Tarot Cards to Inspire Your Writing with Anya Bergman
Fri 26 Sep 2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Join author and professional tarot reader Anya Bergman in a storytelling workshop which draws inspiration from the ancient art of tarot. Let the cards guide your words! Tarot cards can be powerful tools for unlocking creativity. Anya will lead a one hour workshop, guiding you through different ways of using tarot cards to write stories. No experience with tarot or writing necessary – bring your own deck if you have one!