Festival of writing 2013 programme by Laura Wilkins

The Festival of Writing, 2013 Welcome to the UK's largest Writing Festival. 13th – 15th September at York University. Brought to you by The Writers’ Workshop

For three days in September, we (the Writers’ Workshop) commandeer the York University campus and fill it with aspiring writers, best-selling authors, book doctors, top agents and publishing legends. It’s a very special gathering filled with serious, professional advice on the craft of writing and how to finally get yourself published but it's also bursting with bonhomie.

Contents: Festival 2013 at a glance .................................................................................................................... p2 Friday Mini Courses .......................................................................................................................... p5 Friday evening entertainment ........................................................................................................... p9 Saturday talks and workshops .......................................................................................................... p10 Saturday Gala Dinner ........................................................................................................................ p15 Sunday talks and workshops ............................................................................................................. p16 All one-to-one options ......................................................................................................................... p20 What’s included in each ticket option? ............................................................................................. p31 Venue and accommodation Information .......................................................................................... p32 Festival competitions ........................................................................................................................... p34 Registration form ................................................................................................................................ p37

The Festival at a Glance Friday 13th September 13.00 - 14.00 14.00 - 18.00

15.00 - 18.00 16.00 - 17.00 18.00 19.30 20.45 - 21.15

Registration for those attending Mini Courses Mini courses (pre-booked optional extra) Workshop a Novel in a Day: Structure & Character, with Allie Spencer ~ Self-editing your Novel, with Debi Alper ~ So you think you can write for children?, with Nicola Morgan ~ The Four Elements of Creativity, with Andrew Wille ~ Finding your Voice, with Emma Darwin ~ The Self-Publishing Masterclass, with David Gaughran Registration and collection of room keys Afternoon tea - dip out, drop-in Bar opens Come along to meet agents, editors and fellow writers. Dinner Literary Night Live Your chance for a panel of experts to hear and evaluate your text. Terrifying, but useful. Last year's winner ended up with an agent! As did the winner from the year before that, and the year before that...

Saturday 14th September 08.00 08.30 9.10 - 10.10

10.10 - 10.40 10.40 - 11.40

Breakfast Registration for Saturday arrivals Festival Welcome & Keynote Address with Adele Parks Adele always dreamed of being a writer and her first novel - Playing Away – was published in 2000; that year the Evening Standard identified her as one of London’s ‘Twenty Faces to Watch.’ She's gone on to publish eleven novels in eleven years, all of which have been Times Top Ten bestsellers. And she's been described as one of the most-loved and biggest-selling women’s fiction writers in the UK, with over two million copies of her work having been sold, and having been translated into 25 different languages. Coffee break & booksigning Workshops - Session 1 a) Jeremy Sheldon - “Lovers and Buddies: 7 Steps to Romance and Friendship In Any Genre” b) Nelle Andrew and Robert Caskie - Path to Publication c) Juliet Pickering - Honing a one-minute, two-line pitch d) Allie Spencer - 4 Act Structure: What It Is and How It Can Help Your Novel

e) f)

Writing' Eve Seymour - Crime & Pacing Emma Darwin - Plain and Perfect or Rich and Rare

11.50- 12.50

Genre Panel/ Q&As Your chance to learn from AGENTS, PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS and ask the questions you want answered. Choice of (no prebooking required): Literary Fiction ~ Science Fiction/Fantasy ~ Children's/Young Adult ~ Women's Fiction ~ Historical Fiction ~ Crime/Thriller ~ Script Writing

12.40 14.00 - 15.00

Buffet Lunch Key note address: The Agent & The Publisher

15.10 - 16.10

Workshops - Session 2 a) b) c) d) e) f)

Debi Alper - Psychic Distance: Getting inside your characters' heads Zoe King - The Author as a Brand Andrew Wille - Editing For Writers Julie Cohen - Character Eve Seymour and Broo Doherty of Wade & Doherty - The author/agent relationship Meet The Industry - Panel to include: David Haviland, Jenny Savill, Camilla Wray, and Hellie Ogden. Julia Churchill and Penny Holroyde - How to elevate your submission from slushpile hell to slushpile heaven

16.10 - 16.40

Afternoon Tea - plus author booksignings

16.40 - 17.40

Workshops - Session 3 a) Gary Gibson - The SF master class - What the genre is and what it needs from you b) Jon Spira - Is your book a film? c) Nelle Andrew - Characterisation d) Anastasia Parkes - 'Behind closed doors': Writing Erotica e) Penny Holroyde & Tommy Donbavand - Children's masterclass: 'What if Stephen King wrote Scooby Doo?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; f) Meet The Industry: Panel to include: Broo Doherty, Francesca Main, Sallyanne Sweeney, and Clare Wallace.

18.45 - 19.15 19.15

Gala Dinner Reception ~ Drinks ~ Come along to meet agents, editors and fellow writers. Gala Dinner & Competition Presentations

Sunday 15th September 08.00 09.00 09.20 - 10.00 10.10 - 11.10

Breakfast Registration for Sunday arrivals TBC Workshops - Session 4. a) Lorella Belli - How to attract the attention of an agent and make your submission stand out: dos and donts b) Anastasia Parkes - 'In a nutshell': Writing Short Stories c) Eve Seymour - Tension d) Allie Spencer - 'The Joy of Subtext: What it is; Why it Matters; and How it can Work for you' e) Jeremy Sheldon - “Strong Storytelling: Who Said ‘Plot’ and ‘Character’ Were 2 Different Things?” f) Meet The Industry. Panel to include: Madeleine Milburn, Juliet Mushens, James Wills and Suzie Doore.

11.10 - 11.40 11.40 - 12.40

Coffee break & author booksignings Workshops - Session 5 a) Emma Darwin - Showing & Telling b) Madeleine Milburn of the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency - Stunning Synopses, Cover Letters & Rejection Letters c) Andrew Wille - How to Write a Sentence d) Julie Cohen - Learning Story Structure from Pixar Films e) Meet The Industry. Panel to include: Piers Blofeld, Sam Copeland, Penny Holroyde, and Chris Wellbelove.

12.40 14.00 - 15.00

Buffet Lunch Workshops - Session 6 a) b) c) d) e)

15.10 - 15.50

15.50 - 16.00

Debi Alper - What's that you said? Dave Gaughran - Should I Self-Publish Gary Gibson - The Art of Plotting Tommy Donbavand - challenges of writing for reluctant reader boys Jon Spira - What's the point?

Keynote Address with S. J. Bolton SJ (Sharon) Bolton grew up in a cotton-mill town in Lancashire and had an eclectic early career which she is now rather embarrassed about. She gave it all up to become a mother and a writer. Her books have been shortlisted for several international awards, including the CWA Gold Dagger, the Theakston's Old Peculier prize for crime novel of the year, the International Thriller Writers' Best First Novel award and (four years running) the Mary Higgins Clark award for best thriller (Awakening actually won that one). Her latest book, Dead Scared, was published in April 2012. Wrap-up & farewells

The Friday mini-course Friday Workshop 14:00 - 18:00 We've developed six optional mini-courses to run during the afternoon of Friday 13th September. The mini-courses on offer are: • Workshop a Novel in a Day: Structure & Character, with Allie Spencer • The Four Elements of Creativity, with Andrew Wille • Finding your Voice, with Emma Darwin • So You Think You Can Write For Children?, with Nicola Morgan • Self-Editing Your Novel, with Debi Alper • The Self-Publishing Masterclass, with David Gaughran ` We've chosen some of the most experienced and capable workshop tutors in the country to run these courses, so please don't leave it too late to book, as places are strictly limited.

Workshop a Novel in a Day: Structure & Character, with Allie Spencer Allie Spencer Award-winning writer Allie (alliespencer.com) is the author of five romantic comedy novels, an experienced creative writing tutor – and a graduate of the English Department at York University. Her latest book, Save the Date! is published by Arrow and is out on 21st June. Workshop a Novel in a Day Lots people find the idea of writing a full-length novel daunting and many who have written one feel they need a ‘check-list’ of essential elements to guide them through the editing process. In this fun, fast-moving and exciting course we will workshop the outline of an entire novel from scratch, looking at all the essentials needed for a strong working synopsis – including:    

character storyline structure conflict.

Debut and experienced writers alike will find themselves with an invaluable, new skills set as well as a fresh insight into the creative process. 5

The Four Elements of Creativity, with Andrew Wille Andrew Wille Andrew was managing editor and then senior editor at Little, Brown UK, acquiring or working on critically acclaimed and award-winning works of fiction and nonfiction as varied as Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest, and The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. Subsequently he has freelanced for many of the industry’s most notable imprints, worked as a book doctor, and taught for Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and Falmouth University’s MA in Professional Writing. His own fiction has been published in anthologies Uncontained and Primal Picnics and in many literary magazines. More info at www.wille.org. The Four Elements of Creativity In this class we’ll explore how the four elements - fire, water, air, and earth - bring balance and depth to your writing. Through discussions, brief readings, and exercises, we’ll find ways to:    

give your voice power and purpose establish a tone that evokes the right emotion think about shaping and structuring your work and embody all the senses in specific and concrete worlds

The outcome: writing that is brighter, bolder, and more memorable. Writing that readers will want to read. For beginners in search of inspiration as well as experienced writers who want to find new perspectives and refresh their creative process.

Finding your Voice, with Emma Darwin Emma Darwin Emma's debut novel The Mathematics of Love was published in 2006.The Times described it as, “that rare thing, a book that works on every conceivable level” and theDaily Express called it “an addictive, engaging foray into historical fiction.” The Mathematics of Love was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers and Goss First Novel awards, longlisted for the Prince Maurice Prize and the RNA Novel of the Year, and has been translated into many languages. Emma’s second novel, A Secret Alchemy reached the Sunday Times Bestsellers list. The Daily Mail called it “powerful and convincing”, and the Times “spellbinding”. Emma’s short fiction has been published and broadcast. 6

Finding your Voice Industry professionals agree that if the voice of the first page of your manuscript doesn’t draw them in, they won’t read further because neither will the readers they hope to sell your book to. And one reason the industry looks for voice above all else is because they think you’ve either got it or you haven’t. But that’s not true: you can find your voice, and work to make it more compelling. So, what is voice in writing? What’s the difference between the voice of a first-person narrative, and one in third-person? How does narrative voice work with the voices of your real or imagined characters, whether they’re talking or thinking? How does Voice relate to Tone and Style? We talk about finding your voice, but what do you do if different projects seem to need different voices? Whether you’re writing long or short fiction, a memoir or other creative non-fiction, this minicourse will use discussion, examples and practical exercises to explore what makes the voice of a story compelling, and help you to find all your voices.

Self-Editing Your Novel, with Debi Alper Debi Alper Debi is the author of six novels, the first two of which Nirvana Bites and Trading Tatiana, were published by Orion to critical acclaim. Her books are contemporary urban thrillers set among the sub-cultures and she expounds her themes with generosity of spirit and dark humour. An unexpected result of giving up her day job to concentrate on writing is that she spends a lot of time concentrating on helping other writers to perfect their novels through critiques, mentoring, Book Doctor sessions and creative writing workshops. Debi edits in all genres and several authors that she has worked with have been signed up with agents and gone on to see their books published. Self-Editing your Novel This course is designed for those who have already completed a manuscript or who are close to doing so. By the end of the session, you should have a grasp on the self-editing skills you need to ensure your novel is as good as it possibly can be, before you start pitching to agents. With a mixture of tutorials and exercises, the course will cover the following:     

checking prose style and narrative voice creating compelling characters plot, pace, hook understanding the market pitch and presentation

So You Think You Can Write For Children?, with Nicola Morgan Nicola Morgan Nicola Morgan is a multi-award-winning author for all ages and does many workshops and talks about a silly variety of topics. Previously best known for her novels for teenagers and non-fiction about the teenage brain, she is also renowned as the Crabbit Old Bat of the popular blog, Help! I Need a Publisher! [link]. However, she has also shown that she doesn't need a publisher, by self-publishing Dear Agent?, Write a Great Synopsis, Tweet Right - the Sensible Person's Guide to Twitter and her original debut novel Mondays are Red.

So You think You Can Write for Children? One of the great things about being a children's author is the opportunity to write for different age groups and not be restricted. Nicola Morgan is an award-winning and prolific author across the whole range: early learning to teenage, non-fiction and fiction. She will show you tips, tricks, possibilities and pitfalls of each age, including tackling voice(s). The course will cover :     

What publishers are looking for today Understanding and controlling voices for different age groups, including young adult Conventions, rules and when you can break them Boundaries The thought processes and secrets behind her latest work in progress

The Self-Publishing Masterclass, with Dave Gaughran Dave Gaughran David Gaughran is the author of the South American historical adventure A Storm Hits Valparaiso and the short stories If You Go Into The Woods and Transfection as well as the popular self-publishing guide Let’s Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should. Born in Ireland, he now lives in Sweden, but spends most of his time travelling the world, collecting stories. He runs the popular publishing blog Let’s Get Digital and the history site South Americana, has a regular column at Indie Reader, and his work has been featured in the Huffington Post, the Sunday Times, and the Irish Times.

Self-Publishing Masterclass This four-hour mini-course will teach you all the self-publishing basics:      

Finding an editor and cover designer Formatting Blogging and websites Twitter and social media POD Marketing and promotion: reviews, book blogs, reader sites, advertising, giveaways, competitions, mailing lists, and using “free” as a sales tool.

We will also cover important topics such as self-publishing myths, the biggest mistake selfpublishers make, and why every writer should be self-publishing something – even if it’s just some short stories. The course will also explain why self-publishing is a more viable path than ever before, how attitudes to self-publishing are changing, and how some self-published writers are taking over the e-book charts in the UK and the US. Finally, an important question will be addressed: should you self-publish.

Literary Night Live ~ Friday, 2.30 in Roger Kirk Taking place in the Roger Kirk after dinner on Friday, Literary Night Live is a bit of fun. Attendance is optional but as it's in the same room as the bar we expect you'll be there! It works like this:

If you want to put yourself up for Literary Night Live, then please let us know by sending an email to info@writersworkshop.co.uk. The email should have LITERARY NIGHT LIVE as its subject line, and your email should include (a) your name, (b) your booking reference, (c) a one para summary of the manuscript, and (d) a 300-500 word chunk of your material. If you need to introduce that chunk with a 1-2 sentence summary of the plot / character situation at that point in the MS, then please feel free to do so, but not more than a sentence or two please. Each piece should last an absolute maximum of five minutes. Your email will be acknowledged, but will not be responded to in detail. We will not be able to accommodate every request for inclusion, but we’ll be seeking to include a good spread of well-written work at the event.

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Each piece will be read out loud to the assembled audience. If you are a strong and confident public speaker, then we suggest that you do the reading yourself. If you are not confident of declaiming in front of a large audience,then we suggest that you opt to use one of our readers instead. (We’ll have both a man and a woman available, so if your piece is first-person in a woman’s voice, you won’t be having it read by a burly 6’ 4” rugby playing type.) 9

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After each declamation, we’ll have an expert on-the-spot verdict given by an expert panel, that will include a pro author and a pro agent. Marks will be awarded by the panel – plus there’ll be an audience vote very roughly calculated from a show of hands.

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At the end of the session, which will last approx one hour, the writer with the highest overall marks will be awarded a bottle of champagne and the adulation of the Festival.

Saturday Workshop Schedule When you book your place at the Festival, you'll be asked for your workshop preferences. We recommend you select a mix of workshops on technique (eg: plotting), on genre (eg: writing for kids), and on the business side of things (eg: one of our "Meet the Industry" panels). Some 'workshops' will be highly interactive; others will be more in the nature of talks. All events will have Q&A opportunities.

Workshop 1 (Saturday 10.40 - 11.40) 1A) Jeremy Sheldon - “Lovers and Buddies: 7 Steps to Romance and Friendship In Any Genre” Jeremy's film credits include Best Laid Plans (2012), a drama starring Stephen Graham and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Montana, an action-thriller starring Lars Mikkelsen and Michelle Fairley. Jonathan Cape have published two works of Jeremy’s fiction, The Comfort Zone and The Smiling Affair (2005). He currently teaches on the MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London and at the London Film Academy, and works in a development role for a number of producers, including Mark Foligno (The Kings Speech, Moon) and Deepak Sikka (Mandela’s Children). It doesn’t matter whether our characters are lovers or friends, it’s a certainty they will need to traverse conflicts and failures, both in their relationships and within themselves as individuals, if their emotional bond is to be satisfying for the reader or audience. This session will outline the classic plot mechanisms that structure characters’ journeys to finding true love or friendship, but also examine the timeless emotional epiphanies such characters need to experience along the way. Using bespoke multimedia including specialized film clips, this session is directly useful to anyone looking to write Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama or Commercial Women’s Fiction and any of its constituent sub-genres, but also to writers working in other genres: it doesn’t matter if you’re writing a thriller, a supernatural mystery 10

story or an historical epic, it’s almost a certainty that your subplots will involve friendships, as well as comedy or romance...or both. 1B) Nelle Andrew and Robert Caskie - Path to Publication Nelle Andrew and Robert Caskie from the PFD agency talk to aspiring writers about the path to publication: from submission letters, to agenting representation and to clarify the role of the agent, the submission process to editors and beyond. This is a guide for any author as to the what happens in the gap between writing the final page and seeing your novel on the shelf of a bookshop from the perspectives of a veteran agent with bestselling authors and a new agent building their list. They will discuss the market, the objective factors to why some books get taken on and published and not others and help illuminate this very shadowy time. Nelle Andrew worked with Caroline Michel as her assistant for over three years. She was promoted in 2012 to an Agent and is looking to build her list. She is primarily interested in literary fiction/literary commercial cross-over fiction and women’s fiction. Robert Caskie is both a Book and Journalism Agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop. He represents an extensive list of journalists and writers of both fiction and non-fiction. 1C) Juliet Pickering Honing a one-minute, two-line pitch Juliet joined Blake Friedmann in 2013 and her list includes Costa, Commonwealth, Orwell Prize, Sky Arts and Guardian First Book shortlisted authors. Her interests range from literary and well-written commercial fiction to mystery, crime and thrillers. She also represents many non-fiction writers. Prior to this, Juliet was an Associate Agent at A P Watt. 1D) Allie Spencer - 4 Act Structure: What It Is and How It Can Help Your Novel Writing' Award-winning writer Allie Spencer (alliespencer.com) is the author of five romantic comedy novels, an experienced creative writing tutor – and a graduate of the English Department here at York University. Her latest book, Save the Date! is published by Arrow and is out on 21st June this year. Hollywood screen writers are obsessed with ‘Act Structure’, a formula of well-honed checks and balances that ensure a tightly-written, perfectly paced screenplay. This secret formula is also an essential in the novelist’s toolkit – and it will transform the way you approach your writing for good: good bye to soggy middles, farewell slow beginnings! This workshop reveals all you need to know to get your novel on the right structural track – and keep it there. 1E) Eve Seymour - Crime & Pacing Eve is the author of four thrillers and probably best known for her central character, Paul Tallis, a former firearms officer who works as an off-the books spook for MI5. Her latest novel 'Wicked Game' was published in August 2013 by Cutting Edge Press. The second novel in the 'Hex' Series will be published early 2014. The Good Book Guide wrote, ‘Seymour is able to convey the excitement of the more straightforward brand of adventure thriller, while freighting in the subtle undertones of the more sophisticated novelists of the genre.’ Read any review of a thrilling crime novel and it will often say something like: ‘Couldn’t put it down. Kept reading until my eyes bled.’ What the critic really means is that the novel is a page-turner, in other words it has excellent pace. To discover the tricks of the trade and how to prevent your readers from going into snooze time, send in a scene and let me show you how to put your work through its paces.* * This is not obligatory. Writers are welcome whether they submit work or not

1F) Emma Darwin - Plain and Perfect or Rich and Rare Emma is that rare thing: an acclaimed literary author who's graced the bestseller lists. Her historical fiction has been shortlisted and longlisted for numerous prizes and sold Whether you’re writing a baroque travel memoir, a sharp romance, a literary masterpiece or an everyday story of lovably dysfunctional folk, the texture and tone of your prose is allimportant. But how do you make sure Plain doesn’t become threadbare, or Rich indigestible? This practical workshop will help you to explore how sound, rhythm, words, images and sentence structure can make your storytelling come more alive than you thought possible.

What's Your Genre? (Saturday 11.50 - 12.50) You don't need to pre-book for these panel shows - just turn up on the day to the one that takes your fancy. And we've got plenty for you to get your gnashers into:       

Literary Fiction Science Fiction/Fantasy Children's/Young Adult Women's Fiction Historical Fiction Crime/Thriller Script Writing with Jeremy Sheldon and Jon Spira

Workshop 2 (Saturday 15.10 - 16.10) 2A) Debi Alper - Psychic Distance: Getting inside your characters' heads Debi is the author of gritty, funny, contemporary novels with Orion - and a hugely respected tutor and book doctor with the Writers' Workshop. How deep do you (and therefore your reader) go into the heads of your characters? Are you able to move in and out as necessary? Learning how to use the full spectrum of Psychic Distance will bring your writing to life. It will also help you to understand show not tell, POV and much more. In previous workshops, Psychic Distance has been responsible for more lightbulb moments than any other single theory and is a vital tool for an author 2B) Zoe King - The Author as a Brand Zoe spent six happy years at the Darley Anderson Literary TV and Film Agency as an associate agent managing bestselling and emerging writers. After moving on to the Christopher Little Agency She joined Neil, Lucy and Anouska to establish The Blair Partnership.As the main submissions handler at The Blair Partnership, Zoe is inspired daily by the feeling that the next literary and entertainment sensation is right around the corner. The Blair Agency focus not only on finding great authors and great work but also on brand development as part of their service. A process that matters whether you're conventionally published or self-published. 2C) Andrew Wille - Editing For Writers Andrew was senior editor at Little, Brown UK, acquiring, editing, and publishing critically 12

acclaimed and award-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. He has freelanced for many of the industry’s most notable imprints, worked as a book doctor, and taught for Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and Falmouth University’s MA in Professional Writing. More info at www.wille.org. Led by a veteran editor, this workshop explains how publishers approach the processes of structural editing, copyediting, and proofreading, and offers a wide variety of tips on revising and editing for writers preparing to submit their work to publishers as well as those who’re interested in self-publishing. 2D) Julie Cohen - Character Award-winning novelist Julie Cohen has written seventeen novels for a variety of publishers, under her own name and pseudonyms, encompassing women's fiction, romance and erotica. Her work has been translated into fifteen languages. Her latest novel is DEAR THING, published by Transworld. Julie is also an experienced teacher and if you are naughty, she will make you write lines on the chalkboard This workshop guarantees that you will enter the room with nothing more than paper and a pen…and come away with a fully-fledged character ready to be written into a story. Julie takes you step-by-step through different techniques of creating character in a very hands-on workshop. A Festival of Writing favourite, back by popular demand. 2E) Eve Seymour and Broo Doherty of Wade & Doherty - The author/agent relationship Broo has worked in publishing for the last twenty years. She started as a production assistant at Victor Gollancz, then moved to Hodder and Stoughton for a brief period, before joining Transworld as an editor for the Bantam Press imprint. Wade & Doherty Literary Agency was founded in 2001. They handle fiction and non-fiction for adults and young adults. Eve is the author of four thrillers. Her latest novel 'Wicked Game' was published in August 2013 by Cutting Edge Press. The second novel in the 'Hex' Series will be published early 2014. The author/agent relationship is as important and enduring as a terrific marriage so how does it work, what does each party expect from the other and what are the ingredients for a fine romance? Come and find out. 2F) Meet The Industry Want to know how to choose an agent? Or write a covering letter or synopsis? Or understand rejection letters? And do you want to know what agents and editors are looking for? Of course you do! So come and ask them. Panel to include: David Haviland, Jenny Savill, Camilla Wray, and Hellie Ogden. 2G)Julia Churchill and Penny Holroyde - How to elevate your submission from slushpile hell to slushpile heaven Julia Churchill is an agent with A M Heath, where she represents YA and children’s book writers. Penny Holroyde is an agent with the Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency. She has worked in publishing for over 15 years in both the UK and the US. All agents hate the expression ‘slush pile’ but many rely on it for their daily bread. However, with many agents receiving between 20 and 50 submissions every single day how can you make yours stand out and get into the right hands? There is a lot of information for writers on the internet but hear it from the horses’ mouths in this workshop. A vital list of common transgressions and real life examples of good, and bad submissions. How a writer submits is a crucial part of the process. Never get it wrong again.

Workshop 3 (Saturday 16.40 - 17.40) 3A) Gary Gibson - The SF master class - What the genre is and what it needs from you Gary has published seven novels to date. Gibson's first novel, the ambitious Angel Stations, was published in 2004. His latest book, The Thousand Emperors, a sequel to the science fiction thriller Final Days, was published in 2012, with a new volume in his Shoal Sequence, called Marauder, due in 2013. Gary talks about SF. What it is - and what it wants from you. 3B) Jon Spira - Is your book a film? Jon Spira is a filmmaker and screenwriting tutor. Graduating from the Scottish Film School in 1999, he became a screenwriter for the cult sci-fi series LEXX. Following this with various projects for the BBC, Thames TV and Manga Live. He also wrote the screenplay for the number 1 best-selling video game Race Driver for Codemasters. Jon became a screenwriting tutor in 2002, delivering the comprehensive UK Film Council Introduction to Screenwriting course. He also teaches screenwriting for Film Oxford, The BFI, Ruskin University and various other institutions. Jon's first feature length documentary Anyone Can Play Guitar was released in cinemas last year, he is currently filming his next two docs. Adaptation is a tempting prospect to a lot of writers considering having a go at screenwriting. But how interchangeable are the two formats? Which stories make the best screenplays? Is adaptation as simple as it seems? What is the difference in narrative structure between a novel and a screenplay? Jon Spira will demystify the process and arm you with the insight you need to decide whether or not your story belongs on the screen. 3C) Nelle Andrew - Characterisation Nelle Andrew is an agent at PFD. Nelle did a masters in Creative Writing at Trinity College Dublin and then moved back to London in 2007 where she almost immediately began working in publishing. After working at Pan Macmillan she moved to work at a literary agency while also writing and pursuing a career as a novelist on the side.The Legacy of Eden is her first novel, published under the name Nelle Davy. She has finished writing a second novel based on the civil rights movement in Louisiana in 1963. This workshop will focus on teaching aspiring authors the tools to character development. For nearly all novels the success in their story relies on the keen depiction and thorough development of the characters. This workshop will help any aspiring writer learn the importance and tools needed to create believable and inspiring characters that will be the perfect vehicle for your plot and how through your characters, your plot will unfold in unexpected and even more positive ways. 3D) Anastasia Parkes - 'Behind closed doors': Writing Erotica Anastasia Parkes started writing erotica 20 years ago when she was rejected by Mills and Boon because her sex scenes were too explicit. Under the pseudonym Primula Bond she has published numerous short stories, novellas and novels for various publishers and magazines, with the first part of an erotic-romance trilogy coming out in August 2013. She also provides critiques on the work of budding new erotica writers. This workshop will focus on the techniques required to create any fiction but with an emphasis on the particular and often misunderstood genre of erotica. She aims to show how well written erotica can be adventurous without being brutal, believable while contained within the realms of fantasy, how to use the story-telling arc of crescendo, climax and resolution to build up sexual tension, and how to write a good sex scene. Some colourful examples from literature as well as from the 'Literary Review Bad Sex in Fiction Awards' will be quoted, so the 14

humorous, open-minded participants are asked to leave their inhibitions at the door when they try their hand at one or two erotica-writing exercises. 3E) Penny Holroyde & Tommy Donbavand - Children's masterclass: 'What if Stephen King wrote Scooby Doo?’ Penny Holroyde is a children's literary agent at Caroline Sheldon. Tommy is the author of the popular 13-book Scream Street series for 7 to 10 year olds, published by Walker Books in the UK and Candlewick Press in the US. His other books include Zombie!, Wolf and Uniform (winner of the Hackney Short Novel Award) for Barrington Stoke, Boredom Busters and Quick Fixes For Kids’ Parties (How To Books), and Making A Drama Out Of A Crisis (Network Continuum). Writing for children and young adults is a specialised area and Tommy and Penny have loads of experience in their respective fields of writing and agenting for children. This masterclass will identify the common pitfalls and help you shape your ideas and submissions so that they have the best chance of getting noticed. We’ll also give you tips on word count, genre, characterisation, humour, plot, structure and language, as well as giving an overview of this capricious market and what publishers are looking for. Hangovers are not advisable at this session. We will be giving you exercises in exposition, plot and characterisation and you can even read work out loud for an on-the-spot analysis. Come prepared! 3F) Meet The Industry Want to know how to choose an agent? Or write a covering letter or synopsis? Or understand rejection letters? And do you want to know what agents and editors are looking for? Of course you do! So come and ask them. Panel to include: Broo Doherty, Francesca Main, Sallyanne Sweeney, and Clare Wallace. .

The Gala Dinner and Competition Presentations ~ Saturday, 19.15 in Roger Kirk At the gala dinner on Saturday evening, we would welcome a rather more formal, festive feel. No one will be turned away if they’re looking scruffy, but cocktail dresses / jackets would set the tone just right. Tiaras and medals may definitely be worn. There will be no seating plan drawn up, and agents, publishers and authors will be in attendance. Although you will certainly want to spend time with your friends, do make sure that you meet and socialise with as many people as possible

Sunday Workshop Schedule Workshop 4 (Sunday 10.10 - 11.10) 4A) Lorella Belli - How to attract the attention of an agent and make your submission stand out: dos and donts Lorella represents many bestselling and award-winning authors, most of them were first timers when she took them on. This popular workshop talks you through the realities of what agents are looking for - and how to deliver it. 4B) Anastasia Parkes - 'In a nutshell': Writing Short Stories Anastasia Parkes is the author of numerous erotic short stories, novellas and novels and has recently published a slim volume of literary stories on Amazon. She is also an opinionated freelance writer of 'human interest' features, tackling such thorny topics as single parenthood and euthanasia with honesty and humour. When not absorbed in adapting such facts into fiction she offers robust critiques on the manuscripts of brave fledgling writers. In this workshop Anastasia focuses on where to find and record inspiration and how to mix it up with observation and imagination. She explains techniques such as dialogue and economy of expression to build character and situation while telescoping their pivotal story into 6000odd words. Finally she will be illustrating her advice with the aid of some exercises. 4C) Eve Seymour - Tension Eve is the author of four thrillers and probably best known for her central character, Paul Tallis, a former firearms officer who works as an off-the books spook for MI5. Her latest novel 'Wicked Game' was published in August 2013 by Cutting Edge Press. The second novel in the 'Hex' Series will be published early 2014. The Good Book Guide wrote, ‘Seymour is able to convey the excitement of the more straightforward brand of adventure thriller, while freighting in the subtle undertones of the more sophisticated novelists of the genre.’ Baffled by ‘beats’ in a scene? Do you understand how to ‘up the ante’ for your characters? Do you know what ‘skimming the narrative’ means? These are just a few questions relating to tension, or lack of it and, if a novel lacks tension, it’s unlikely to grab an agent or publisher. To explore how to create and maintain tension in your novel, send in a scene for a work-out.* * This is not obligatory. Writers are welcome whether they submit work or not. 4D) Allie Spencer - 'The Joy of Subtext: What it is; Why it Matters; and How it can Work for you' Award-winning writer Allie Spencer (alliespencer.com) is the author of five romantic comedy novels, an experienced creative writing tutor – and a graduate of the English Department here at York University. Her latest book, Save the Date! is published by Arrow and is out on 21st June this year. Subtext is a technique frequently used by actors and directors to enhance theatrical performance – but it will also give added dimension and depth to your writing This interactive workshop will give you all the information you need to understand the power of subtext, how to use it to its best advantage and how it will help you overcome the dreaded ‘show not tell’ rule once and for all. 16

4E) Jeremy Sheldon - “Strong Storytelling: Who Said ‘Plot’ and ‘Character’ Were 2 Different Things?” Jeremy's film credits include Best Laid Plans (2012), a drama starring Stephen Graham and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Montana, an action-thriller starring Lars Mikkelsen and Michelle Fairley. Jonathan Cape have published two works of Jeremy’s fiction, The Comfort Zone and The Smiling Affair (2005). He currently teaches on the MA in Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London and at the London Film Academy, and works in a development role for a number of producers, including Mark Foligno (The Kings Speech, Moon) and Deepak Sikka (Mandela’s Children). Agents, publishers and producers are continually telling us they’re looking for “strong stories”, but what do they really mean? Overriding an astonishingly common assumption that a friction exists between ‘plot’ and ‘character’, this session will outline how the two work in indivisible combination in the strongest stories. Using a range of approaches including bespoke multimedia to visualize its key points, the session is relevant to writers of all levels in all genres and forms. 4F) Meet The Industry Want to know how to choose an agent? Or write a covering letter or synopsis? Or understand rejection letters? And do you want to know what agents and editors are looking for? Of course you do! So come and ask them. Panel to include: Madeleine Milburn, Juliet Mushens, James Wills and Suzie Doore.

Workshop 5 (Sunday 11.40 - 12.40) 5A) Emma Darwin - Showing & Telling Emma is that rare thing: an acclaimed literary author who's graced the bestseller lists. Her historical fiction has been shortlisted and longlisted for numerous prizes and sold extensively overseas. You were told “Show don’t Tell”, but both Showing and Telling are much more exciting and powerful tools than that, and learning to use them is probably the single biggest thing you can do to improve your writing. This practical workshop will explore what makes Telling Tell-y, what makes Showing Show-y, and how to use both to make your storytelling in fiction and non-fiction more vivid and compelling than ever. 5B) Madeleine Milburn of the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency - Stunning Synopses, Cover Letters & Rejection Letters Literary Agent, Madeleine Milburn, was born in London. Since graduating from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English Literature and Language in 2004, Madeleine has worked for the independent publishing company Trojan Books in Berlin and the oldest literary agency in the UK, A P Watt Ltd, where she specialised in foreign rights. Prior to having her own Agency, Madeleine was the Head of Rights and a Literary Agent at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV & Film Agency where she built a strong list of authors over five years. Don't let your work get rejected for the dumb stuff. Make sure your synopsis is strong, your covering letter (query letter) is up to scratch. Also a word on how to decode a rejection letter.

5C) Andrew Wille - How to Write a Sentence Andrew was senior editor at Little, Brown UK, acquiring, editing, and publishing critically acclaimed and award-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. He has freelanced for many of the industry’s most notable imprints, worked as a book doctor, and taught for Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and Falmouth University’s MA in Professional Writing. More info at www.wille.org. You can have a great idea for a book, but to do it justice you need to write good sentences: sentences that bring your work to life, sentences that invite the reader in. This workshop will look at ways to improve your prose style through understanding sentence structure and the important roles of different parts of speech. 5D)Julie Cohen - Learning Story Structure from Pixar Films Award-winning novelist Julie Cohen has written seventeen novels for a variety of publishers, under her own name and pseudonyms, encompassing women's fiction, romance and erotica. Her work has been translated into fifteen languages. Her latest novel is DEAR THING, published by Transworld. Julie is also an experienced teacher and if you are naughty, she will make you write lines on the chalkboard. Disney Pixar films are fun. They're also emotional, action-packed, and exquisitely structured. In this workshop Julie will talk about what these films can teach us about three-act structure, narrative economy, motifs, emotional arcs, plot and subplot. If you've ever enjoyed Finding Nemo, Up, or The Incredibles—or been forced to watch them by your kids—you'll learn a lot from this workshop. 5E) Meet The Industry Want to know how to choose an agent? Or write a covering letter or synopsis? Or understand rejection letters? And do you want to know what agents and editors are looking for? Of course you do! So come and ask them. Panel to include: Piers Blofeld, Sam Copeland, Penny Holroyde, and Chris Wellbelove.

Workshop 6 (Sunday 14.00 - 15.00) 6A) Debi Alper - What's that you said? Debi is the author of gritty, funny, contemporary novels with Orion - and a hugely respected tutor and book doctor with the Writers' Workshop. Is your dialogue convincing? Do your characters all have unique voices? Are you using prose to break up the dialogue? Do we always know who’s speaking? Are you using lots of emotive dialogue tags? Or maybe you're using dialogue to have characters tell each other things that you should have shown us. This workshop will show you how to handle this vital element of your novel. 6B) Dave Gaughran - Should I Self-Publish? David is the author of the South American historical adventure A Storm Hits Valparaiso and the short stories If You Go Into The Woods and Transfection as well as the popular selfpublishing guide Let’s Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should. He runs the popular publishing blog Let’s Get Digital and the history site South Americana, has a regular column at Indie Reader, and his work has been featured in the Huffington Post, the Sunday Times, and the Irish Time 18

David Gaughran - author, blogger, self-publisher - will help you answer a question that many writers are asking themselves: should I self-publish? He goes through the pros and cons of self-publishing, and deals with some of the many myths that writers are subjected to. He also warns about the sharks in the self-publishing world and teaches you how to avoid them. Finally, he explains his view that even if you are focused on the traditional path, it would benefit you to self-publish something, and that some of the most successful writers today are taking a hybrid approach. 6C) Gary Gibson - The Art of Plotting Gary has published seven novels to date. Gibson's first novel, the ambitious Angel Stations, was published in 2004. His latest book, The Thousand Emperors, a sequel to the science fiction thriller Final Days, was published in 2012, with a new volume in his Shoal Sequence, called Marauder, due in 2013. All good books need a strong story - yet plotting out a novel is perhaps the thing that even professional authors find the hardest thing to get right. Gary has some wonderful tips and techniques. An essential workshop. 6D) Tommy Donbavand - challenges of writing for reluctant reader boys (topics and genres to consider and avoid, characters boys will identify with, structuring a plot to keep reluctant readers turning the pages Tommy is the author of the popular 13-book Scream Street series for 7 to 10 year olds, published by Walker Books in the UK and Candlewick Press in the US. His other books include Zombie!, Wolf and Uniform (winner of the Hackney Short Novel Award) for Barrington Stoke, Boredom Busters and Quick Fixes For Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Parties (How To Books), and Making A Drama Out Of A Crisis (Network Continuum). 6E) Jon Spira - What's the point? Jon Spira is a filmmaker and screenwriting tutor. Graduating from the Scottish Film School in 1999, he became a screenwriter for the cult sci-fi series LEXX. Following this with various projects for the BBC, Thames TV and Manga Live. He also wrote the screenplay for the number 1 best-selling video game Race Driver for Codemasters. Jon became a screenwriting tutor in 2002, delivering the comprehensive UK Film Council Introduction to Screenwriting course. He also teaches screenwriting for Film Oxford, The BFI, Ruskin University and various other institutions. Jon's first feature length documentary Anyone Can Play Guitar was released in cinemas last year, he is currently filming his next two docs. The notion of theme and message is perhaps the most important aspect of any creatively or critically successful literary work. For screenwriting, it is essential. In this workshop, Jon Spira uses film to demonstrate how theme works, why it is so important and how to strengthen your writing through engaging properly with the concept.

The One-to-Ones over the Weekend One of the Festival's most important elements is the chance for you to meet agents and editors one-to-one and pitch your work directly to them. Everyone booking a ticket at the Festival is entitled to two 1-to-1 sessions in which to receive feedback on their work. Those sessions are available from our roster of:  

Literary agents or publishers. These sessions will focus on the marketability of your work. Professional authors and book doctors. These sessions will focus on editorial issues.

You can choose to have both of your 1-1 sessions with agents/publishers, both with book doctors, or you can choose one of each.

Which Session to Book?

How the 1-to-1s Work

The purpose of a session with an agent or publisher is primarily to get direct feedback on the question, "Do you think my work is marketable as it stands?" Do be aware that agents may sometimes only need to read a few pages of your work to answer this question effectively: that's not because they're lazy; it's because they're good at their jobs. Their feedback is still absolutely invaluable. And if your work is tremendous, you might just come away with a contact that will lead all the way to representation - and perhaps a book deal.

Step One - You pick your chosen one-to-ones The agents & book doctors who are running Oneto-Ones at the Festival are listed below. Step Two - You send us your work

The purpose of your session with a book doctor is to get detailed editorial feedback on your work from a professional author/editor - in effect, answering the question, "What steps do I need to take to make my work marketable?" With the book doctor you will get brief written notes summarising the comments. Whenever book doctors come across work that may be marketable, we WILL bring it directly to the attention of a suitable agent. If you're not sure what to book, we'd recommend booking one of your 1-to-1s with an agent and one with a book doctor. That way you get the benefit of both perspectives



 

you need to mail us two copies of your work (one for each session) We're after: a one page intro, plus the first chapter(s) (up to 3000 words of the MS) ensure that your name, email address, phone number and chosen agent / book doctor is clearly visible on each of your one page intro's our address is: The Writers' Workshop, The Studio, Sheep Street, Charlbury, Oxon OX7 3RR, United Kingdom Our email address is info@writersworkshop.co.uk The last date for receipt of your work is 20th August 2013. And we will not accept late entries, or revised entries. So get ready in plenty of time, read your material through carefully, then send it.

After that: We get your work out to your chosen agent or book doctor. Then you get ten minutes with your chosen two at the event.

List of agents & publishers offering one-to-ones

Nelle Andrew, Peters Fraser & Dunlop Available: Fri & Sat Nelle worked with Caroline Michel as her assistant for over three years. She was promoted in 2012 to an Agent and is looking to build her list. She is primarily interested in literary fiction/literary commercial cross-over fiction and women’s fiction in particular in this genre as well as serious non fiction and celebrity biographies. She worked at Pan Macmillan before joining PFD and has a BA from Warwick University in English with Creative Writing and an MPhil from Trinity College Dublin in Creative Writing with Publishing. Susan Armstrong, Conville & Walsh Available: Sat & Sun Susan is an agent at Conville & Walsh. Susan Armstrong joined Conville & Walsh in 2005. As an agent, she is particularly interested in debut literary fiction, upmarket commercial fiction and accessible fantasy and science fiction. She enjoy novels that blend genres, are unusual in setting or circumstance and that have unexpected twists. Conville & Walsh - are a leading international literary agency. Becky Bagnell, The Lindsay Literary Agency Available: TBC Becky has worked in publishing for 16 years and started her career whilst still a student at Trinity College Dublin by reading manuscripts for the Lilliput Press and being paid initially only in books. She then moved to Macmillan in London where she worked as a commissioning editor and was fortunate to work alongside authors such as Max Hastings, Robert Service and John Simpson. She was also the commissioning editor behind Bear Grylls’ first book, ‘Facing Up’. She founded THE Lindsay Literary Agency in 2008. Lorella Belli, Lorella Belli Literary Agency Available: Sat & Sun Lorella has worked in the publishing industry for 17 years (for publishers as well as literary agencies) and set up her own agency in 2002. The Lorella Belli Literary Agency (LBLA) handles full-length adult fiction (from literary to genre - in particular women's fiction, historical and crime/thrillers) and general non-fiction (humour, popular music, popular science, history, business, personal finance, lifestyle, current affairs, self-help, travel, sport, women's issues, and food & wine) and works in association with a dramatic agency in London and with co-agents abroad. Lorella represents several award-winning and bestselling authors, and is particularly interested in first time novelists, books with an international outlook and potential, multicultural writing and journalists Piers Blofeld, Sheil Land Associates Available: Sat & Sun Piers Blofeld is an agent at Sheil Land. Sheil Land Associates is a long established literary, theatrical and film agency. Piers is looking for clients that write quality, literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction including thrillers, crime/mystery, politics, political and military history, gardening, cookery, romance, drama, biography/memoir, travel, humour, all 21

types of contemporary and literary women’s fiction, self-improvement, mind-body-spirit, lifestyle, popular science and psychology, children’s, young adult, science fiction, fantasy and paranormal. Charlie Brotherstone, A.M Heath Available: Fri & Sat Charlie has been at A.M.Heath since 2008 and is actively building a list of fiction and nonfiction authors. He is on the lookout for strong and exciting voices, whether they be commercial or literary. He's loved working with debut writers at the editing stage before submitting to publishers and securing publishing deals for them and hopes to represent a list of authors which reflects his somewhat disordered bookshelf. It’s difficult to pin down exactly what he's looking for, but original storytelling will always shine out, regardless of genre, and a dollop of humour never goes amiss. Robert Caskie, Peters Fraser & Dunlop Available: Sat Robert is both a Book and Journalism Agent at Peters Fraser and Dunlop. He represents an extensive list of journalists and writers of both fiction and non-fiction. Alex Christofi, Conville & Walsh Available: TBC Alex joined Conville & Walsh in 2009. Convile & Walsh are a leading international literary agency based in the UK, who represent an eclectic range of best-selling and award-winning authors, including novelists, scientists, historians, travel writers, biographers and children’s authors. For his own list, Alex is looking for fiction that's tied together by a strong concept, as well as serious non-fiction on politics, current affairs and literature. He is also interested in serious graphic fiction (i.e. no superheroes). Julia Churchill, A.M Heath Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Julia Churchill joined AM Heath in 2013 as Children's Agent, after four years building up the UK side of the Greenhouse Literary Agency, and six years at the Darley Anderson Agency where she grew the children’s list. She represents some fabulous writers, but is always on the treasure hunt for new writing talent. She’s looking for debut and established authors with storytelling magic, from picture book texts right up to YA fiction. Donna Condon, Harlequin (UK) Ltd Available: Sat & Sun Donna is Editorial Director at Harlequin Mills & Boon. Harlequin Mills & Boon has grown to become the UK's undisputed market leader in romance fiction publishing, entrenched in the hearts and minds of its avid readership. Mills & Boon's army of dedicated readers know that once they pick a brightly coloured paperback, they will be taken on an easy, thrilling read with a guaranteed happy ending. Prior to this, Donna was senior fiction editor on the Piatkus list, looking after commercial fiction. Piatkus publish across a broad range of genres including women’s fiction, crime, historical and paranormal romance, urban fantasy and horror. Sam Copeland, Rogers, Coleridge & White Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Sam is an agent at Rogers, Coleridge & White. Sam's first job in publishing was at Curtis Brown, where he started in 2001. He left in 2006 to help create the Robinson Literary Agency, and joined Rogers, Coleridge and White in 2009 when the two companies merged. He is building an extremely diverse list, representing writers of both literary and commercial fiction, science fiction, children’s (11+), serious and not-so-serious non-fiction. In fact, he is happy to look at anything but self-help and business books.

Broo Doherty, Wade & Doherty Literary Agency. Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Broo has worked in publishing for the last twenty years. She started as a production assistant at Victor Gollancz. She then moved to Hodder and Stoughton for a brief period, before joining Transworld as an editor for the Bantam Press imprint, where she was involved with authors such as David Gemmell, Anthony Holden and Jilly Cooper. Then she joined the agent Jane Gregory as the editorial director of Gregory and Company where she advised leading writers in the area of crime and women's commercial fiction. Broo handles all genres, excluding children's books, but particularly enjoys crime, cookery and commercial women's fiction. Wade & Doherty Literary Agency was founded in 2001. They handle fiction and non-fiction for adults and young adults. Suzie Dooré, Hodder & Stoughton Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Suzie is Editorial director at Hodder & Stoughton. Hodder & Stoughton is a major publisher within Hachette UK, one of the UK’s biggest publishing groups. They publish a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles and are renowned for passion, quality and delivering bestselling commercial books in many different formats. Anne-Marie Doulton, The Ampersand Agency Available: Sat Anne-Marie worked for several years in general publishing as a reader and editor, and more recently as a literary scout.The Ampersand Agency Handle literary and commercial fiction and non-fiction. Contemporary and historical novels, crime, thrillers, women's fiction, memoirs, history, biography and cookery. Hannah Ferguson, The Marsh Agency Available: TBC Hannah is an agent at The Marsh Agency. After finishing a Masters in Creative Writing at Goldsmiths in 2007 Hannah began as an intern at The Marsh Agency, becoming a full-time member of staff in January 2008. Her interests lie in commercial fiction, women's fiction and some literary fiction. Jenny Geras, Random House Available: Sat & Sun Jenny is Publishing Director of Arrow, the commercial paperback imprint of Cornerstone, Random House. Arrow is one of the most successful paperback imprints in the UK, and publishes a diverse range of authors including James Patterson, E. L. James, Karin Slaughter, Katie Fforde, Kathy Reichs, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Rendell, Susan Lewis and Robert Harris. Jenny joined Arrow in 2013, and was previous Editorial Director at Pan Macmillan where her authors included Karen Swan, Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Lucy Diamond, Suzanne Bugler and Carol Rifka Brunt. Her main areas of interest are commercial women’s fiction, upmarket ‘reading group’ fiction and psychological crime. Caroline Hardman, hardman&swainson Available: Fri Caroline joined the Christopher Little Literary Agency as an agent in February 2010, after six years at The Marsh Agency, firstly as an assistant, then rights executive and finally an agent for English language and international rights. Her taste is diverse, and she’s looking for upmarket commercial and literary fiction, quality crime and thrillers, young adult and nonfiction. In literary fiction she’s drawn to writing that is clever and quirky: smart word play, unusual dark settings, great plot twists, and offbeat characters.

David Haviland, Andrew Lownie Available: Fri & Sat & Sun David is an agent at the Andrew Lownie agency, he is also a writer, editor, and ghostwriter, with a number of bestselling books to his name.The Andrew Lownie Literary Agency Ltd, founded in 1988, is now one of the UK's leading boutique literary agencies with some two hundred non-fiction and fiction authors and is actively building its fiction list. David is looking for fiction in all genres, and vivid, dramatic stories will always get his attention.He is particularly interested in crime, thrillers, mysteries and adventure stories. David Headley, DHH Literary Agency Available: Fri & Sat & Sun DHH was founded by David Headley in 2008, based in London, they represent an eclectic range of best-selling and award-winning authors, including novelists, historians, short-story writers and children’s authors. David created the D. H. H. Literary Agency—an agency whose main objective is to provide a more attentive and individual representation for our authors. They wish to help re-launch established writers as well as nurturing debut authors. They are currently only looking to represent fiction writers. Alison Hennessey, Random House Available: Fri Alison began her editorial career on the Penguin Classics list before moving to work at Vintage Books, the literary paperback imprint of Random House, in 2005. She was appointed Harvill Secker’s inaugural Senior Crime Editor at the beginning of 2012, where she commissions and edits literary crime, mysteries and thrillers from writers in the English language and in translation. Her authors include the number one bestseller Jo Nesbo, whose Harry Hole thriller The Snowman is currently being made into a film by Martin Scorsese, Henning Mankell, author of the Kurt Wallander books, as well as many up and coming new writers, including Arne Dahl, Eva Dolan, MD Villiers and Christopher J. Yates. She is particularly interested in character led crime fiction, literary suspense, atmospheric period fiction and high concept thrillers, and can be found on Twitter at @Crime_Queen, rhapsodizing about her authors, her books, her job and cake. Penny Holroyde, Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency Ltd. Available: Sat & Sun Interested in children’s books for all ages - She particularly like's laugh-out-loud books aimed at middle grade children but also loves books with emotional depth and strong plots for older children. For her adult portfolio, She's very interested in memoirs. Historical settings and again, a really compelling voice that works in whatever world the author has created are key likes. The Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency is one of the UK’s leading literary agencies representing a bestselling roster of authors and illustrators. Our particular areas of interest include fiction, non-fiction—especially human interest stories and memoirs—and all types of children's books. Zoe King, The Blair Partnership Available: Sat Zoe spent six happy years at the Darley Anderson Literary TV and Film Agency as an associate agent managing bestselling and emerging writers. After moving on to the Christopher Little Agency She joined Neil, Lucy and Anouska to establish The Blair Partnership.As the main submissions handler at The Blair Partnership, Zoe is inspired daily by the feeling that the next literary and entertainment sensation is right around the corner. Louise Lamont, A P Watt Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Louise Lamont studied English Literature at the University of Cambridge and Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto before joining A P Watt in May 2006. She began working with Caradoc King and Elinor Cooper in 2007, and was made an Associate Agent in 2009. 24

Jane Lawson, Transworld/Random House Available: TBC Jane is Editorial Director at Transworld. Transworld is now the UK’s leading fiction publisher and they regularly have more titles on the Sunday Times bestsellers lists than any other publishing house.Many of the nation’s biggest-selling brand name authors have been published by them for their entire writing careers, including Kate Atkinson, Dan Brown, Lee Child, Jilly Cooper, Frederick Forsyth, Robert Goddard, John Irving, Sophie Kinsella, Armistead Maupin, Andy McNab, Terry Pratchett and Joanna Trollope. We are also home to No.1 bestselling novelists Ben Elton, Tess Gerritsen, Joanne Harris and Danielle Steel. They also publish some of the biggest names in non-fiction including Bill Bryson, Richard Dawkins, Paul O’Grady, Bear Grylls, Stephen Hawking, Dr D.G.Hessayon and Paul McKenna. Francesca Main, Picador Available: Fri & Sat Francesca Main is Editorial Director at Picador. She graduated from the University of Warwick in 2002 and began her publishing career with an internship at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency before working at Penguin and then at Simon & Schuster. She joined Picador in 2011 and publishes literary fiction with a broad appeal. Her authors include Lottie Moggach, Emma Chapman, Naomi Wood, Ellen Feldman and Mark Watson. You can see the books that Francesca is publishing here: http://pinterest.com/francescamain/books-im-publishing/ and follow her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/francescamain Jodie Marsh, United Agents Available: Fri & Sat Jodie is an agent at United Agents. Representing children's illustrators and authors of picture books, middle grade, teenage and YA. Jodie started working with Rosemary Canter in 2006, assisting her on her list. She was made an agent in 2010 and always has an open list for submissions. She enjoys strong, original storytelling and a unique voice. She also has a passion for funny writing for 7-12s and also a penchant for the realisms of teenage life - be that gritty or hilarious - in writing for that age group. That said, she also loves classic, epic adventure stories and a sprinkling of the fantastic. Madeleine Milburn, The Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Literary Agent, Madeleine Milburn, was born in London. Since graduating from the University of St Andrews with a degree in English Literature and Language in 2004, Madeleine has worked for the independent publishing company Trojan Books in Berlin and the oldest literary agency in the UK, A P Watt Ltd, where she specialised in foreign rights. Prior to having her own Agency, Madeleine was the Head of Rights and a Literary Agent at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV & Film Agency where she built a strong list of authors over five years. Juliet Mushens, The Agency Group Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Juliet Mushens is an Agent at The Agency Group, prior to this she was in the Books Division of PFD. Before becoming a literary agent, Juliet worked in fiction marketing and editorial at HarperCollins, after reading history at Cambridge. She is always looking for new voices and supervises a dissertation on the Kingston University Creative Writing Course. Juliet represents a commercial list of both fiction and non-fiction writers at PFD. On the fiction side, Juliet likes reading group fiction, thrillers, historical fiction, fantasy/SF and commercial writing for children aged 12+ with an emphasis on YA. On the non-fiction side she represents everything 25

from celebrity autobiographies to cook-books, with a passion for inspirational memoirs and a growing list of ghost-writers. Learn more about Juliet in our recent 'Meet the Agents' blog. Polly Nolan, The Greenhouse Literary Agency Available: Sat Polly has recently joined The Greenhouse Literary Agency as its agent in London. Prior to this she was associate publishing director for fiction at Macmillan Children's Books. However Nolan will continue to work for MCB two days a week in the newly created role of editor-atlarge. Hellie Ogden, Janklow & Nesbit Available: Sat & Sun Before joining Janklow & Nesbit in 2013, Hellie Ogden spent three years at Greene & Heaton Literary Agency where she built up her list of clients and managed the translation rights. She is looking for series crime, psychological thrillers, commercial women's fiction, young adult debuts and accessible, charming literary fiction. She enjoys novels with exotic settings, bold twists and enticing protagonists. In non-fiction she is looking for unique personal stories and work that has a large social following with cross-media potential. She represents cook books from aspiring foodies, as well as popular culture projects, helping to build her clients' profiles across different platforms. Juliet Pickering, Blake Friedmann Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Juliet Pickering studied English Literature at university before working for Waterstones as a fiction buyer. She joined A P Watt in 2003, working up from combing the slush pile, franking mail and scanning royalty statements, to becoming an Associate Agent in 2007 (when she continued to comb the slush pile, frank the mail and scan royalty statements). Juliet joined Blake Friedmann in 2013 and her list includes Costa, Commonwealth, Orwell Prize, Sky Arts and Guardian First Book shortlisted authors. Her interests range from literary and well-written commercial fiction to mystery, crime and thrillers. She also represents many non-fiction writers across the board, including memoir, pop culture, social history, feminist and political commentary, cookery and food writing, and all sorts inbetween. Jenny Savill, Andrew Nurnberg Associates Available: Sat & Sun Jenny joined Andrew Nurnberg in 2002, becoming an Agent for the UK and US in 2007. She looks after authors of both fiction and non-fiction. Her background in working creatively with young people, coupled with a life-long love of children's books has led her to build an exciting roster of children's and YA authors. Jenny likes to work editorially with authors. She is on the look-out for authentic voices, killer plots, and that certain something that makes her forget to breathe while she's reading. In addition to children's and YA authors, Jenny is particularly interested in hearing from writers of both literary and commercial women's fiction, historical fiction and memoir. Joanna Swainson, Hardman & Swainson Available: Fri & Sat Joanna is one half of literary agency Hardman & Swainson. The agency has a diverse list of authors and want to keep it that way. To that end, she is seeking original and distinctive concepts, voices and characters in literary, crime, contemporary and historical fiction and also YA.

Sallyanne Sweeney, Watson Little Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Sallyanne was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and Cambridge University. She is building her list and is looking for talented writers of literary and commercial fiction. She is also passionate about writing for children & young adults, and is interested in narrative non-fiction, quirky gift books, food writing and crafts. Watson, Little Ltd is a long established literary agency which handles an unusually wide range of adult, children's and young adult fiction and non-fiction. Jeremy Thompson, Troubador & Matador Available: TBC Managing Director at Troubador Publishing Ltd with 20 years' experience in academic and trade books publishing. Troubador is an independent UK-based trade and academic publisher, which also offers authors a high quality self-publishing service through the widely recommended Matador imprint. Chris Wellbelove, Greene & Heaton Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Chris Wellbelove joined Greene & Heaton in 2010 and represents commercial and literary fiction and non-fiction. In fiction he is particularly interested in accessible voice-driven and quirky literary fiction, original crime fiction, high-concept novels and psychological suspense, and in non-fiction he likes to read popular science and psychology, sport and current affairs, and in projects with cross-media potential. Greene & Heaton Ltd was founded in 1953 and represents a number of prize-winning authors of fiction and non-fiction as well as cookery writers and media and television personalities. Camilla Wray, Darley Anderson Available: Fri & Sat Camilla joined the Darley Anderson Agency in July 2007. At the Agency she represents established and début authors in the UK and the US. She specialises in commercial and accessible fiction, and is always looking for characters to fall in love with and stories that thrill. She really enjoys working closely editorially with her authors and welcomes all submissions.Her interests are literary and commercial crime, thrillers, suspense, high-concept accessible fiction, general fiction, women’s fiction, unusual love stories and tales that teach the reader and leave them buzzing with excitement. She also represents children’s and YA authors. James Wills, Watson, Little Ltd Available: Sat & Sun James is director at Watson, Little. He looks after a dynamic and wide-ranging list of writers. He has a BA in English and Italian and an MA in 20th Century Literature from the University of Leeds and is passionate about reading and good writing. Always searching for new, exciting material. Watson, Little Ltd is a long established literary agency which handles an unusually wide range of adult, children's and young adult fiction and non-fiction.

List of Book Doctors offering One-to-Ones Our book doctors are editorial specialists, who will offer written feedback on delegates' work. The emphasis will be on tough, constructive editorial advice. When a book doctor identifies work that may be marketable, they will alert the Festival organisers, who will in turn pass that work to a suitable agent.

Debi Alper Available: Sat & Sun Debi Alper, author of "Nirvana Bites" and "Trading Tatiana", edgy London-based crime thriller novels and a very experienced consultant with the Writers' Workshop. Debi edits in all genres and has a terrific success rate - a good number of authors that she has worked with have been signed up with agents and gone on to see their books published. Julie Cohen Available: Sat & Sun Award-winning novelist Julie Cohen has written seventeen novels for a variety of publishers, under her own name and pseudonyms, encompassing women's fiction, romance and erotica. Her work has been translated into fifteen languages. Her latest novel is DEAR THING, published by Transworld. Julie is also an experienced teacher and if you are naughty, she will make you write lines on the chalkboard. Emma Darwin Available: Sat A bestselling literary novelist, a course tutor for the Open University, and a hugely respected literary consultant for the Writers' Workshop. Emma has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Writers and Goss First Novel awards,longlisted for the Prince Maurice Prize and the RNA Novel of the Year, and has been translated into many languages.

Gary Gibson Available: Sat & Sun Gary Gibson is a science fiction author from Glasgow.In the 1990s he helped out with a number of small-press comics, and then studied desktop publishing and design. Gibson's first novel, the ambitious Angel Stations, was published in 2004. The latest in his Dakota Merrick space-opera series, Empire of Light, was published in 2010. He is a member of the Glasgow Science Fiction Writers Circle. Anastasia Parkes Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Anastasia has an MA in English Literature from Oxford and has lived in London and Cairo. She writes freelance features for publications such as The Times, The Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday, The Lady and You And Your Baby magazine. Under the pseudonym Primula Bond, she has written three erotic novels (Country Pleasures, Club CrĂ¨me and Behind the Curtain) and numerous short stories for Virgin Books, a novella (Out of Focus) and solo collection of short stories for Xcite Books, and a further novella (Sisters in Sin) and numerous short stories for the HarperCollins imprint Avon. When she's not also working on completing a literary novel, she works as a book editor for aspiring erotic, romatic and literary writers.

Eve Seymour Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Eve is the author of four thrillers and probably best known for her central character, Paul Tallis, a former firearms officer who works as an off-the books spook for MI5. Her novel, ‘Land of Ghosts,’ set in bleak, war-torn Chechnya, was published in 2010 and her latest novel 'Wicked Game' will be published in August 2013 by Cutting Edge Press. The second novel in the 'Hex' Series will be published early 2014 She works as a book editor for the Writers' Workshop, concentrating particularly on crime and thrillers. Jeremy Sheldon Available: Sat Jeremy is an author, screenwriter and producer with 14 years’ experience in film, publishing, higher education and communications. His collaborators and clients range from top award winning producers to highly acclaimed independent filmmakers, from governments and global corporations to the world’s leading schools and universities. Jonathan Cape have published two full-length works of his fiction, The Comfort Zone (2002) and The Smiling Affair (2005). Allie Spencer Available: Sat & Sun Award-winning writer Allie (alliespencer.com) is the author of five romantic comedy novels, an experienced creative writing tutor – and a graduate of the English Department here at York University. Her latest book, Save the Date! is published by Arrow and is out on 21st June this year. C M Taylor Available: Fri & Sat & Sun Craig (writing as C M Taylor) is the author of five novels. Premiership Psycho (Corsair 2011) and the Amazon best-selling Group of Death (Corsair 2012) form two thirds of a savagely satirical trilogy about contemporary celebrity culture described as 'Brilliant' by The Sun, and 'Horribly entertaining' by The Mirror. He's also the author of Light, Cloven and Grief, the latter a dystopian fantasy described by British Science Fiction Association as a work of 'breathtaking originality' and nominated for their 2005 Book of the Year. A keen collaborator, Craig has established a company to create narrative apps. He has been a book editor with the Writers' Workshop since (almost) its inception Andrew Wille Available: Sat & Sun Andrew was senior editor at Little, Brown UK, acquiring, editing, and publishing critically acclaimed and award-winning works of fiction and nonfiction. He has freelanced for many of the industry’s most notable imprints, worked as a book doctor, and taught for Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics and Falmouth University’s MA in Professional Writing. More info at www.wille.org.

Script Doctors offering One-to-Ones

Jeremy Sheldon Available: Sat Jeremy is an author, screenwriter and producer with 14 years’ experience in film, publishing, higher education and communications. His collaborators and clients range from top award winning producers to highly acclaimed independent filmmakers, from governments and global corporations to the world’s leading schools and universities. Jonathan Cape have published two full-length works of his fiction, The Comfort Zone (2002) and The Smiling Affair (2005). Jon Spira Available: Sat & Sun Jon graduated from the Scottish Film School in Edinburgh in 1999 and went on to spend several years working as a jobbing screenwriter. He was a staff writer on cult Canadian sci-fi show LEXX and went on to write various shows for Thames TV and the BBC. He has written feature film scripts for Manga Live, Palm Pictures and a multitude of shady independent producers. He also wrote the short film Dust which was longlisted for the 2011 BAFTA. He has taught the UK Film Council Screenwriting course since 2004, has also taught for the BFI and teaches screenwriting for Ruskin University in Oxford. Jon has owned a chain of independent DVD rental stores, a comic shop, an independent DVD label and a couple of film production companies. He is a working filmmaker and his feature documentary Anyone Can Play Guitar was released in cinemas at the end of 2011.

Win, win, win We're going to ask agents and book doctors to be on the lookout for work of exceptional promise. If they see something that qualifies, they'll tell us. We'll pick the three best pieces and offer their authors their choice of:   

Free in depth manuscript assessment. Free mentoring (up to five hours with a book doctor). Free manuscript review with Harry Bingham.

Sending us your work   

The last date for receipt of your work is 20th August 2013. We will acknowledge receipt of your work within 3 days of receipt. Because of the deluge of work involved in sorting 30out one-to one submissions, we will not accept late entries, or revised entries. So get ready in plenty of time, read your material through carefully, then send it.

Full Weekend, plus mini course

Full Weekend, without mini course

Festival Weekend (Sat and Sun only)

Sat

Sun

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No No No

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

No No No No No No No No No

Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No

No Yes Yes Yes

Sunday Coffee break & author booksignings Sunday Buffet Lunch

Yes Yes

No No

Yes Yes

Package Cost

£525

£465

£385

£230

£160

What's included in each ticket option?

Friday Friday Mini Course The option of Friday one-to-one appointments Afternoon tea/coffee Friday Evening Dinner Literary Night Live Friday Night Accommodation Saturday Saturday Breakfast Key Note Address Saturday Workshops The option of Saturday one-to-one appointments Saturday Coffee break & booksigning Saturday Buffet Lunch Gala Dinner Reception ~ Drinks ~ Gala Dinner & Competition Presentations Saturday Night Accommodation Sunday Sunday Breakfast Key Note Address Sunday Workshops The option of Sunday one-to-one appointments

The Venue - The University of York The Festival is being held at the University of York - two hours by train from London and easily reached from anywhere in the UK or overseas. All festival events take place in the Exhibition Centre, Central Hall and Roger Kirk Centre of the Heslington campus. The importance of being on-campus We've chosen to hold the Festival at York, because we can hold all our workshops, all our talks, all our meals and all our other events on-campus. That means that you'll be sharing food, drink & accommodation with the editors, agents and authors present. These informal contacts will be every bit as useful as the more formal elements of the Festival - and we're the only writers' conference in the UK to offer anything quite like this. The campus is also beautifully arranged with plenty of space for leisurely strolls or earnest conversation.

How to get there York is two hours from London by train, and easily reached off the M1 if coming by car. If coming by train: The University is two miles from the railway station. A journey by taxi from the station to the University will take approximately 15 minutes. There is a taxi rank just outside the station.The Number 4 bus from the railway station travels to Heslington Hall via University Road from Monday to Saturday approx every 10 minutes and on Sunday approx every 15 minutes.The scheduled journey time is 20 minutes. You'll need to get off on University Road and follow campus signs for the Exhibition Centre (5 minutes walk). If you're travelling with family, then historic York is one of the most beautiful and childfriendly cities in England. There's also fabulous countryside and seaside resorts within easy reach. Car parking is available free on site.

Accommodation You will have your own private room, with an ensuite bathroom, a comfortable bed, spotless linen - and a full team of staff to ensure that you are completely comfortable and have everything you could possibly need. Do note, though, that as the Festival is held at York University, the accommodation is student halls of residence. The rooms are clean & pleasant but basic. If you want hotel-quality accommodation, please book into a hotel and contact us to sort out a reduced-price festival pass. We do urge you to stay on campus, however: the more you mingle, the more you'll get from the weekend. Check in after 14.00 on the day of arrival. Check out by 09.30 in the morning, please. Those with mobility issues will be given accommodation as close as possible to the main campus, so make sure you tell us if there's anything we sho uld know. Additionally, women will also be given priority in accommodation, so they won't face long walks in the dark after the evening meal. Although day tickets are available to the event, we do urge people to stay the Friday and (especially) the Saturday nights, as many of the most important connections will take place 'out of hours'. There will be free wi-fi throughout the main campus area.

Disability & dietary issues The York campus is modern and compact. Wheelchairs and scooters can easily be accommodated, and we will make special provisions to help wherever we can. Most food is buffet style and there will be plenty of choice to help those with specific dietary issues. On Saturday night, however, the gala dinner is table service only - so if you do have dietary issues you would like the kitchen staff to be aware of, then please tell us about it on your booking form and we will instruct the kitchens accordingly.

Enquiries We're here to help. If there's anything else you need to know, please do get in touch. And if you love the look of the Festival, but aren't sure if it's right for you at this stage in your career, then we're here to help. We can offer tough, constructive and in-depth manuscript advice and help with literary agents

Competitions at the Festival

Friday Night Live An amazing opportunity that could lead straight to an agent and a book deal. Here's how it works:      

You send us up to 500 words from your manuscript. We'll pick the seven entries we like the best. The seven shortlisted writers will read their work out on Friday night. We'll have some expert judges to offer their views ... But the final vote will be left to the Festival audience. The winner gets a bottle of fizz. Better still, you'll get the attention of every agent in the room.

In its inaugural year, the winner of the comp was Shelley Harris, who was offered representation by a number of different agents as a result. She signed up with Conville & Walsh, who had multiple publishers interested. Weidenfeld & Nicolson won the auction ... and the book is now available from all good bookshops. In 2011, Cicely Havely won this comp - and she too was promptly signed up with an agent (Piers Blofeld from Shiel Land) soon afterwards. In 2012, Anand Nair won and went on to achieve the same success, as too did runner-up Anne Corlett, who is now represented by Lisa Everleigh of the Richford Becklow Literary Agency. How to Enter - see info below

Best Opening Chapter - with Random House Following the success of last year's opening page comp, this year we've teamed up with Random House, who are keen to find talented authors of the future. Here's how it works:   



you send us your opening chapter (up to a max of 3000 words) plus a one-paragraph description of the book. We'll winnow the entries down to a shortlist of 6 or so, then we'll pass on those entries to ..... The Random House team will pick a winner and two runners-up. The winner gets a bottle of fizz, and the attention of the Random House Team. 34

A former runner-up, Claire McGowan, is now a published author and her book, The Fall, can be found in all good bookshops. And Gideon Roberton, another runner-up, secured the services of David Headley, the literary agent. JC Martin was published by a brilliant indie press in the US. And some other shortlisted candidates are now very close to having agents of their own too. How to Enter - see info below

The Writers' Workshop Bursaries Free Editorial Reviews from the Writers' Workshop We love nothing better than helping brilliant authors achieve success. So last year we gave away three free editorial reviews from our ace editors. There's no comp here - nothing you need to enter - but we'll just keep our eyes peeled through the course of the Festival for writers of outstanding promise whose works just needs a tiny bit of extra help. Sometimes we get agents or book doctors recommending stuff to us. Sometimes we see a competition entry or one-to-one submission that's just brimming with potential. One bursary will go to the winner of the Best Opening chapter competition (see above). The other two will go wherever they're most needed. We'll keep you informed on the blog about who wins and what happens next. In 2011, John Taylor got a helping hand from one of our bursaries and his book has been snapped up, with huge enthusiasm, by Juliet Mushens at PFD.

How to Enter Friday Night Live To enter, please just email us by 29th August. Your email should have "Friday Night Live" as the subject and you should attach an excerpt from your manuscript (max 500 words) as a Word document or PDF file. We will acknowledge receipt of entries by 3rd September. Thereafter only the seven shortlisted candidates will be notified of their success - by 6th September. Please don't email us to chase us! We have enough to do around then. One entry per ticket. If you're chosen as one of the seven, you will need to be present on the Friday night, so do make sure your ticket includes the full Festival weekend - or at least make sure that you can get to York for that evening.

Best Opening Chapter Entries by 22nd August please. Email us with your entry using "Best Opening Chapter" as the subject line of your email. You should attach the opening chapter of your MS (up to a max of 3000 words) preceded by a short one para summary of the book. Those things should be in a single document, which may be either a Word document or a PDF file. We welcome fiction and non-fiction; work aimed at adults or children; and any genre at all. If your book contains a prologue, we suggest you skip that and send the first chapter instead but we don't know your book and can't advise you. It's up to you to make the call. Just send us a maximum of 3000 words drawn from the start of your book. We will acknowledge receipt of entries by 26th August. Shortlisted candidates only will be notified by 29th August. Winner and runners up will be announced at the Gala Dinner on Saturday night. Winner & runners up will be invited to read a short extract from their work following the dinner - but that's optional.

The latest date that we can accept bookings is Friday 23rd August. Please read the Terms and Conditions of Booking on our website www.writersworkshop.co.uk. You can also register and pay online at www.writersworkshop.co.uk/Booking-Festival.html. You can also see the available one-to-one slots left. If you need to change your details, give us a call on 0845 459 9560 or email info@writersworkshop.co.uk and we will do our best to help you.

Booking Form First Name Surname Address Line 1 Address Line 2 Town/City County Postcode Contact Number Mobile Number Emergency Contact Number Email Discount Code Vegetarian Food Allergy Special Requests How Did You Hear About Us?

Festival Packages A. Full Festival Weekend, plus Friday mini course Accommodation on Fri & Sat nights. All meals, inc gala dinner. Refreshments. All talks & workshops. Friday mini-course. 2 one-to-one sessions (with agents / publishers / book doctors). £525

B. Full Festival Weekend, no Friday mini course Accommodation on Fri & Sat nights. All meals, inc gala dinner. Refreshments. All talks & workshops. 2 one-to-one sessions (with agents / publishers / book doctors). £465

C. Festival Weekend (Sat and Sun only) Accommodation on Sat night. Meals, inc gala dinner. Refreshments. All talks & workshops. 2 one-to-one sessions (with agents / publishers / book doctors). £385 D. Saturday only (inc Gala Dinner) All talks & workshops on Saturday. 2 one-to-one sessions (with agents / publishers / book doctors). Meals & refreshments, including gala dinner. £230 E. Sunday only All talks & workshops on Sunday. 2 one-to-one sessions (with agents / publishers / book doctors). Meals & refreshments. £165

The Friday mini-course Please highlight the mini course of your choice Package A. Friday Mini Courses.  Workshop a Novel in a Day: Structure & Character, with Allie Spencer  Self-editing your Novel, with Debi Alper  So you think you can write for children?, with Nicola Morgan  The Four Elements of Creativity, with Andrew Wille  Finding your Voice, with Emma Darwin  The Self-Publishing Masterclass, with David Gaughran

Workshops We recommend you select a mix of workshops on technique (eg: plotting), on genre (eg: writing for kids), and on the business side of things (eg: one of our "Meet the Industry" panels). Some 'workshops' will be highly interactive; others will be more in the nature of talks. All events will have Q&A opportunities. Please enter the codes of the talks of your choice (e.g. 1A) Saturday Workshops Workshop 1 10:40 - 11:40

Workshop 2 15.10 - 16.10

Workshop 3 16:40 - 17:40

Workshop 5 11.40 - 12.40

Workshop 6 14:00 - 15:00

Sunday Workshops Workshop 4 10:10 - 11:10

One-to-Ones One of the Festival's most important elements is the chance for you to meet agents and editors one-to-one and pitch your work directly to them. Everyone booking a ticket at the Festival is entitled to two 1-to-1 sessions in which to receive feedback on their work. Those sessions are available from our roster of: ď&#x201A;ˇ ď&#x201A;ˇ

Literary agents or publishers. These sessions will focus on the marketability of your work. Professional authors and book doctors. These sessions will focus on editorial issues.

You can choose to have both of your 1-1 sessions with agents/publishers, both with book doctors, or you can choose one of each.

Friday One-to-Ones 1-to-1 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice 5th Choice 6th Choice

Speakers' Names

Saturday One-to-Ones 1-to-1 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice 5th Choice 6th Choice

Speakers' Names

Sunday One-to-Ones 1-to-1 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice 5th Choice 6th Choice

Speakers' Names

How to make your payment Payment: Credit Card You can pay by credit card online at www.writersworkshop.co.uk/paynow.html or over the phone by calling our office on 0845 459 9560 Cheque

I enclose a cheque. Cheques payable to the Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Workshop

Confirmation of your booking choices, including your one-to-one appointments, dates/times, will be emailed. Please send completed form and payment (if by cheque) to: The Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Workshop The Studio, Sheep St, Charlbury, OX7 3RR United Kingdom

The 2013 Welcome Pack Well before the start of the Festival (probably early August), we will release a Welcome Pack by email and online. The Welcome Pack will contain all the instructions you need for the event, including location info, how to enter competitions, and so on. If you have made a booking by this point, you will be emailed a copy of the Welcome Pack.

2013 Terms & Conditions Delegate cancellation: Please book only when you're sure you can attend. If you do need to cancel, refunds are made on the following basis: In the event of a delegate’s cancellation before June 30th, 75% of the total fee will be refunded. In the event of cancellation in the course of July to 1st August, 50% of the fee will be refunded. Thereafter no refunds are possible. Presenter cancellation: Whilst the WW will make every endeavour to present the speakers and workshops at the time billed, the WW is not responsible for presenters’ lateness or cancellation. Wherever possible, suitable replacements will be arranged. Discounts: Certain writers groups may arrange a system of discounts for their members. Valid discount codes must be entered to make use of these discounts. If it turns out that the delegate is not a valid member of the organisation in question, any booking will be cancelled and the payment returned (less a 25% admin fee). Bookings: Bookings are offered on a first come first served basis. The website bookings will close a minimum of two weeks prior to the event. One to ones: The WW will make every effort to ensure that agents and book doctors receive delegates' work in a timely manner (so long as delegates have complied with the requirements set out on our One-to-Ones webpage). We will also do our best to ensure that those slots are honoured, and that suitable replacements are arranged if any agent or book doctor is unable to make the event for any reason. Nevertheless, because the WW does not directly employ any of the agents or book doctors, we can offer no absolute guarantee that your chosen agent or book doctor will be available. Receiving feedback: Receiving feedback can be a tough process. Most agents / book doctors will be skilled at delivering tough verdicts in a sympathetic and constructive way. Some may not be so skilled. If you're not prepared to hear blunt truths, then you may wish to think twice about inviting feedback on your work. Safety: Delegates must behave safely, courteously and appropriately at all times. Threatening, violent or abusive behaviour will result in immediate ejection from the venue. Accommodation: The rooms allocated to the WW by the venue are for single occupancy only. Check in times are after 14:00 on day of arrival; check out times 09:30 on day of departure. Rooms must be left clean, tidy and undamaged. Any damages shall be paid for promptly on demand. Age: Delegates must be 18 or over. The WW will also accept 16 and 17 year olds by prior agreement and only with written consent from a parent or guardian. Computer Equipment: Neither the WW nor the Delegates shall connect any computer equipment to the University’s network unless YCP or the University has examined and 42

approved such computer equipment prior to the connection occurring. Wi-fi is available in communal areas Car parking: Parking is limited to the spaces available (approx 700) on a first come first served basis. Car parking is free for all delegates. Force Majeure: The WW shall incur no liability for any failure to fulfil any obligation under the Contract if prevented from doing so by any cause beyond its reasonable control.

Definitions: “the Venue” means the meeting rooms and residential facilities available for conferences and meetings at the University of York; “WW” means the Writers' Workshop, which is organising the event; “Delegates” means the persons attending the Event who are entitled to use the Facilities under the provisions of the Contract; “the Event Manager” means the person employed by the venue who will work with the Writers Workshop to organise the Event; “the Event” means the Festival of Writing, the details of which are set out in this website; “the Facilities” means the facilities at the Venue which the Writers Workshop agrees with University of York that it will use for the Event including meeting rooms and (where appropriate) Residential Accommodation; “Residential Accommodation” means the bedrooms and other residential facilities at the Venue occupied by the Writers Workshop and the Delegates during an Event; “Start Date for the Event” means the date on which an Event is scheduled to commence; 13th September 2013 “End Date for the Event” means the date on which an Event is scheduled to end; 15th September 2013