secure a literary agent: masterclass

A 90 minute online masterclass which delves into the strategy of securing a literary agent for non-fiction, memoir and fiction writers

 

Next online masterclass

19th November 7pm

Sign up to my email list to hear about future dates


New writers often find the world of literary agents and traditional publishing impenetrable and daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. Literary agents are frequently portrayed as scary gatekeepers - but here’s the truth - they WANT your fantastic books.

In this 90 minute live online masterclass, I will take you through a strategic approach that will help you to secure a literary agent that is right for you and your book.

What we’ll cover in the 90-minute masterclass

  • What does a literary agent do and who needs one?

  • How to decide if your submission is ready to approach agents

  • How to research the best literary agents for you and your book, to give you the best chance of an offer of representation

  • A strategic approach to submitting to agents that will stop you wasting precious time and opportunity

  • How to write a simple and effective submission/query email that will have agents wanting to read your submission ASAP

  • Red flags that agents DO NOT want to see in the submission inbox

  • A chance to ask specific questions about your project

  • You’ll also receive resources to support you through the agent submission/query process

BONUS: If you go on to book the Book Proposal Group Program or one to one writing coaching with me - you can redeem the cost of the workshop!

FAQ

Is this workshop right for me?

This workshop is suitable for all kinds of writers - non-fiction, memoir and fiction - who want to publish traditionally and do not yet have an agent. Where there are any differences for non-fiction or fiction writers, I’ll make those clear in the workshop.

I’m not based in the UK - will this be relavent to me in the USA/Australia?

Yes! Agent submission strategy does not change much from region to region. However, I will be mentioning some additional resources and those will be UK specific. If you need a bit of help finding similar resources in your home region, please feel free to email me in advance.

when is the masterclass?

The next Masterclass will be held live on Zoom at 7pm (GMT) 19th November

Do I need to attend live?

Attending live will give you the opportunity to ask specific questions (which is why I love to run my workshops live!). But the recording will be made available to anyone who purchases a spot, so if something prevents you from attending live, you won’t miss out. The recording will only be available to those who book tickets in advance.

What do I need to attend?

Access to Zoom, a notebook and a pen.

I’m a writer on a low income - do you offer any discounts?

If you are a writer on a low income and cannot afford the full cost of the workshop, please contact me by email to request the code making this masterclass completely free of charge. If you are a non-fiction writer on a low income, please do consider applying for the Grant Place on the Non-Fiction Book Proposal Group Program. I offer one completely free place each time I run this program (worth £699).

I’m still a long way from being ready to submit to agents - will you be running this workshop again?

I’ll be running this workshop about two or three times per year. If you’d like to hear about later dates, make sure you sign up to my newsletter to be the first to hear as I release them.

Will I get feedback on my AGent submission email?

I won’t be giving any written feedback in the masterclass but there will be an opportunity to ask specific questions. If you are a non-fiction or memoir writer, and you’d like to get written feedback on what you are submitting to agents, you can book a Book Brainstorm (the cost of the workshop will be deducted from this session). This is a great way to get individual feedback on your draft proposal if you don’t need on going support. Written feedback is also given on the Book Proposal Group Program. If you are a fiction writer and are looking for support from a writing coach, I would be happy to put you in touch with someone who can help.

About Penny Wincer

Penny is a Melbourne born, London dwelling, author and non-fiction book coach. After 15 years as a freelance interiors photographer, Penny began writing about life as a single parent and unpaid carer whilst juggling a freelance creative career. She has written for Red Magazine, iPaper, BBC Radio 4 and The Telegraph amongst many others. Penny’s first book Tender was published by Coronet Books in 2020, described by The Times as ‘urgent and timely’. Her next book Home Matters will be published August 2024. She's a certified non-fiction and memoir book coach with Author Accelerator, has an MA in Creative and Life Writing with Distinction from Goldsmiths and hosts the podcast Not Too Busy To Write.