How to find a literary agent with Juliet Mushens

An unmissable masterclass with leading literary agent Juliet Mushens

If you’re a new writer, the process of getting your novel into print might seem a bit daunting. This unique masterclass with leading literary agent Juliet Mushens will demystify the publishing process and reveal what agents look for in fiction submissions. In the space of just three hours, you’ll learn everything from how to prepare the perfect submissions package, to how to edit your manuscript and pitch your novel.

On the night, Juliet will be joined by two of her most exciting and new authors,Katie Khan and Ali Land, both of whom are have big deals and came via the ‘slush pile’. Come along and find out how to give your novel the best possible chance of being accepted by an agent and transformed into a traditionally published book.

Content

• What is a literary agent – what do they do and why do you need one?
• How to research potential agents and decide who might be the best person to represent you
• What do agents look for in submissions?
• How to write a killer synopsis and cover letter
• Advice on pitching your book to agents
• Editing your manuscript
• Discussion of pitches and blurbs for famous books
• Practical session – selected attendees volunteer to read aloud a short blurb for their book, with opportunity for feedback on the evening (see below for more info)
• Q&A with Ali Land and Katie Khan – including discussion of their cover letters
• Q&A with Juliet – a fantastic opportunity to get advice on the publishing process from a leading literary agent

Course preparation

• Attendees are invited to bring along a short blurb or ‘elevator pitch’ for their book, should they wish to do so. The blurb should be similar in style to the copy on the back cover of books in shops – and no more than one paragraph in length
• Juliet will ask between 2-5 volunteers to share their blurb with the group, with opportunity for feedback on the evening

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Tutor profile

Juliet Mushens is an agent in the UK literary department of UTA. She was highly commended in the Literary Agent of the Year category by the Bookseller in 2015, having been shortlisted in 2014. Her authors range from international bestsellers such as Jessie Burton (The Miniaturist) to James Oswald, as well as social media favourites such as Very British Problems (@SoVeryBritish). Find Juliet on Twitterhere.

Guest speaker profiles

Katie Khan works in digital marketing at Paramount UK. Her first book, a love story set in space, will be published in 15 countries (so far) around the world in 2017.

Ali Land’s debut novel, Good Me, Bad Me, is narrated by the 15-year-old daughter of a serial killer, as she tries to navigate life without her mother’s influence. It was pre-empted, overnight, for six figures by Penguin UK, and will be published in 20 countries around the world in 2016.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website