About the workshop

Writing a novel is a considerable achievement, but pitching it effectively to literary agents is another key skill for writers hoping to be conventionally published. Literary agent Jonathan Ruppin will take you through how to put together an appealing submission.

The session will include what to put in your covering letter (and, just as importantly, what not to), how to write a memorable synopsis, and what agents look for when reading your opening chapters. This informal and welcoming session will try to demystify one of the most frustrating aspects of publishing, with plenty of opportunity for questions.

Who is it for?

This workshop is for all underrepresented writers – creatives who face barriers to opportunities due to mental health issues, physical health/disability, sensory impairment, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, substance misuse, survivors, working-class backgrounds, and those from the LGBTQIA+ community, Black, Asian, traveller, mixed heritage or other global majority backgrounds.

About the tutor

After 20 years working across the book business, Jonathan Ruppin set up the Ruppin Agency in 2017 with the aim of supporting writers from underrepresented backgrounds. His clients’ books have won or been nominated for the Portico Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award, the Betty Trask Prize, the Walter Scott Historical Award and the Saltire Society Literary Awards. With his wife and co-director, Dr Emma Claire Sweeney, he also runs a mentoring ordantion called the Writer’s Studio, helping authors take the next step with their writing. He’s been a judge on numerous literary awards including the Costa Novel Award, the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Award and the Desmond Elliott Prize. He has interviewed numerous authors on-stage, including David Mitchell, Eleanor Catton and Sebastian Barry. He used to write the Bookseller magazine’s Paperback Preview and has also written for the Guardian, as well as appearing on radio and television.

Date

Thursday 23 March, online via Zoom.

Time

6.30 – 8 pm

Cost

£10/£5 concessions

In order to make our resources stretch further, we are requesting nominal fees for some workshops. The more people who book at full price, the more we’ll be able to offer. Lower price tickets are available for those on benefits, unemployed/underemployed or on low wages. We do not ask for proof that you qualify. We also have current/upcoming workshops at lower booking fees—please subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date.

If the workshop is full, you can sign up for the waiting list by emailing us here.