The slush pile: a huge stack of unsolicited manuscripts received by publishers and literary agents. If you want to ensure your book has the best possible chance of getting published, avoiding the slush pile is a good place to start. During this informal and sometimes irreverent masterclass, publisher Scott Pack offers straight-talking advice on how to ensure your own submission gets noticed.
Using his many years’ experience in the book industry, Scott will share advice on everything from how to identify the right publisher or agent, to how to write a killer synopsis and cover letter. Plus, for those brave enough to share their pitches, he’ll be looking for volunteers to submit their work for live feedback during the class. If you’re ready (or almost ready) to pitch your novel to a publisher, you won’t regret investing in this course. Book your place now and let Scott help you to avoid common mistakes – and make your submission stand out from the crowd.
Course content
- How to write a cover letter that will ensure your pitch and synopsis get read
- The secrets to writing a good synopsis
- Putting together an enticing submission package
- Researching possible agents and publishers – and identifying the right ones for your work
- Why many publishers and agents won’t read past the first page of your manuscript
- Insider tips for avoiding the slush pile
- Common mistakes made by writers – and how to avoid them
- Best practice for following up with publishers and agents
- Practical session – a few brave volunteers are selected to have their pitch critiqued during the class
- Q&A – an invaluable opportunity to pick the brains of a highly experienced publisher
This course is for you if…
- You’re a writer with a finished manuscript, looking for advice on submitting your work to agents and publishers
- You’ve almost finished work on your novel, and want to learn how to start contacting agents and publishers with your work
- You dream of getting a novel published one day, and want insider advice on the publishing process
Pre-course preparation
If you would like to bring along a copy of your cover letter and/or pitch, Scott will be looking for volunteers on the night to submit their work for live feedback. Please note that this is not compulsory and only a select few submissions will be reviewed during the class.
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Tutor profile
Scott Pack has worked in the book industry for fifteen years. He was head of buying for Waterstones before becoming a publisher and running the Friday Project imprint at HarperCollins. Scott is currently publisher-at-large for Aardvark Bureau, an imprint of independent publisher Gallic Books. He blogs at meandmybigmouth.typepad.com.
Details
This course has now passed – but we update our programme all the time. For information on our full range of masterclasses, sign up to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, or keep an eye on our calendar.
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
