The deadline for writing enthusiasts to meet commissioning editors and literary agents at the University of Winchester Writers' Festival is fast approaching.
Now in its 39th year, the Festival is open to emerging creative writers working in all genres and at all levels of experience.
The three-day event on 14-16 June offers hundreds of one-to-one appointments, which give writers the chance to meet with industry professionals. During these 15 minute sessions, writers can pitch their ideas, receive constructive criticism on current projects, discuss publishing/marketing possibilities and get advice on writing challenges.
Those attending the Festival will also gain access to 17 intensive all-day courses and workshops and more than 30 talks, panels and presentations by authors, agents, scriptwriters, bloggers and poets.
Attendees can book to attend one, two or all three days. Friday and Saturday attendees receive two one-to-one appointments per day, with the option to purchase one extra appointment, if their goal is to meet as many agents as possible. The booking deadline is 10 June.
There are still places available for courses, workshops and appointments with agents and authors. Sessions can be booked with over 70 writing professionals including literary agents from Diamond Kahn & Woods, Kane Literary Agency, A.M. Heath, Marjacq Scripts, Jo Fletcher Books, Darley Anderson and the Ben Illis Agency, as well as independent publishers Salt Publishing and Bookouture.
The keynote speech will be delivered on Saturday 15 June by award-winning children’s novelist Katherine Rundell. Katherine's recent works include Waterstones Children’s Prize winning novel Roof Toppers, The Wolf Wilder, and her latest novel The Good Thieves, which will be published in June. The Keynote Address is included in Saturday packages. For tickets to attend Katherine Rundell’s Keynote Address only, visit writersfestival.co.uk.
Sara Gangai, Festival Director, said: "The Winchester Writers' Festival is renowned for bringing emerging writers together for inspiration, support and learning. It's a wonderful opportunity for writers to improve their craft, develop new work, learn more about the publishing process and make those vital connections with agents and editors."
In memory of the founder of Winchester Writers’ Festival, Barbara Large MBE, who sadly died earlier this year, there will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ in the University Chapel during the Festival. The event takes place on Saturday 15th June from 6pm-7pm. All are welcome.
A number of free events will be open to the public on the evening of Friday 14 June, starting at 7:45 pm. These include two panel discussions: one on writing for children and young adults and the other celebrating 21 years of Salt Publishing, which will include readings by three Salt authors. The public is also invited to join attendees and read their published and unpublished stories at an Open Mic. Booking is not required, but early sign-up for the Open Mic is recommended. Find out more at writersfestival.co.uk/fridaynight.
Visit www.writersfestival.co.uk for the full Festival programme and to book day and multiple-day tickets.
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