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Pitch Prize 2026: Meet the Judges

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Write Human: Plot and Structure

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Write Human: Pitch & Synopsis

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Write Human: Voice & Characterisation

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Short Story Award: Meet the Judges

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Q&A with our 2026 First Novel Award Judges – RECORDING

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Starting at 40: Inside the Life of a Career Writer

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Craft Meets Commerce: What Publishers Want Writers to Know

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The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide

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Write Human: Build Your Literary toolkit

A three-part series from Blue Pencil Agency at Bàrd Books

In the age of AI, it’s becoming increasingly easy to generate a competent page of prose. But only a human can decide what the heart of your novel is really about, whose voice should tell it, or where to place information to best engage the reader.

 

Across three evenings at Bard Books, BPA directors Sara and Frances are joined by bestselling novelists Saskia Sarginson and Louise Doughty, and by agents Kat Aitken and Seren Adams of Lexington Literary (this year’s judges for our Pitch Prize), to work through the key points where writers most often come unstuck: finding a voice that is truly yours, pitching a book in a way that clarifies what you’re actually writing, and building a structure that holds a reader to the last page. Each evening is informal and hands-on, with writing exercises and editorial feedback on the night. Come to one, or come to all three and build the toolkit.

 

Part One: Voice & Characterisation, with Saskia Sarginson
Part Two: Pitch & Synopsis, with Seren and Kat of Lexington Literary
Part Three: Plot & Structure, with Louise Doughty

EVENT

Upcoming events

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PAST EVENTS

events and workshops

Scroll through the past events we held

  • Short Story Award: Meet the Judges
    Short Story Award: Meet the Judges
    16 Jul 2026, 19:00 – 20:30 BST
    Virtual Event
    Our judges for the Short Story Award answer your questions, live on Zoom! Get the inside track on what literary agent Corissa Hollenbeck (Janklow & Nesbitt) & writer Sussie Anie are looking for. Short stories are a great way to catch agent interest & raise your chances of finding representation.
  • Starting at 40: Inside the Life of a Career Writer
    Starting at 40: Inside the Life of a Career Writer
    13 May 2026, 19:00 – 21:00
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Claire Fuller is the bestselling author of five novels, including Unsettled Ground (winner of the Costa Novel Award), Our Endless Numbered Days (winner of the Desmond Elliott Prize), and Swimming Lessons (shortlisted for the RSL Encore Award).
  • Q&A with our 2026 First Novel Award Judges – RECORDING
    Q&A with our 2026 First Novel Award Judges – RECORDING
    22 Apr 2026, 19:00 – 23:00
    Zoom
    Our judges for the First Novel Award answer your questions, live! Get the inside track on submitting to agents. When it comes to agent submissions, it’s essential to understand the industry. Olivia Maidment, literary agent at Madeleine Milburn Literary, TV, & Film Agency, and writer Freya Bromley
  • Craft Meets Commerce: What Publishers Want Writers to Know
    Craft Meets Commerce: What Publishers Want Writers to Know
    18 Mar 2026, 19:00 – 21:00
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Together, Samantha and Phoebe will offer an insider’s view of the publishing industry, sharing practical advice on navigating the market while staying true to your unique voice as a writer.
  • The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide
    The A–Z of Publishing: An Agent and Editor’s Guide
    11 Feb 2026, 19:00 – 21:00
    Bàrd Books, 341-343 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR, UK
    Join us for either our London-based event or a live, online event, both featuring Joanna Swainson (co-founder and literary agent at Hardman & Swainson) and Katherine Burdon (commissioning editor at Quercus Books).

TESTIMONIALS

What writers say about working with us

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Mercedes G

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend the zoom workshop on The Art of Writing Award Winning Short Stories with a bursary place. I would also like to thank Susannah for the invaluable feedback she gave me regarding my short story writing. For many years, I have faced a lot of hostility from academic institutions for writing in the fantasy genre, so for the like of Susannah, an Oxford academic, to give me such positive feedback has been a brilliant boost of confidence to begin my journey in not only writing novels in the fantasy genre but short stories as well.

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Peter O-S

I have been trying to get my novel completed for the last 5 years having started it 10 years ago. Despite re-writes and getting feedback etc I must have been over it more than 30 times. The seminar with Emma Darwin was outstanding. It’s the best event I have attended and made total sense! So many practical tips with a couple of exercises will now enable me to get the job finished. The session was highly motivating and the method of editing and revision will make the job so much easier but also enjoyable.

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Jon O

Thank you so much for Saturday. It was an inspiring day, especially the evening, and the timing was perfect for me as I get back into writing after my summer break. I felt very lucky to be in the company of so many talented writers, and I thought you did a fabulous job hosting the event, animating the session with Joanna, and of course the session after supper when we all pitched our ideas. Well done. I thought it was terrific.

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Natalie B

Just a quick note to thank you so much for yesterday. It was wonderful to meet you and the workshop was fantastic! I very much enjoyed the exercises and meeting all the other attendees.

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Catherine B

Thank you Emma, for a wonderful experience at the away day and overnight at your stunning home. It is always nice to spend time with writers, but especially like minded creatives out in the deep woods of writing their novels. Both you and your husband were exquisite hosts, taking care of every need. The quality of teaching was exceptional.

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Ian B

The quickest of notes to say ‘thank-you’ for a very enjoyable and very useful session last night. I should also say it was great value for money! I’ve emailed, said the same thing to Emma Darwin, but for you and BPA to initiate, organise, and host such an event is extraordinarily supportive for new writers. Thanks again

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Mairi W

I’m really enjoying these and a great way to stay ‘connected’ with a writing community so thank you so much for keeping them coming!

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Liz L

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the recording of the session, which I just spent the morning working through. I found the ideas and insights valuable and Emma’s approach to narrative structure seems so simple but effective – not as prescriptive/restrictive as all those ’Save the Cat’ type templates, but a great way to stress test shifting plot ideas and first drafts. Looking forward to the next session.

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Julia Wood

I’d like to say a big thank to you and your colleagues for a really engaging and informative evening last night, and for taking the time to run this event, which helps get authors on the map.

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David Flynn

I just wanted to share that I thought last night was great. Two very knowledgeable guests and I thought the mix of Q&A and then interactive part at the end really worked. Lovely venue too.

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Sini Hoenich

Thanks again for the event – I thought it was brilliant. Very helpful and informative and what a great atmosphere at Bàrd Books!

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Kim Carpenter

Thank you for organising this wonderful event. We loved it! The venue is a gem and everyone seemed to be able to hear and see. The content was perfectly pitched – stimulating & informative.

SPEAKERS

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