Workshop Description
Got a finished manuscript — or nearly there — but no idea how to pitch it? This 90-minute interactive workshop will demystify the world of submissions and give you the tools to confidently approach publishers and agents.
Led by publisher and author Isabelle Kenyon (Fly on the Wall Press), this session breaks down what editors and agents are really looking for — and how you can stand out. From crafting a compelling cover letter to identifying the right people to pitch to, you’ll leave this session with clear, actionable strategies and insider knowledge from both sides of the submissions desk.
Ideal for: Writers preparing to submit their manuscript, whether to indie presses or literary agents. Best for fiction and poetry writers.
You’ll Learn:
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How to research and shortlist agents and publishers who are a good fit
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What makes a great pitch — with real examples and templates
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How to write a strong, specific cover letter and author bio
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Common mistakes to avoid (and what gets skipped!)
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How to handle rejections, silence, and next steps
Includes:
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Live editing of example pitches
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Q&A time to discuss your individual pitch or questions
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Optional takeaway submission checklist & pitch template
No prior pitching experience needed — just bring your questions and your curiosity!
This event is Pay What You Decide on the Day, but you must book in advance, as we expect this to be a very popular event and we can’t guarantee any seats for walk-ins on the day: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/burnley-words/t-ojxazgx
Speaker Bio:
Isabelle Kenyon is the Managing Director of Manchester publishing house ‘Fly on the Wall Press’, and was named a Future Leader by the Bookseller in 2024. Founded in 2018, she has led Fly on the Wall Press to win Small Press of the Year at the British Book Awards 2024 (North), achieving finalist status five times in the years 2021-2025.
She is the MA Module Leader for ‘Publishing in the 21st Century’ at Arts University Bournemouth, and the author of psychological thriller ‘The Dark Within Them’, poetry collections including Growing Pains (Indigo Dreams) and one short story with Wild Pressed Books (‘The Town Talks’).
She has had work published internationally in journals such as Ink, Sweat and Tears and newspapers such as The Somerville Times and The Bookseller. She runs the annual Northern Publishers’ Fair and has previously coordinated the Northern Fiction Alliance. She runs PR campaigns for writers and publishers under Kenyon Author Services www.kenyonauthorservices.co.
