Course Summary:

This set of 6 workshops will look at every aspect of a novel submission package to literary agents in a practical and engaging way. Ideal for writers who currently have a completed novel with a view to being traditionally published, but are unsure of how to secure an agent, or writers who are already in the querying trenches but in a bit of a rut.

Course Outline:

The workshops will cover;

1. The Query/Cover Letter-everything from pitching your work, to what to include.

2. How to write a killer synopsis.

3. How to polish your opening chapters.

4. How to choose the right literary agent for you-including submission strategies, dealing with rejections and requests for the full manuscript.

5. Knowing the questions to ask when offered representation and what happens if things don’t work out.

6. A Q&A on anything and everything to do with the querying and/or the publishing process and an open mic session where participants will read their polished opening 10 pages of their manuscript. (The reading is optional, there will be no obligation for anyone to read their work if they do not wish to do so.)

Detailed handouts will be provided at each workshop and participants will also submit a piece of work for the first three weeks related to that week’s workshop (i.e. query letter, synopsis, opening 10 pages) where Fíona will provide comprehensive written feedback.

Course Outcomes:

On completion of this course the participants will be ready to take the next step on their journeys to publication. Writers of all genres welcome.

Short personal biography: Fíona Scarlett is from Dublin’s fair city but is now living in Co. Kildare with her husband and two children. Her debut novel Boys Don’t Cry was published by Faber & Faber in April 2021 and was an instant Irish Times Bestseller. It was shortlisted for Newcomer of the year in the Irish Book Awards, and the Kate O’Brien first novel award. It was also selected as NetGalley UK’s Literary Fiction book of the year. She holds an MLitt in creative writing with distinction from the University of Glasgow, and was awarded a Literature Bursary through the National Arts Council Ireland 2021. She is currently working on her second novel.

This In-Person course will take place in Naas Library every Thursday evening for 6 weeks on  June 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and July 7th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Please only book a ticket if you can attend all 6 classes.

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