London Festival of Writing
“It’s fair to say that I am a published author today because of the Festival of Writing” – Amanda Berriman
Since 2010, over three hundred writers per year have travelled to The Festival of Writing, which sees writers, literary agents and industry professionals gather from around the world for a weekend of writing workshops from bestselling authors, literary one-to-ones and more. Find out everything the festival has to offer this year by checking out our brochure.
Take a Peek at the Fun from the London Festival of Writing 2024!
Hear from writers about their amazing experiences at the London Festival of Writing 2024 — whether it was the inspiring workshops, the valuable connections, or just the fun of it all. The 2025 festival is shaping up to be even better, so register your interest now for a weekend you won’t want to miss!
The Location
Our venue is the stunning Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, London. While the festival will still be non-residential, the hotel has offered 50 rooms at a reduced rate, so if you’d like to stay on site you’re best to get your booking in nice and early. There are also options such as a Travelodge and Premier Inn that are just across the street from the hotel, making it the perfect easy-to-access location.
Where Writing Careers Are Born
“I’m excited BEYOND BELIEF to announce that I am now rep’ed by the wonderful Kiya Evans at the incredible Mushens Entertainment. I first met with Kiya at the Jericho Writers Festival of Writing at the end of last year, and it was a real turning point in my writing and querying journey.”
– Rebecca Lewis Smith
Friday Night Live: The Highlight of the Festival!
This incredible, career-launching competition sees eight finalists take the festival stage to read live in front of a panel of literary agents and their fellow festival attendees.
Looking to pay in instalments?
Are you a low-income writer?
You could be eligible for a bursary. Take a look at our bursary schemes here.
Festival of Writing Success Stories
Throughout the years we have welcomed hundreds of authors to the Festival of Writing. Festival attendees have gone on to secure representation, get a deal from Big-5 Publishers, or successfully self-publish their books. Will you be next?
2025 Festival Saturday Workshops
Take a look up at the incredible and varied line-up of experts who will join us on Saturday, 28 June for the 2025 festival.
Opening Keynote – Who Do You Think You Are? Writing Through Imposter Syndrome
with Ruth Ware • 9.45-10.30am
- Bio
With nine crime novels to her name, including In a Dark Dark Wood and One Perfect Couple, Ruth will share her personal journey of battling insecurity in the face of success.
What’s Selling?
with Morwenna Loughman & Phoebe Morgan • 11.00-12.30pm
- Bio
We’re bringing together two powerhouse publishing figures to share their knowledge on what’s trending in the publishing world, and get the inside scoop on what’s selling now!
Improving Your Prose
with Rosie Fiore • 11.00-12.30pm
- Bio
Writing, like art, music and dance, relies on craft. Work with experienced editor Rosie Fiore as she shares practical tips and techniques to sharpen your prose, sparkle your description and zing your dialogue. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and polish, polish, polish. We recommend you bring a page or two of your own writing to work on.
Preparing For Publication (And Rejection)
with Ola Awonubi • 11.00-12.30pm
- Bio
Learn from Ola’s 30-year journey to traditional publication and get practical tips on staying resilient through rejections. This workshop will help you prepare your work and mindset for the challenges of traditional publishing, leaving you ready for your next steps.
Writing The Past
with H.B. Lyle, Rosie Fiore and Ola Awonubi • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
Whether you’re new to historical fiction or looking to refine your craft, this workshop is perfect for anyone passionate about blending storytelling with the past.
Pitches That Make Us Sit up And Take Notice
with Morwenna Loughman • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
Join literary agent, Morwenna Loughman, for a workshop where you’ll learn how to craft compelling pitches that capture the attention of agents and publishers.
Managing Your Author Career
with Society of Authors (SoA) • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
Learn about agents, publishing deals, and contracts; how to protect your copyright and quote from other works; where to find grants and funding; and how to build a portfolio career. The session will also explore how the SoA supports writers and answer any questions you have. By the end, you’ll feel empowered, industry-savvy, and know where to seek help.
The World Needs Your Novel
with Amie McNee & James Winestock • 4.00-5.00pm
- Bio
Amie and James are here to convince you to write that book you’ve always wanted to. To finish it. To put it out there. To stop messing around and become the author you’re meant to be. This conversation will explore why new books are needed, why your perspective and voice matter and how to get out of your own way and ‘do the thing.’
How To Write A Love Story That Readers Are Obsessed
with Aliya Ali-Afzal • 4.00-5.00pm
- Bio
Write unforgettable protagonists with chemistry, memorable meet-cutes, and gripping storylines. Explore popular romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, second chance love and fake relationship, while learning to build tension and craft compelling love stories readers will adore. Fall in love with your main characters and learn how to write a love story that readers are obsessed with.
Psychic Distance: The Key to Point of View
with Debi Alper • 4.00-5.00pm
- Bio
Learning to use psychic distance – also called narrative distance – will make your writing more powerful, and your story more exciting and engaging for readers. In this session Debi will explain how this magical tool holds the key to point of view, narrative voice, characters’ voices, and showing and telling.
2025 Festival Sunday Workshops
Get ready for an amazing line up of top experts joining us on Sunday, 29 June at the 2025 Festival.
Different Routes To Publication
with An Agent, Bookouture, & Debbie Young
- Bio
Not sure which route you want to take to get your book out there? In this panel, we’ll be joined by a literary agent, digital first publisher Bookouture, and self-publishing expert Debbie Young, to discuss the varying routes you can take. We’ll dive into the pros and cons of each, what each journey might look like, what it’s like to go down each route, and help you to figure out where the perfect home for your work might be.
Getting The Attention Of Young Readers
with Angela Kecojevic • 11.00-12.30pm
- Bio
Grabbing the attention of young readers is tough in such a competitive bookish world. Angela will talk about the importance of crafting exciting chapter endings, the thrill of pace and the greatest hook of all: premise. You will explore what pulls children into stories and how to keep them glued to every page.
Creating Epic Worlds
with Tom Toner • 11.00-12.30pm
- Bio
Learn how to world build the strange and unexpected with critically acclaimed science fiction author Tom Toner, whose space opera novels often feature non-human protagonists and far-flung, bizarre settings.
Thrills & Chills
with Sophie Flynn & Becca Day • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
Looking to inject a bit of thrill into your novel? In this panel, we’re going to be discussing all things plot twists, pacing, red herrings, and everything else that goes into writing a page-turner.
Writing Through The Hard Times
with Abigail Johnson • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
If rejections are getting you down, how do you know when to give up? The answer is don’t! Abigail shares her honest experience of becoming a traditionally published author and all the bumps in the road along the way to success. In talking about her writing journey, she will inspire you to hold on to your dreams and find ways to keep writing through the hard times.
Writing What You Don’t Know
with Davina Bhanabhai • 2.00-3.00pm
- Bio
Join Davina on writing about unfamiliar topics with accuracy, sensitivity, and respect. Learn how to research, understand nuances, avoid stereotypes, and engage with lived experiences. Explore strategies for reflecting on biases and practicing empathy while ensuring your writing is responsible and authentic.
The Big Genre Write-In
3.45pm – 4.45pm
- Bio
Looking to connect with other writers in your genre? This is your opportunity. Come along to our Genre Write-In, where you’ll sit and work on your projects with other writers in your genre. After a writing sprint, you’ll be invited to share your work with those on your table and encouraged to give and receive feedback. At the end of the session, you’ll have the chance to swap details with your fellow genre writers so that you can continue to connect long after the festival ends.
Self-Edit Your Novel Mini Session
with Debi Alper • 3.45-4.45pm
- Bio
We’re excited to have Debi Alper, author of five novels and award-winning editor, leading two incredible workshops across the weekend as well as hosting Friday Night Live (but on a Saturday). With years of experience and a deep understanding of the editing process, in this workshop Debi will guide you through essential techniques to refine your manuscript, helping you craft a polished, professional draft.
The Art of Memoir
with Nikesh Shukla • 3.45-4.45pm
- Bio
Nikesh will share insights on why we tell stories, how to choose them, and finding your voice. Through practical exercises and discussions, you’ll learn to craft compelling stories that reflect your unique perspective and resonate with others. Unlock the power of your personal experiences and storytelling skills!
Closing Keynote
with Kingsley Pearson and Debi Alper • 5.00-6.00pm
- Bio
Join Kingsley Pearson and Debi Alper as they discuss why and how to keep going as writers. They’ll look at common challenges all writers face, such as rejection and disappointment, and how to navigate these so you can still make the most of the journey, and reap the rewards writing has to offer.
Check out the London Festival of Writing 2025 brochure for exciting workshops and more!
What’s included in your ticket?
Workshops with best-selling authors
Meet other writers
Food & drink
Competition entries
Festival of Writing: Where Your Writing Journey Begins
Eleanor Anstruther
Festival Attendee and author of ‘A Perfect Explanation’ (2019)
Planning your festival weekend
Our London Festival of Writing venue, the stunning Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, is accessible by major travel networks and within reach of a range of amenities.
Nearby hotels
You can choose to either stay at the gorgeous Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, or one of the other options nearby, including: Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill) Hotel, Travelodge London Central Aldgate East, Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge and Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hotels.
Directions by train
The closest stations are Tower Hill Underground Station, Tower Gateway DLR Station and Fenchurch Street Rail. It’s about a five-ten minute walk from each of these stations to the venue.
Directions by car
There is on-street parking available outside Leonardo Royal
London Tower Bridge (parking meter charges apply).
The nearest car park is the Minories car park located on 1 Shorter street, which has 401 car park spaces. Please telephone 020 7481 3153 for details of current parking charges, or visit
parkopedia.co.uk for more parking locations
Local amenities
Within a five minutes walk of the venue, you can find several small supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Co-op.
There are also plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants in the area – perfect if you’re after a post Friday Night Live (But on a Saturday) drink with your fellow festival-goers.
If there’s anything you need during your time at the festival, please don’t hesitate to ask one of our team members.
Want to make friends before the festival?
First step, join our online community group for festival attendees in Townhouse.
You’ll also be invited to an online ‘genre mixer’ event on Zoom the month before festival to give you the chance to meet your fellow writers, as well as a session with Becca Day, Head of Membership and Festival Director, to answer any questions and quell any pre-festival nerves.
Make Life-long Writing Friends at the Festival
Carolyn, B
Festival Attendee
Frequently asked
questions
Where can I find the terms and conditions of booking?
You can find our full terms and conditions for the Festival here.
Where exactly is the Festival of Writing?
It will be held in London at the Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel. The address is: Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel, 45 Prescot Street, London E1 8GP.
Is there parking on-site?
There is on-street parking available outside Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge (parking meter charges apply). The nearest car park is the Minories car park located on 1 Shorter Street E1 8LP, which has 401 car park spaces. Please telephone 020 7481 3153 for details of current parking charges, or visit http://en.parkopedia.co.uk/ for more parking locations.
What public transport can I get there?
The closest stations are Tower Hill Underground Station, Tower Gateway DLR Station and Fenchurch Street Rail. It’s about a five-ten minute walk from each of these stations to the venue.
Can you recommend accommodation nearby?
Please remember, it’s your responsibility to arrange accommodation if needed. Any accommodation issues should be addressed directly with the hotel, as we are not responsible for any problems. You can generally find cheaper rates on third-party booking sites, though be aware this may give you less control over your reservation if anything doesn’t go to plan.
If you would like to stay on site, we have reserved 25 rooms at the venue on Saturday June 28 at a discounted rate. After purchasing your ticket, please get in touch for more details and the discount code.
If you prefer a different hotel, there are numerous options nearby. We recommend that attendees do their own research before booking accommodation for the event.
When should I plan to arrive at the Festival of Writing 2025?
We always recommend giving yourself plenty of time to arrive in case of any delays. For Saturday arrivals, registration is from 8.30am to 9.45am, with the opening keynote beginning at 9.45am. Registration on Sunday is from 9.00am to 9.30am.
From the hotel main entrance, please follow the signs downstairs to the registration desks (there is a lift for those with accessibility needs). You’ll be greeted by Jericho Writers staff who will issue you a name badge and give you a programme.
Can I arrive late? (for example, my train only arrives in London at 10:00)
Yes, of course, but please arrive at sessions quietly and respectfully. Please let us know you’ve arrived by visiting the Festival reception (downstairs from the main hotel entrance) at your earliest convenience so we check you in and provide you with a name badge.
What can I do with my luggage?
If you are staying at the hotel, you are encouraged to check in early so that you can drop your luggage in your room. If this is not possible, there will be an un-manned cloakroom that can store your bags until your room is available. If you are staying at a hotel nearby overnight it is ideal to drop off your luggage where you are staying prior to the festival, but again you are welcome to use the un-manned cloakroom if that is not possible. All luggage is left at your own risk and we cannot be held liable for any missing or damaged possessions.
I have access needs. Can these be accommodated?
There is a wheelchair-friendly lift that is designated specifically for festival attendees (general hotel guests are not permitted to use it) and we will be advising all attendees to allow those with accessibility needs to use the lift first.
Leonardo Royal Tower Bridge Hotel is highly experienced at running large, complex events. If you have particular concerns, you will be able to express these when booking your workshops and sessions. The hotel will be made aware of any specific access needs in advance and will do their best to accommodate you. Please note that access needs must be entered into the Attendee Information form on your booking page by 23:59 BST on 2 June.
What kind of food is offered over the weekend?
Every day you attend the festival, you will be provided with a two-course buffet lunch, plus teas, coffees and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. If you are a Saturday or Weekend ticket holder, you will also have a sit-down gala dinner on Saturday evening. You’ll be able to let us know about any dietary requirements when you come to book your sessions. Please note that dietary requirements must be entered into the Attendee Information form on your booking page by 23:59 BST on 2 June.
Are the gala dinner and evening drinks on site?
Yes, you don’t need to leave the festival venue to attend the Saturday evening gala dinner or drinks. There will, however, be a 90-minute break in which you are welcome to leave the venue to get changed or freshen up.
Will Friday Night Live happen?
Yes – the only difference is that it’s happening on a Saturday. Entries will be open from 5 February, and close to submissions 23:59 BST on 9 June. We will email all ticket holders with more information when we open to entries.
I’m only coming on Sunday, can I still enter Friday Night Live?
Unfortunately, only Saturday and Weekend ticket holders can enter Friday Night Live. If you’d like to upgrade from a Sunday ticket to a Weekend ticket, please reach out to us.
What do I need to bring with me?
Something to take notes on, a bottle for water, and perhaps some snacks if you know you need extra sustenance during the day! While the cost of lunch, tea, coffee, snacks and (for Saturday or Weekend ticket holders) the gala dinner are all covered by your ticket, you will need to bring money if you would like to buy anything from the hotel bar through the day.
How do I book an agent one-to-one at the Festival?
One-to-ones are included in your ticket. Weekend ticket holders will receive two sessions, while day ticket holders will receive one. Bookings will open on 5 February and close at 23:59 BST on 9 June. Please note, once you have chosen your one-to-ones, your choice is final, and one-to-one sessions are first-come, first-served. If a session is greyed out, it is unavailable for booking and you will need to select a different agent and/or time slot.
Can I only book one Festival agent one-to-one session?
It depends on your ticket type. Full weekend ticket holders are entitled to two one-to-one sessions, whereas day tickets entitle you to one session.
What should I upload for my agent/book doctor session?
When uploading your files, you may select whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. You may also submit a brief question for the agent to address in their feedback and any one document in particular you are especially seeking feedback on. If you do not have any specific questions or areas of interest for feedback, you can leave these blank.
Authors of fiction are expected to upload a query letter, synopsis, and first 5000 words of the manuscript. Authors of picture books are expected to upload a second picture book text in place of the synopsis.
Authors of non-fiction are expected to upload a query letter, book proposal, and opening pages (3000-5000 words) of the manuscript – though be aware that as a book proposal is longer than a synopsis, your agent may compensate by reading a shorter sample of your manuscript extract. You can use the session focus dropdown to indicate whether you would prefer the agent to prioritise the extract or the proposal. If you are writing memoir or other narrative non-fiction, you may upload a synopsis instead of a proposal.
All documents must be Word documents (.doc or .docx). We will not send any additional files (including PDF illustrations) to the agent in advance of your session. All documents must be submitted by 23:59 BST on 9 June and submissions are final – there is no guarantee that reuploaded or edited files will be read by your agent.
How do I make sure I can attend the workshops and mini-courses I’d like to?
After purchasing your ticket, you will be able to select your workshop itinerary. You will need to complete and confirm your itinerary by 23:59 BST on 9 June. Please be aware that workshops are first-come, first-served.
Will the talks be recorded?
They will not be – make sure you go to the workshop or mini-course you most want to learn from.
How can I connect with other festival attendees ahead of time?
You can join in the conversation on Townhouse here to plan accommodation and travel, and to chat all things festival! We’re also going to be organising an online pre-festival mixer in June where you’ll be able to ask any questions and meet other attendees – we will email you with more information about this closer to the event.
Will there be opportunities for networking?
Yes! As well as our tea/coffee breaks, attendees with a Saturday or Weekend ticket can attend the Gala Dinner on Saturday night which our Friday Night Live judging panel will be attending. For attendees with a Sunday or Weekend ticket, we will be running a dedicated networking session (the Writer’s Hall) on Sunday morning where you can mingle with Jericho Writers staff and publishing professionals.
