London Festival of Writing 2023
The Festival of Writing will come to London in October 2023.
Look back at our Festival of Writing 2022
Look back at our Festival of Writing 2022
Since 2010, over three hundred writers per year have travelled to York to attend our Festival of Writing . This year, we’re back for a two-day non-residential festival in London. We’ve retained all the best bits from York – agent 121s, fantastic workshops, Friday Night Live, drinks at the bar – and can’t wait to see you in London this October.
London Festival of Writing at a Glance
Two Day Event in London
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 October, 2023
Mini-Courses and Workshops
Taught by best selling authors and agents
The Location
After over a decade of holding the Festival of Writing in York, we’re now bringing the Festival to London for 2023! The weekend will take place at Regents University, London on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October. This year, the festival will be non-residential so if you want to join for the whole weekend, you’ll need to find accomodation. The new central location makes this very easy and there are many hotels within walking distance.
Get Your Ticket Today
Please do not book an agent 1-2-1 unless you have already bought a festival ticket. Agent 1-2-1s are for ticket holders only.
London Festival of Writing One Day Ticket
London Festival of Writing Full Weekend Ticket
London Festival of Writing Agent 1-2-1s
Festival of Writing Highlights
Here are a few of our favourite things you should look forward to at the festival
Day One
The Festival of Writing kicks off on Saturday 28 October. Look forward to a day of mini-courses, workshops, one-to-ones and, of course, our flagship Friday Night Live competition (but on Saturday).
Registration and Opening Keynote
09.00 – 10.00: Registration
Register your attendance to kick off your time at the festival, meet and greet your fellow writers over tea, coffee and pastries.
10.00 – 10.30: Keynote address: ‘Fail Better’ with psychological thriller author Philippa East
Philippa attended her first Festival in 2016; now her fourth psychological suspense book will release with HQ/HarperCollins in January. Philippa discusses the failures that have led to her success and how (in the words of Samuel Beckett) we can learn to: “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.”
Saturday Morning Mini-Courses
10.40 – 12.30: 2 hour mini-course
‘Self-Edit Your Novel Mini-Course’ with author and creative writing tutor Debi Alper
Buckle in for an exclusive two-hour special of our Self-Edit Your Novel course with course tutor Debi Alper. Debi’s sessions always impress, and many a writer has come away from them with transformed perspectives and upgraded manuscripts.
OR
‘Write a Book That Sells’ with Sophie Flynn and Becca Day
In this mini-course, you’ll learn how to navigate the world of commercial fiction, from choosing the right genre for your novel to targeting specific audiences, from developing page-turning plots to making your submission stand out to agents, publishers and potential readers.
Lunch
12:30-14:00
After a busy morning, have an hour-and-a-half lunch break to rest and recharge ready for the afternoon’s events.
Saturday Early Afternoon Workshops
14:00 – 15:00: 1-hour Workshop
‘Nail Your Elevator Pitch’ with literary agent Laura Williams
Who else is better placed to give you cutting-edge insight into your elevator pitch than a practicing literary agent? Laura Williams has years of experience as an agent and has seen thousands of elevator pitches cross her desk.
OR
‘Breaking The Rules’ with author and creative writing tutor Debi Alper
As humans, we like to order our knowledge into a set of rules. But writing is an expression of the soul, and those rules don’t always apply and, in some cases, breaking them can be all the more impactful for it. Debi returns for her second event of the weekend to guide you in how to break the rules.
Tea and Coffee Break
15:00-15:30
Regular breaks are important to keep your mind relaxed and energised for the rest of the day.
Saturday Late Afternoon Workshops
15:30 – 16:30: 1-hour Workshop
‘The Psychological Secrets of Writing’ with psychological thriller author Philippa East
As a trained psychologist, Philippa has unlocked a new layer of understand when it comes to writing, and in this workshop she’ll be sharing those secrets with you.
OR
‘Perfect Your Query Letter’ with literary agent Laura Williams
Your query letter is most likely your very first interaction with a literary agent. It marks an impression of you and your work on the agent and you want it to make them excited to read. Laura returns to guide you through perfecting your query letter.
Saturday Night Activities
17:00 – 23:00
Settle in for the much acclaimed Friday Night Live competition (but this time on Saturday), then socialise and make connections with your fellow writers over two or three drinks.
Friday Night Live (but on Saturday)
Friday Night Live Final
17:00 – 18:30
This life-changing competition has seen authors such as Joanna Cannon begin their careers. All delegates are invited to enter 500 words from their novel ahead of the weekend for a chance to battle it out on stage with other writers. Our shortlisted writers will read to a live audience as well as a panel of agents, all hosted by Debi Alper.
More information to follow.
Friday Night Live Judges
After-Party at The Albany
19:30 – 23:00
Join us for drinks at The Albany to keep the good times going. Food will be available to order and the first round of drinks is on us!
Day Two
Running from 10am till 6pm, the second day of the Festival of Writing host more mini-courses, workshops and, of course, more one-to-ones with agents.
Registration and Welcome
Registration for newcomers
10:00 – 10:30
A short registration period will be held for any second-day newcomers, again with tea, coffee and pastries available for everyone to perk you up for the day.
Sunday Morning Mini-Courses
10:40 – 12:30: 2-hour mini-course
‘Demystifying Voice’ with creative writing tutor Debi Alper
Many aspiring writers are often told they need to work on their voice, but voice can feel like one of the most ambiguous concepts out there. Debi Alper is fortunately here to step in and help demystify voice and lay out exactly what you need to do to elevate your writing to the next level.
OR
‘Nail Your Dialogue’ with creative writing tutor Judith Bryan
Good dialogue can be oh-so-effective, and bad dialogue stands out like a sore thumb. That is why it’s so important to really nail your dialogue, something which Judith Bryan will be guiding you through in this special mini-course.
Lunch
12:30-14:00
After a busy morning, have an hour-and-a-half lunch break to rest and recharge ready for the afternoon’s events.
Sunday Early Afternoon Workshops
14:00 – 15:00: 1-hour Workshop
‘Knock Your First Page Into Shape’ with author Rosie Fiore
The first page of your novel is by far the most important page. Not only is it the place you need to hook your audience, it’s also vital you get it right to impress prospective agents. Fortunately, Rosie Fiore will help you get your first page into tip top shape.
OR
‘Advanced Characterisation’ with creative writing tutor Judith Bryan
Many people like to try reduce characterisation into a list of techniques and boxes to check, but that is no way to create truly real and emotionally gripping characters. Judith Bryan will guide you on the journey a little deeper under your characters’ skin so you can turn your characters into unforgettable figures.
Tea and Coffee Break
15:00-15:30
Regular breaks are important for being able to absorb and process what you’ve learnt, and make some more space for more knowledge.
Sunday Afternoon Workshops
15:30 – 16:30: 1-hour Workshop
‘Facing the Fear’ with creative writing tutor Debi Alper
Fear is an emotion that makes us freeze, makes us give up and turn away from what otherwise might be fantastic opportunities. Writing is filled with fright, whether it be submitting your delicately composed manuscript to agents, harming a major character or even just putting the figurative pen to page. Facing this fear will let you reach higher echelons, which is exactly what Debi Alper aims to have you do in this writing workshop.
OR
‘Big Picture Editing’ with author Rosie Fiore
Editing a book can feel like climbing an enormous mountain. You don’t know where to start, and you can’t even see the finish line. Many people can become lost in small line-edits or misguided tweaks. Rosie Fiore is here to help you take a step back and map out how to tackle the big picture, before you then focus in on those smaller details.
Closing Keynote
Keynote
16:45 – 18:00
To close out this year’s writers’ festival, creative writing tutor Debi Alper will be joined by our special guest, crime author Elliot Sweeney, on stage for a closing keynote followed by a Q&A.
Festival of Writing: Where Your Writing Journey Begins
Eleanor Anstruther
Festival Attendee and author of ‘A Perfect Explanation’ (2019)
Meet the Agents
All attendees will have the opportunity to purchase one-to-one sessions with our selection of agents. These will be sold separately and are not included in the price of the ticket.
Please note that many agents are now fully booked, however we have opened up some additional sessions with Gyamfia Osei, Laura Williams and Davinia Andrew-Lynch, Rory Clarke, and Megan Carroll. Snap them up before they sell-out!
Make Life-long Writing Friends at the Festival
Carolyn, B
Festival Attendee
Frequently asked
questions
Where exactly is the Festival of Writing?
It will be held in London at Regent’s University. The address is: Main Entrance, Regent’s University London, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NS.
Is there parking on-site?
The venue has 60 car parking spaces that operate on a first come first served basis. Parking is £15 per day. There are 2 places for disabled badge holders.
What kind of food is offered over the weekend?
You will be issued a lunch voucher to purchase lunch in the Regent’s University canteen. If you send your dietary requirements (with ALL possible info on them) to events@jerichowriters.com with the subject heading FESTIVAL FOOD, we will make sure that the venue has these and provides accordingly.
I have access needs. Can these be accommodated?
The venue is fully accessible for standard wheelchair users. People using motorised wheelchairs will have to go around a longer route as the wheelchair lifts the building has cannot take the weight of motorised wheelchairs. We’d love to hear from any writer who is concerned about accessing the London Festival of Writing and will always do our best to help where we can. Contact our team on info@jerichowriters.com.
When should I plan to arrive at the Festival of Writing 2023?
We always recommend giving yourself plenty of time to arrive in case of any delays. For Saturday arrivals, registration is from 9.00 to 10.00, with the opening keynote beginning at 10:00. Registration on
Sunday is from 10:00 to 10:30.
Please arrive at reception. You’ll be greeted by Jericho Writers staff who will issue you a name badge and give you a programme.
How do I make sure I can attend the workshops and mini-courses I’d like to?
We will send you a sign-up form at the same time that you book your one-to-ones.
Will Friday Night Live happen?
Yes – the only difference is that it’s happening on a Saturday. Entries will be open from 9:00BST on 4 September, and close to submissions 9:00BST on 9 October. We will email all ticket holders with more information when we open to entries.
How do I book an agent 1-2-1 at the Festival?
1-2-1s will be available to purchase as an add on – they are not included in your ticket. They will cost £60 for two. The maximum you can purchase is four 1-2-1s. The booking system is now open. Please note, once you have chosen your one-to-ones, your choice is final.
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!
Where can I find the terms and conditions of booking?
You can find our full terms and conditions for the Festival here.
Can you recommend accommodation nearby?
We are not affiliated with any accommodation venues, but the following are within a 15 min walking distance to the venue: Americana Hotel, 146 Studios, Somerset Hotel, Capital Apartments, Marylebone Inn Hotel, Hotel 82, Z Hotel, The Duke Rooms, Travelodge London Marylebone, The Phoenix Hostel, Bell House Hostel.
What public transport can I get there?
You can get the tube to Baker Street (9 minute walk) or the Overground to Marylebone (9 minutes). Alternatively, the buses that run near the venue are the 113, 13, 18, 205, 453, 88, 94, and the 98.
How can I connect with other festival attendees ahead of time?
You can join our Townhouse group here to plan accommodation and travel, and to chat all things festival!
I’m only coming on Sunday, can I still enter Friday Night Live?
Yes, you can! Friday Night Live (Saturday Edition) will run from 17.00 to 18.30. Please arrive at the venue by 16.45. If you won’t be available to attend the competition, please do not enter as each person on the shortlist must be present.
Can I only book only one one-to-one?
Purchasing a £60 block entitles you to two. We encourage you to book both. The more eyes on your work the better!
If I arrive with a suitcase, where can I leave it for the day?
You can leave it at reception.
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.
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.
What can I do with my luggage?
If you are staying nearby overnight it is ideal to drop off your luggage where you are staying. There will be space at the event to store luggage but we cannot supervise this area.
How do we get to ‘The Albany’?
Several walking buses will head there after Friday Night Live.
The Albany’s address is:
240 Great Portland Street,
London, Greater London
W1W 5QU
Nearby you can find underground stations and bus stops. For more information, check out their website.
