DATE WITH AN AGENT Dreaming of writing a bestseller? We’re looking for you! The Dublin Writers Festival Date with An Agent is Ireland’s largest ever talent-spotting workshop. We are looking for 75 top quality authors to pitch their work to 5 leading literary agents keen to sign new talent. To be in with a chance to take part in the event, submit the first 10,000 words of your book in hard copy with a 1,000 word synopsis, the completed application form and €10 entry fee (if booking through www.dublinwritersfestival.com, please include a copy of your booking confirmation you will receive by email) – please ensure that ONLY your book title is on the pages of your submission as all applications will be judged anonymously. Please staple the synopsis and chapters together firmly, using a paperclip to attach the application form. The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 27th March, please ensure you allow sufficient time for delivery. Items postmarked up to 26th March will be accepted. Submissions to the event will be assessed by Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin and a team of consultants from The Inkwell Group. Experienced literary scouts Inkwell have assisted award winning and bestselling authors to publication and will be reading every application, matching the final 15 selected authors in each category to agents Faith O’Grady of the Lisa Richards Agency (general and commercial fiction)Simon Trewin, Partner and Head of Literary at WME (literary & short fiction)Madeleine Milburn, Madeleine Milburn Literary TV & Film Agency (crime fiction)Sallyanne Sweeney of Mulcahy Associates (young adult)Polly Nolan of the Greenhouse Literary Agency (picture books up to middle grade) Please note you may be asked to supply additional material. The fee for successful applicants for the full day workshop, inclusive of lunch and all refreshments, is €50. Two places will be subsidised by writing.ie for the unwaged and will be available at a 50% discount. The day will open with a panel discussion where the selected authors can find out what the agents are looking for, what’s hot at the moment and quiz them in a Q&A session. Then the pitching begins. In a speed-dating style event, each author will have 10 minutes to pitch their book and discuss their work face to face with an agent who is expert in their genre. Where relevant agents will request to see full manuscripts or make recommendations for project development. While the pitching takes place, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin will discuss what catches an agents eye, how the publishing process works, and give tips on creating an author profile to the remainder of the group. Day Format 10.00 Writers Arrive – coffee, meet and mingle 10.30 Agent Panel 11.15 Q&A 12.00 Buffet lunch – meet the agents in an informal setting 1.00 Pitch event 3.30 15 minute break for coffee 5.30 Final wrap To Download the application form and terms & conditions please click here APPLICATION FORM