BFLA Open Week: Top 10 Tips on Submitting to an Agent

Here are Juliet Pickering’s top 10 tips on submitting to an agent…

1. Once your (whole) novel, or non-fiction proposal, is finished and polished, you’re ready to go! Consider your genre, e.g. is your story crime, romance, literary, speculative – or memoir, history, business, nature writing etc. – or a crossover of two?!

2. Do your research! You could start somewhere like  Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook or the Acknowledgements in a book’s endpages to check which agencies represent which genres, or simply search online. Then…

3. Look at agency websites and individual agent pages. Most agents list what they’re looking for & who they represent, to guide you on their tastes. Many also tell you what they DON’T represent! Check you/your book are a fit.

4. Follow submission guidelines. Each agency will have submission requirements/a page of info, e.g. www.blakefriedmann.co.uk/submissions. Most will ask for cover letter, first three chapters + 250-word synopsis (fiction), or synopsis + proposal if non-fiction.

5. A non-fiction proposal would usually include a longer synopsis of 500 words max, two sample chapters including introduction/1st chapter, and a detailed chapter plan.

6. For fiction, if you have shorter/longer chapters and/or a prologue, take the recommended three chapters to mean up to 10,000 words (i.e. stop at a point that feels natural but don’t send a lot more!).

7. Synopsis should include entire plot/narrative arc of your book, so tell us what happens at the end, or how you conclude. We need to know: main characters, main events/turning points, main emotional journey (fiction) OR narrative style, argument, research (non-fiction)

8. Cover letter should be personable & professional, introducing book with comparisons to similar books/TV/film, genre, TITLE & word count. Then one-paragraph blurb – intriguing, setting up hook & main characters! – and a short bio about you/your writing.

9. Let us know you’ve done your research, and why you’re sending to that agent in particular, e.g. ‘You’re looking for a big love story involving older characters and my novel offers that too’; ‘I see you represent *** and my work has similar themes…’

10. Submit to several agents at once, check in politely after the period indicated on their website and, when one asks for a full manuscript or first meeting, let all the others know! GOOD LUCK!

Filming wraps on Sheena Lambert's BÁITE

According to RTE, filming has wrapped in County Galway, Ireland on Sheena Lambert’s feature film BÁITE. Adapted for the screen by Sheena from her book THE LAKE, published in 2015, BÁITE is a gripping murder mystery and a compelling family drama that unfolds over All-Ireland weekend in 1975.

The film is director Ruán Magan’s feature debut and is produced by Danú Media with support from TG4, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, and Coimisiún na Meán/The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as part of the Cine4 Development Scheme for Irish language live-action feature films.

The film’s cast includes Eleanor O’Brien, Moe Dunford, Oisín Mistéil, Fionnuala Gygax, Mark MacGearailt, Denis Conway, and Pádraig Ó Loingsigh.

According to RTE, the synopsis reads: ‘In the rural village of Glanaphuca, Peggy Casey is fighting to save her family’s pub – and her family – so a body being discovered in the receding waters of the local manmade lake really is the last thing she needs.

‘Now, Detective Sergeant Frank Ryan from Dublin is probing her with uncomfortable questions, her best customer has mysteriously disappeared, and her siblings, as always, are only causing her problems.

‘The more Detective Ryan’s investigation progresses, the more Peggy’s life begins to unravel and soon it’s clear that nothing in Glanaphuca will ever be the same again.’

Producers Siobhán Ní Ghadhra and John Brady of Danú Media told RTE: ‘Seeing the story of Báite come to life has been an amazing journey. Working alongside Sheena Lambert, who created the world, Ruán Mangan, who brought it to life, and an incredible, dedicated cast and crew, we have all poured our hearts and souls into this film, and we can’t wait for audiences to experience it.’

Sheena Lambert told RTE: ‘I loved creating the character of Peggy Casey, a strong, sassy young Irish woman; a true embodiment of 1970s women’s lib! It has been an absolute dream to see her brought to life by this amazingly talented cast and crew, and incredibly special for the filming to have taken place in Conamara, a place very close to my heart.’

About Sheena Lambert

Sheena Lambert was a recipient of Screen Ireland’s Mentorship in Screenwriting in 2021 and 2023 and was also part of Peter McKenna’s Writer as Executive Producer programme run by Screen Ireland/WGI and MediaXchange’s Series Accelerator programme with John Yorke and Jeff Melvoinas in 2023. She recently took part in a Screen Ireland-funded placement on the MediaXchange showrunner programme in LA.

Her original feature film THE BLUE GIRL is in development with Martina Niland of Port Pictures, with Gurinder Chadha of Bend It Films set to direct. Her Comedy Drama feature WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Is in pre-production with Grand Pictures. Both projects were recipients of Screen Ireland funding. She is also attached as a writer and Executive Producer on Greenlit Productions (Finland) and Ninth Street Productions (NYC)’s TV series, REMARKABLE WOMEN’S STORIES.

Follow Sheena on X (previously twitter)

Alan Parks joins Baskerville with new World War Two thriller trilogy GUNNER

Image: Euan Robertson

We are delighted to announce that Alan Parks, the award-winning author of the Harry McCoy series, has joined Baskerville, the literary crime and thriller imprint of John Murray, with his new World War II-set thriller trilogy GUNNER. Yassine Belkacemi, Editorial Director at John Murray and Baskerville, acquired UK and Commonwealth Rights (excluding Canada) from Isobel Dixon at Blake Friedmann Literary Agency.  Following his international acclaim for McCoy, publishers have also secured translation rights for the first book, GUNNER, in France (Editions Payot & Rivages) and Italy (Bompiani), while all three books in the series have been sold in Spain (Tusquets).

Joseph Gunner, an ex-cop of Swedish heritage, arrives back in Glasgow after being wounded in combat. His old boss persuades him to help investigate a body found in the wreckage of a bombed-out building. But when the body turns out to be that of a German, mutilated to disguise his identity, Gunner finds himself embroiled in a high level conspiracy that may well cost him his life. Partly inspired by the true story of Rudolph Hess’ secret mission to broker appeasement with Britain during WWII, GUNNER is a thrilling and compelling novel.

Alan Parks said: ‘I’m delighted to be embarking on this new series with Yassine and all at John Murray. Gunner has found a great home.’

On behalf of John Murray, Yassine Belkacemi added: ‘I’ve been a huge admirer of Alan’s work for a number of years and I’m buzzing that he has entrusted his brilliant new series to us at Baskerville. GUNNER is a riveting and extremely stylish work and Alan’s latest creation, Joseph Gunner, shows a great depth of humanity and complexity. I can’t wait for readers to meet him. The whole Baskerville and JMP team are delighted to welcome Alan and we can’t wait to launch the first book in this fantastic trilogy.’

‘Alan has so many ardent fans for his McCoy series – of which more in the future too – and it’s wonderful to see Alan’s new hero Joseph Gunner winning publishing admirers around the world already,’ said Isobel Dixon. ‘We are so thrilled that the GUNNER trilogy has found such a fine home with Yassine and Baskerville – a perfect match.’

About Alan Parks

Alan Parks worked in the music industry for over twenty years before turning to crime writing.

His debut BLOODY JANUARY was shortlisted for the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, FEBRUARY’S SON was nominated for an Edgar Award, BOBBY MARCH WILL LIVE FOREVER won the Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original, the Prix Mystère de la Critique in the foreign fiction category, and was shortlisted for the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel and THE APRIL DEAD was shortlisted for the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year. The fifth Harry McCoy book, MAY GOD FORGIVE, was published in April 2022 and won the McIlvanney Prize for Scottish Crime Book of the Year 2022. It was shortlisted for the 2023 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award and longlisted for the 2023 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award. Most recently, TO DIE IN JUNE, the sixth entry in the series, was published by Canongate in 2023. The Harry McCoy series is optioned for television.

Alan was born in Scotland and attended The University of Glasgow where he was awarded a M.A. in Moral Philosophy. He still lives and works in the city as well as spending time in London.

Praise for Alan Parks

‘One of the great Scottish crime writers’ – The Times

‘Tipped to become an enduring classic of tartan noir.’ – Sunday Post

‘The Harry McCoy books by the bold Alan Parks just get better and better… If you’re not already reading these books, get onto them now.’ – Liam McIlvanney

‘Noir has long been the dominant colour in the palette of such Scottish writers as Ian Rankin and Denise Mina, but Parks manages to find a deeper shade of black… A must for those who take their noir straight, no chaser.’ – Bill Ott, Booklist

‘The birth of a new kind of intuitive old detective; rogue, stubborn, and Scottish... the new smash hit of Scottish noir.’ –Laura Fernández, El País

Visit Alan’s website

Follow Alan on Twitter

Another Irish No.1 bestseller for Sheila O’Flanagan

We are delighted that THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is No.1 in the Irish Original Fiction bestseller chart! Another chart-topper to add to an impressive list – most recently, Sheila’s two previous two novels, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE and WHAT EDEN DID NEXT, were both Irish No.1 bestsellers, with the latter spending a total of nine weeks in the Top Ten.

Published by Headline in the UK and Ireland on 9th May 2024, THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR follows an unlikely trio – Izzy, Charles and Ariel – whose coming together has some unexpected consequences…

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Sheila will be a headline guest at this year’s (already sold-out) Prima Rooftop Book Event in July alongside Kristen Perrin, Laura Kay and Blake Friedmann’s own Norie Clarke. Books Editor Nina Pottell will host the event.

You can listen to Sheila talk about THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR on Ireland AM here.

Photo credit: Bill Waters

About Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award.

 Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pick

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

‘A glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying. Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O’Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

‘Compelling in its intricacy, and the main characters, Izzy and Ariel, will get under your skin.’ – Vicki Notaro, The Sunday Times

Visit Sheila’s website.

Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan is an immediate Irish bestseller

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR by Sheila O’Flanagan has hit No.4 on the Irish charts after only three days on sale.

Published by Headline in the UK and Ireland on 9th May 2024, THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR has already proved a hit among readers, with one fan describing it as ‘fabulous’ and another saying they ‘definitely didn’t want to put this book down.’

THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR follows an unlikely trio – Izzy, Charles and Ariel – whose coming together has some unexpected consequences…

Izzy is in the Caribbean on the honeymoon-that-isn’t after her fiancé broke her heart. She’s not looking for someone new. But when she meets Charles Miller, a successful writer holidaying alone, the electricity is undeniable. And what does she have to lose?

 In Ireland, Charles’s ex-wife and agent Ariel flits from party to party, glamorous and poised. She’s in constant contact with Charles. They’re very close. Ariel wonders if they should get back together. She’s an independent woman, but she liked being part of a power couple. And she’s sure she only has to say, and they’ll pick up where they left off.

No matter how in control of life you think you are, it can shock and surprise you. As Izzy, Ariel and Charles are about to find out...

Sheila celebrated publication in Dublin with her Headline editor Marion Donaldson, the Hachette Ireland teams, agent Isobel Dixon and a group of Irish booksellers.

Sheila’s previous two novels, THE WOMAN ON THE BRIDGE and WHAT EDEN DID NEXT, were both Irish No.1 bestsellers, with the latter spending a total of nine weeks in the Top Ten. WHAT EDEN DID NEXT was also shortlisted for Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2022.

Sheila will be a headline guest at this year’s (already sold-out) Prima Rooftop Book Event in July alongside Kristen Perrin, Laura Kay and Blake Friedmann’s own Norie Clarke. Books Editor Nina Pottell will host the event.

Photo credit: Isobel Dixon

About Sheila O’Flanagan

Sheila O’Flanagan is an international bestselling novelist, with more than 9 million copies sold. Most of her novels have been immediate and long-lasting No 1s in Ireland, UK Top 10 Sunday Times Bestsellers and Kindle Bestsellers, and she is published in more than twenty languages around the world. She is the recipient of the prestigious Irish Tatler Literary Woman of the Year Award.

Praise for THE HONEYMOON AFFAIR

An Irish Times ‘Fiction to look out for in 2024’ pick

A Belfast Telegraph ‘Here’s everything to get excited about in 2024’ pick

An i newspaper ‘Best new books to read in May 2024’ pick

‘A glitzy, glamorous rollercoaster of a romance – hugely entertaining escapism and so satisfying Sheila O’Flanagan at her sparkling best’ – Veronica Henry

‘Once again, Sheila O’Flanagan delivers a riveting story, strong characters, great settings and a satisfying dose of romantic adventure, while managing all the while to fly the flag for independent women.’ – Roisin Meaney

‘What a fascinating book, set in the world of publishing. I loved it!’ – Sue Moorcroft

 Visit Sheila’s website.

 Follow Sheila on X (previously Twitter) and Instagram.