Book a 1:1 with a publishing expert

We’re thrilled to offer a series of 1:1 sessions with publishing industry experts at Women’s Prize LIVE. Available to all those with a day pass as a £10 ticket add-on – book your slot now!

Curious about what an agent actually does? Want a reading recommendation from those in the know? Looking for tips on how to start writing, or perhaps you want to elevate your elevator pitch? Don’t miss this unique opportunity to put your questions about writing, publishing and all things books to our friendly industry experts, from agents and writing coaches to marketing and publicity specialists. See below to meet our experts!

£10 per session. 1:1 sessions run for 15 minutes, except for coaching with Janine Giovanni, which run for 25 minutes. Sessions are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!  

How to book: To request a session, please email info@womensprizeforfiction.co.uk with the name of the expert and your preferred time slot. Along with your request, you may also submit up to 2 questions or topics; this will help our experts to come prepared for your session. This is not a pitching opportunity, and unfortunately our experts will not be able to read or review pieces of your writing in advance. Please allow 2 working days to receive a response from our team.

Available expert slots (except Janine – see below):

2.45 – 3.00

3.00 – 3.15

3.30 – 3.45

3.45 – 4.00

4.15 – 4.30

Janine Giovanni slots:

2.00 – 2.25

2.25 – 2.50

3.05 – 3.30

3.30 – 3.55

4.10 – 4.35

4.35 – 5.00

Your slot is not guaranteed until you receive a payment link and official confirmation from the Women’s Prize via email. You must bring your email confirmation – either printed or on your device – to the 1:1 check-in zone on the day. Please arrive promptly – we recommend 5 minutes before your slot – as we may be unable to accommodate latecomers. 

Important note: You must have a day pass to Women’s Prize LIVE in order to purchase a 1:1 add-on.  

Janine Giovanni, Writing Coach, Inkworks 

Please note that sessions with Janine will last 25 minutes. 

I have been a coach for the last thirteen years. Initially coaching within Penguin Random House alongside my day job as Marketing Director, in 2019 I set up my coaching business, Inkworks, to focus on the area of the work I have always been most passionate about – people. 

I have coached many writers, from beginners to Sunday Times bestsellers, on everything from imposter syndrome to procrastination, fear of the blank page to time management and everything in between. The words my clients use most often to describe my work are effective, playful and empowering. 

Come and talk me about:

• Things that stop you writing
• Lack of belief in your ability or your work
• Creating a writing practise that works for you
• Anything else at all that you are stuck with!

Viola Hayden, Literary Agent, Curtis Brown – SOLD OUT

I moved to Curtis Brown over three years ago, having spent the previous seven years working in some of the biggest publishing houses as an editor of commercial fiction. I am co-agent to Jonny Geller, and also have my own list of clients. I am looking for commercial and reading group fiction, but also narrative non-fiction and some memoir. I am not looking to represent science fiction, fantasy, horror, or books for children and young adults.

Come and talk to me about: 

• What an agent does 
• Pitching your novel to agents 
• How publishing works

Lucy Morris, Literary Agent, Curtis Brown

Lucy Morris is a literary agent at Curtis Brown, where she represents commercial and reading group fiction. She is a judge for the Women’s Prize Trust’s Discoveries Prize, now in its third year.

Come and talk me about:

• Pitching
• Submitting to literary agents
• How agents work with authors

Ellie Pilcher, Head of Fiction Marketing at Bonnier Books 

I am the Head of Fiction Marketing at Bonnier Books UK, working across literary and commercial titles on the Zaffre, Manilla Press and Embla lists. I am also a published women’s fiction author, with my debut What Planet Can I Blame This On? published by Hachette in 2021 and founder of #MarketYourMarketing, a series of videos about publishing and marketing books.  

Come and talk to me about:

• How to utilise social media to promote your author brand and/or book (including TikTok!)
• How to engage readers through newsletter/email marketing to develop a strong mailing list 
• Ways to maximise your marketing as a traditionally published author and reach more readers than ever

Eleanor Stammeijer, Publicity Manager at Bonnier Books UK

I am a Publicity Manager at Bonnier Books UK, working across the Zaffre Publishing Group with many bestselling authors including Stacey Halls, T. M. Logan, Christy Lefteri, Minnie Driver, and Anita Bhagwandas. As well as my campaign work and focussed, sales-driving publicity, I regularly contribute to wider publishing strategies and spearhead brand awareness for the group’s new health and wellbeing imprint, Lagom.

Come and talk to me about: 

• What an author can do when it comes to driving their own publicity, whether they’re working with a publicist at a publishing house or are self-published
• How to effectively build and maintain relationships to help book promotion
• All the different facets of PR, from print press to events

Annabel White, Literary Agent’s Assistant

I’ve been at Curtis Brown since 2021, and have worked with a number of agents in the last year and a half. I started in the Translation Department, working on kids and YA titles, and I now work with the agents Cathryn Summerhayes and Jess Molloy on their varied and eclectic lists of authors. This is my first year taking part in the Discoveries Team and I’ve absolutely loved being a part of it.

Come and talk to me about:

• Polishing your novel
• Submitting to agents
• General industry-related questions