Spread the Word is pleased to be partnering with Madeleine Milburn agency for our latest 1-2-1 feedback opportunity. From Thursday 1 September, we will be accepting submissions for:
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Literary Fiction;
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Narrative Non-Fiction.
Liv Maidment and Rachel Yeoh, literary agents at Madeleine Milburn agency, are offering a maximum of 8 short feedback sessions for submissions by writers from underrepresented backgrounds based in the UK.
Each agent will be offering up to 4 sessions by phone or video.
What the agents looking for:
Liv specialises in literary and upmarket fiction and select literary narrative non-fiction. She loves engrossing, human stories that transport the reader to different times, moments, and places, as well as atmospheric, magical, or historical novels that feel epic in scale and scope. What ties her favourite novels together is a strong voice and an original insight and perspective that speaks to the way that we live now. She loves to work with authors whose work combines an exploration of powerful themes with a strong sense of plot, beautiful prose, and compelling characters. Above all, she’s looking for stories and ideas to connect with and writing that she won’t forget.
You can visit Liv’s agent page here.
Rachel is looking for new voices in literary, upmarket and book club fiction, as well as in the narrative memoir non-fiction space. Rachel is drawn to powerful ideas that say something about our world through a social, political, philosophical or cultural lens, particularly those with a strong postcolonial emphasis, and stories where traditionally marginalised characters are brought centre stage and possess depth, complexity and heart.
You can visit Rachel’s agent page here.
We define writers from backgrounds under-represented in publishing as those who:
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From a lower socio-economic background as defined by the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion guidance
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Have experienced a lack of academic and/or vocational training opportunities – i.e. have not been able to study/train to their full potential due to low income, ill health, being a carer etc.
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Are or have been a carer
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Have experienced homelessness
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Are a single parent
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Have a disability
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Are a writer of colour (Black, Asian, and Global Majority ethnicity)
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Are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community
How to apply
Please note this opportunity is only open to unpublished and un-agented writers based in the UK. Apply via Submittable. Only one entry per applicant will be accepted.
The link to apply is here. We will be open for submissions at midday on Thursday 1 September.
To apply, you will need to upload 3 documents:
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A covering letter of 1-2 pages that includes: A little information about yourself and your motivations for your project, how you meet the criteria for this opportunity and a summary of your writing endeavours to date (e.g. Have you taken part in writing development opportunities? Have you mainly been writing on your own at home?)
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A one-page synopsis
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An extract from your project (3,000 words maximum)
If you are a disabled writer, there is the option to submit visual or audio submissions. Please get in touch with [email protected] if you need any support with this.
Liv and Rachel will be giving feedback on the documents that you submit.
Timeline
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Submissions will open at midday on Thursday 1 September 2022
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The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 30 September 2022
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Applicants will know the outcome of their submission by 18 November and successful applicants will receive their feedback by the end of December 2022.
If you have any queries about your application or this opportunity, please get in touch with [email protected]
About Liv Maidment
Liv is a Literary Agent specialising in literary and upmarket fiction, and select literary narrative non-fiction. Prior to joining Madeleine Milburn to grow its literary list, she worked at The Blair Partnership and United Agents where she worked with bestselling and award-winning authors, and global literary brands.
About Rachel Yeoh
Rachel is an Associate Agent working closely with Madeleine, while building a list in literary, upmarket and book club fiction, as well as narrative non-fiction. She first joined the agency as an intern, and went on to assist Madeleine before becoming an Associate Agent in 2021.
Curious about the next stage of finding an agent? Liv and Rachel will be talking through what happens once you’ve secured agency representation for your work at the London Writers Network event The Path to Publication on 28 September.
For more details and to book your ticket (free for London Writers Network members) check out the event page on our website: https://www.spreadtheword.org.uk/events/london-writers-network-the-path-to-publication/
Published 24 August 2022