For Writers
This year, we’re delighted to offer an array of goodies to the writers in our midst.
Need a new headshot for your webpage and social media channels? We’ve got you covered.
Looking to learn about writing (and publishing!) from a host of industry professionals? Yep, we have that going on.
Are you ready to pitch your work to agents? They’ll be at the festival on Friday ready to listen!
Headshots for Authors & Industry Professionals
Are you in need of an updated headshot? Or looking to up your personal branding game? Multi-award-winning photographer and branding expert Julia Boggio is here to help by offering festival attendees a unique cut-price deal for one headshot.
The shoot will take place in the gorgeous loft of McLaren’s restaurant, which offers multiple options for attractive shooting locations.
Spaces are limited, so book today.
‘Julia made the whole shoot fun and relaxing. I was barely aware of the camera.'
— Jen Hyatt, Author & Activist
Panels for Writers
Discoveries: Demystifying Publishing at Edinburgh Women’s Fiction Festival
Fri 27 Sep 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Unagented female writers will be interested in more details of our first panel from the Discoveries Prize team. Discoveries is the Women’s Prize Trust’s writer development programme and prize for unagented and unpublished women writers working on a novel for adults.
The panel will feature Paige Cowan-Hall, winner of Discoveries 2023 and author of the Audible original, The Shouts Beneath; Ciara Finan, agent at Curtis Brown; and Rachel Morrell, Editor at Black & White Publishing. The event will be chaired by Annabelle Wright, Project Manager at the Women’s Prize Trust.
An Insight Into Indie and Traditional Publishing
Fri 27 Sep 2024 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
What are the differences between indie and traditional publishing? It's a hot topic in the book world right now. Three bestselling romance authors — Julia Boggio, Jayne Castel and Elliot Fletcher — join the festival's Jane Anderson to talk about their latest books, writing journeys, the popularity of the romance genre, and their decision to take publishing into their own hands!
Sponsored by
Agent Speed Dating
We think you’ll be thrilled with this chance to pitch your novel to three randomly assigned agents over a half-hour slot. In line with our Festival theme, this event is aimed at writers of all genders, experiences, and backgrounds who write in the women's fiction genre, which is an umbrella term for books that focus on the characters’ life experiences and are usually marketed to women. These books can be contemporary or historical and can have elements of magic, mystery, and more. We welcome commercial, romance, historical, literary, and book club fiction. Our agents also represent other commercial genres. Visit the Industry Professionals page to read agent bios.
This is an exciting opportunity to get some constructive feedback from industry professionals. It will not guarantee agent representation or publication, but may help you on your way.
Workshops
Hooks Lines & Pitches with Sara-Jade Virtue
Sat 28 Sep 2024 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM, 25 spaces available
An interactive workshop aimed at new writers, looking at hooks, first lines, titles and pitches with Sara-Jade Virtue from the S&S Fiction Editorial team. We encourage all attendees to participate fully in the discussion, and bring along their own pitches and hooks for live feedback.
The Heart of the Forest: Using Fairy Tales and Folklore in Your Writing with Dr Elizabeth Dearnley
Sat 28 Sep 2024 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 25 spaces available
Led by writer, folklorist and Edinburgh Napier Creative Writing lecturer Dr Elizabeth Dearnley, this workshop explores the use of folklore and fairy tales as a basis for fiction, revealing some of the hidden histories behind familiar stories and inviting you to try your hand at retelling your own versions. Through a series of playful writing activities (no prior experience required!) we'll explore how stories shift and evolve over time and cook up some brand-new folktales for 2024.
Take Your First Steps Into Commercial Fiction with Angela Jackson
Sat 28 Sep 2024 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 15 spaces available
If you enjoy reading page-turners and are interested in writing your own, this event is perfect for you. Award-winning author Angela Jackson has created an intensive two-hour beginners’ workshop where you’ll discover how to craft a commercial story and learn how to create vivid, compelling characters. By the end, you'll have the tools and motivation to embark on your own exciting creative journey. **
*One free workshop place — Angela Jackson has reserved a free workshop place for one promising new writer. The complimentary place also commemorates the life of writer Melissa Bank, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to commercial fiction and her renowned generosity towards new writers. If you wish to apply for the free place, please submit the following to edinburghwomensfictionfestival@gmail.com. The subject line must include FREE WORKSHOP PLACE. In the body of the email, please list: Your name, your email address, any access needs we should take into account for your attendance at the workshop. Attach a Word document containing your submission. Maximum of 300 words of fiction that includes some character dialogue.