PEOPLE
ON THE SHELF ...
Literary agent Katie Fulford explains why persistence pays off when it comes to getting your book in print
It was at last year ’ s Virtual Writers ’ Weekend
that Winchester literary agent Katie Fulford discovered Dr Sohom Das . The forensic psychiatrist ’ s proposal for a book about his work was taken on by her London agency , Bell Lomax Moreton , and a book deal was negotiated with a top-five publisher .
The writers ’ festival , which is run from Winchester , gave Sohom – like many other would-be authors – the opportunity to meet face to face with literary agents to pitch his initial chapters . This year ’ s festival – from 24 to 27 June – offers writers working in all genres and at all levels , one-to-one agent meetings , writing workshops , author readings , an open mic and talks including Diana Gabaldon , author of the Outlander series , and children ’ s author and illustrator Chris Riddell .
“ Finding a new author is a bit like looking for treasure : you never quite know what you are going to come across ,” Katie says . “ I ’ m always on the lookout for someone who has something different to offer or a story I feel really excited by . Agents are sent manuscripts all the time by people with great ideas , but very few of those go on to become published books .
“ Taking part in Virtual Writers ’ Weekend gives me an opportunity to meet new writers from across the country with lots of different ideas . For writers , it ’ s a unique opportunity to meet publishing professionals and established authors and receive useful feedback .”
Once Katie has signed an author , her role is to help them work up their first three chapters ( for non-fiction submissions ) or whole novel ( for fiction submissions ) so that she can then pitch to a publisher . “ Resilience is absolutely key when it comes to becoming an author ,” she says . “ Authors will often have to write and rewrite their books before they are ready for market .”
The process typically takes months , with agent and author working together . Once a submission has been fine-tuned , Katie will pitch it to publishers . When interest is expressed , agent , author and publishing representatives meet and negotiations begin .
“ I ’ ve worked in the publishing industry for over 25 years and I still get the same thrill from seeing a book through from start to finish , Katie says . “ Some people choose to self-publish , but using an agent and a publisher gives you the benefit of industry professionals supporting you at every step .”
Katie spends most of her time reading initial chapters . “ I love a good family drama or a twisty-turny , dark thriller ,” she says , “ and I still enjoy reading for pleasure , even though I do so much reading for work .
“ With me , it ’ s almost instinctive now when I find something new that I think I can take from manuscript to publisher . Meeting an author at a writers ’ festival is a bit like speed dating . You just get that feeling when there ’ s a connection .”
www . writersweekend . uk
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