Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Very few publishers accept direct submissions, which means your journey to publication will almost certainly rely on having a literary agent put forward your work.
This intensive course takes you through the process of approaching agents, offering a series of practical exercises and templates to follow to give you the best chance of success. Suitable for everyone, from those with a book ready to send, to those who just want to understand how the process works.
What will we cover?
- Researching representation. - How do agents work? - Common mistakes authors make. - Tips for writing your cover email / letter. - Tips for writing an attention-grabbing synopsis.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand how to present your manuscript to give it the best chance of succeeding. •Understand how to build and personalise your application around a detailed covering letter. • Find out where to go to get more information on individual agencies – and maximise your chances of getting published. • Understand what to put in (and leave out) of your submission.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for both those who have a fiction or non-fiction manuscript ready, as well as those who want to understand how the submissions process works for future reference.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor instruction, templates, discussion and pair work.
All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.
For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please have pen and paper handy, and a summary of your manuscript if you've completed one.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
City Lit offers a range of professional development courses for authors. For more information please browse the Writing section of our website.
All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.
Rosie Chard is a novelist, writing tutor, freelance editor, writing mentor and English language teacher. After qualifying as a landscape architect, she lived and worked in Denmark and Canada for several years, designing gardens, parks, and urban spaces. Inspired by the enormous skies and harsh winters of the Prairies she wrote her first novel Seal Intestine Raincoat, published in 2009 by NeWest Press. It won the 2010 Alberta Trade Fiction Book Award and received an honourable mention for the Sunburst Fiction Award the same year. She was also shortlisted for the 2010 John Hirsch award for the Most Promising Manitoba writer. Her second novel The Insistent Garden, also published by NeWest Press, was the recipient of the Margaret Laurence Award for Fiction in Canada in 2014. The Eavesdroppers, her third novel was published by NeWest Press in September 2018. She is currently writing her fifth novel. Www.rosiechard.org.
Neil ArkseySee moreSee less
Neil Arksey has had a number of novels for children and young adults published by Penguin Random House. His writing has been shortlisted for and won a number of prizes. He was also part of the team that created the highly successful Little Robots TV pre-school TV series for the BBC as well as writing Kipper the Dog and other TV series for younger children. As screenwriter, story editor, consultant, head writer and series producer, Neil Arksey has been responsible for over a thousand episodes of TV drama. In the UK, he has worked on shows such as Crossroads, Family Affairs, Doctors, Mile High, and River City. And abroad, amongst other projects, he was head writer on Finnish TV drama Salatut Elämät, (Secret Lives) and series story producer on Jóban Rosszban, a hospital drama set and based in Budapest. Neil has also worked in script development for Freemantle and Global Drama Productions. He co-produced dark indie feature film, Run To Ground. In addition to working as a writer and producer, Neil has taught writing at several universities, colleges and film schools.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/how-to-get-an-agent180273How to get an agenthttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_get_an_agent-square.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Writing/Professional development courses for writers/Courses/Short Courses/Courses/Short Courses/Humanities/Courses/Writing/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories2285133821341113417135811588135991228511771205134111358113599This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">Very few publishers accept direct submissions, which means your journey to publication will almost certainly rely on having an agent put forward your work.<br />
<br />
This intensive course takes you through the process of approaching agents, offering a series of practical exercises and templates to follow to give you the best chance of success. Suitable for everyone, from those with a book ready to send – to those who just want to understand how the process works. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.</div>152622153How to get an agent7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_get_an_agent-square_10.jpgInStockEveningTueOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2026-05-26T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedMay 2026WritingHW4237979How to get an agent794079Neil Arkseyhow-to-get-an-agent/hw423-2526This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.0000-Available|2026-05-26 00:00:00<p>Very few publishers accept direct submissions, which means your journey to publication will almost certainly rely on having a literary agent put forward your work.<br/><br/>This intensive course takes you through the process of approaching agents, offering a series of practical exercises and templates to follow to give you the best chance of success. Suitable for everyone, from those with a book ready to send, to those who just want to understand how the process works.</p>This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.<p>- Researching representation.<br/>- How do agents work?<br/>- Common mistakes authors make.<br/>- Tips for writing your cover email / letter.<br/>- Tips for writing an attention-grabbing synopsis.</p><p>• Understand how to present your manuscript to give it the best chance of succeeding.<br/>•Understand how to build and personalise your application around a detailed covering letter.<br/>• Find out where to go to get more information on individual agencies – and maximise your chances of getting published.<br/>• Understand what to put in (and leave out) of your submission.</p><p>This course is suitable for both those who have a fiction or non-fiction manuscript ready, as well as those who want to understand how the submissions process works for future reference.</p>Tutor instruction, templates, discussion and pair work.<br/><br/>All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br/><br/>For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please have pen and paper handy, and a summary of your manuscript if you've completed one.City Lit offers a range of professional development courses for authors. For more information please browse the Writing section of our website.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.Introductory and general creative writing coursesIntroductory and general creative writing coursesvirtual2693964How to get an agent7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/o/how_to_get_an_agent-square_11.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-03-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMar 2026WritingHW4697979How to get an agent794079Rosie Chardhow-to-get-an-agent/hw469-2526This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.0000-Available|2026-03-21 00:00:00<p>Very few publishers accept direct submissions, which means your journey to publication will almost certainly rely on having a literary agent put forward your work.<br/><br/>This intensive course takes you through the process of approaching agents, offering a series of practical exercises and templates to follow to give you the best chance of success. Suitable for everyone, from those with a book ready to send, to those who just want to understand how the process works.</p>This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.<p>- Researching representation.<br/>- How do agents work?<br/>- Common mistakes authors make.<br/>- Tips for writing your cover email / letter.<br/>- Tips for writing an attention-grabbing synopsis.</p><p>• Understand how to present your manuscript to give it the best chance of succeeding.<br/>•Understand how to build and personalise your application around a detailed covering letter.<br/>• Find out where to go to get more information on individual agencies – and maximise your chances of getting published.<br/>• Understand what to put in (and leave out) of your submission.</p><p>This course is suitable for both those who have a fiction or non-fiction manuscript ready, as well as those who want to understand how the submissions process works for future reference.</p>Tutor instruction, templates, discussion and pair work.<br/><br/>All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br/><br/>For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please have pen and paper handy, and a summary of your manuscript if you've completed one.City Lit offers a range of professional development courses for authors. For more information please browse the Writing section of our website.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.Novels and short storiesNovels and short storiesvirtual797940HW423,HW469NONETue,Sat21/03/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:301 session11 to 4 weeks,One-off onlyWeekday,WeekendKSOnline,Keeley StreetNeil Arksey,Rosie ChardSome experience, Advanced,Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-05-26T00:00:00+00:00,2026-03-21T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeMay 2026,Mar 2026Writing7979How to get an agenthow-to-get-an-agent/hw423-2526,how-to-get-an-agent/hw469-2526This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.0000-Available|2026-03-21 00:00:00<p>Very few publishers accept direct submissions, which means your journey to publication will almost certainly rely on having a literary agent put forward your work.<br/><br/>This intensive course takes you through the process of approaching agents, offering a series of practical exercises and templates to follow to give you the best chance of success. Suitable for everyone, from those with a book ready to send, to those who just want to understand how the process works.</p>This intensive workshop offers students insider, need-to-know information on securing a literary agent.<p>- Researching representation.<br/>- How do agents work?<br/>- Common mistakes authors make.<br/>- Tips for writing your cover email / letter.<br/>- Tips for writing an attention-grabbing synopsis.</p><p>• Understand how to present your manuscript to give it the best chance of succeeding.<br/>•Understand how to build and personalise your application around a detailed covering letter.<br/>• Find out where to go to get more information on individual agencies – and maximise your chances of getting published.<br/>• Understand what to put in (and leave out) of your submission.</p><p>This course is suitable for both those who have a fiction or non-fiction manuscript ready, as well as those who want to understand how the submissions process works for future reference.</p>Tutor instruction, templates, discussion and pair work.<br/><br/>All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.<br/><br/>For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines. <br />
<br />
City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our <a href=" https://www.citylit.ac.uk/expectations-for-participating-in-writing-courses" target="_blank">expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit</a>.Please have pen and paper handy, and a summary of your manuscript if you've completed one.City Lit offers a range of professional development courses for authors. For more information please browse the Writing section of our website.<br/><br/>All students are invited to join us at <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/latelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Late Lines</a>, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/betweenthelines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Between the Lines</a>, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citylitcreativewriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.twitter.com/citylitwriting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.Introductory and general creative writing courses,Novels and short storiesIntroductory and general creative writing courses,Novels and short storiesconfigurable
158813599Novels and short storieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing/novels-and-short-stories/novels-and-short-stories-11/2/285/13581/13599/1588/Courses/Writing/Novels and short stories/Novels and short stories
