Masterclass: Working with a Literary Agent | Making the leap to publication | Arvon
Masterclass: Working with a Literary Agent
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Masterclass: Working with a Literary Agent

Making the leap to publication
Tutor
  • James Spackman Arvon Tutor
    James Spackman
Date Friday April 25th 2025, 11:00-13:00 BST
Location Online

What’s the point of a literary agent? Do you need one? And if so, how on earth do you get one? This online masterclass with publisher and agent James Spackman will explain the author/agent relationship, from the nuts and bolts (how does commission work? Who pays for what? And what about foreign rights?) to the creative and interpersonal – finding someone who ‘gets’ you and your writing and will be a creative sounding-board and first editor. All agents and agencies are different – from the solo indie operator to the corporate giant; from the nurturers to the go-getters and the contract wizards – and all authors need different things. So, defining your own ‘ideal’ is crucial. You’ll learn how to search for the best agent for you and your project, how to craft a convincing and appealing query letter, avoiding the most common pitfalls, and what crucial questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line. Finally, you’ll learn how to forge an effective and rewarding working relationship, as you continue your journey towards publication and beyond. Making copious use of real life scenarios from his many years in publishing, James will equip you to find your way in the land of the agents.


Is this session for me?

Our masterclasses are regularly attended by writers who:

  • Are hungry for fresh thinking, stimulus and new ways into their writing
  • Are looking to keep up or boost their writing momentum
  • Have time constraints and can’t always commit to the live experience
  • Are wanting to try something new
  • Enjoy taking things at their own pace
  • Are looking to develop a regular writing habit
  • Are looking for a supportive environment in which to open up creatively

What will I gain?

  • A two hour writing workout – at your pace
  • Two hours of inspiring tuition from the finest writers at work today
  • Two hours to focus on your writing with guidance from experienced Arvon tutors
  • Two hours of craft, technique and writing prompts
  • Two hours that will propel your writing forward
  • Support from friendly Arvon hosts
  • Becoming part of an inclusive creative community

How does it work?

The Masterclass will be delivered via Zoom webinar, so you can take the session at your own pace, without the pressure of having your video or camera on. You can contribute via the chatbox with your tutor and other writers attending the session. Sessions are also recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you will have access to the recording afterwards. Masterclasses can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Just translate the UK time to your local time zone.

Why Arvon?

Arvon is a not-for-profit charity that has been running since 1968.

At Arvon, everyone who crosses the door of one of our writing houses is a writer – no matter what their age or writing experience – and all are welcome.

For more information About Arvon – Home of Creative Writing since 1968 – Arvon

Online: £40

Concessions: £20

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, half-price concessions are available for this course at checkout. There are a limited number of free subsidised places for those who cannot afford the concession price.

We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.

Across all of Arvon at Home

Masterclasses 

Online Writing Day

How I Write

Online Writing Weeks and Evening Courses

Subject to funding/permissions (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org for more details)

If you have any access issues that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org

See here for more access information.

"These zoom opportunities are really helping to open my world and keep me inspired to write."
— Masterclass participant
"Arvon at Home creates a model to participate in inspirational tutoring for writers, at a distance. The feeling of attending to my writing life in an excellent fashion, and still having a half-day for my work and caring responsibilities at home, felt like a good balance."
— Masterclass participant
"It was an absolutely brilliant session and very very useful. And it made me realise how much I’ve missed this kind of workshop because of having children and family that I can’t leave. Now we’re all in the same boat the online stuff is truly transformative."
— Masterclass participant

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