New Writers' Day – 4 October 2025
Join us at Foyles Charing Cross on Saturday 4 October for an exciting day of pitching, networking and panels for aspiring authors. This day-long festival will raise up new writers with four special events focused on demystifying the writing and publishing process with expert insights from bestselling authors, top publishers and leading literary agents. We have 70 free tickets for under-represented writers available across the different events.
Pitch Morning, 10.00am – 12.00pm
Across two hours 70 writers will pitch their novels to Curtis Brown and C&W literary agents during 15-minute one-to-ones. The writers will also join a roundtable discussion with publishing professionals. £15 per ticket for successful applicants. 30 free places available for under-represented writers.
Creative Writing Masterclass, 12.30pm – 2.00pm
Join us for one and half hours of teaching from bestselling author Abi Daré on finding inspiration and getting started with a creative writing project. Features two writing exercises and a chance to ask Abi questions. £18 per ticket. 20 free places available for under-represented writers.
Author Panels, 2.30pm – 5.30pm
140 budding writers will hear from debut authors Emma Nanami Strenner (My Other Heart), Lucy Rose (The Lamb) and Charlotte Runcie (Bring the House Down). Followed by our headline panel with bestselling author David Nicholls and Executive Publisher at Sceptre Federico Andornino. £25 per ticket for both panels. 20 free places available for under-represented writers.
Programme of events
Our New Writers’ Day will take place on Saturday 4 October at Foyles Charing Cross (107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0EB).
Pitch Morning
10.00am – 12.00pmCreative Writing Masterclass with Abi Daré
12.30pm – 2.00pmDebut Author Panel
2.30pm – 3.30pmDebut Book signing
3.30pm – 4.00pmHeadline panel
4.00pm – 5.00pmDavid Nicholls Book Signing
5.00 – 5.30pm
Breakthrough Writers' Programme
Find out about our free tickets for writers from under-represented backgrounds.
- As part of our Breakthrough Writers’ Programme for under-represented writers we will be awarding 30 writers with free literary agent one-to-one meetings at our Pitch Morning event. 10 one-to-one slots will be specifically held on Zoom for writers based outside of London to have their one-to-one with a literary agent remotely. To apply for this opportunity, fill in the application form found here.
- We are also giving away 20 free tickets for writers from under-represented backgrounds to attend the Creative Writing Masterclass and 20 free tickets to our Author Panels. To enter the draw to win a free ticket – please fill in the entry form found here.
- We encourage any writers from an under-represented background to enter, we are particularly interested in hearing from writers of colour, disabled writers, LGBTQIA+ writers and writers with low income.