Slush Pile Day

Skip the slush pile. Polish your submission then put it in front of a panel of industry experts at our Slush Pile Day

Saturday May 9th 2026 10.00 am – 6 pm

Bloomsbury, London.

Ever wondered how editors and agents actually respond to submissions? Want to understand the thought process behind the Yes or the No? Want to see how your individual submission is read? Get a personal, instant (anonymised!) feedback your submission from a panel of industry professionals.

In this one day workshop, you will polish your pitch, synopsis, agent letter and those all important first 500 words under the guidance of tutors Alison May and Janet Gover.

Then, skip the slush pile and have those 500 words put directly to a panel of industry professionals for instant feedback. The submission will be anonymous – to keep those nerves at bay. The panel will include Charlotte Ledger from Harper Collins, Publisher of the One More Chapter imprint and Jennie Ayres, publisher at Hera Fiction and other industry representative (tbc).

This day is suitable for anyone who has a book ready (or almost ready) for submission, whether they are currently unpublished, or are a published author seeking to lift their career to a new level.

Price – £89.50 (Attendees can purchase their lunch from the pub, or several nearby coffeeshops and cafes.)

Book before Feb 9th and get a 20% early booking discount, making the day £71.60.

Location : Upstairs at the Marquis Cornwallis, Bloomsbury. The Marquis Cornwallis Pub & Restaurant in London, Greater London (note: access via stairs only)

Places are limited, so book your place now.

One place will be given as a bursary to someone who would find it difficult to meet the cost of the day, and is not currently contracted to a publisher or an agent. If you can afford the place, please leave this bursary only for those who need it. The bursary will cover the cost of the place on the Slush Pile Day, but does not include travel or lunch. To apply please complete this form telling why you need the bursary and what you would expect to get out of the day. The bursary recipient will be decided by Janet and Alison and information provided on the form will not be shared further. Proof of income or finances will not be required. Bursary applications close January 31st2026.