Just came across this, and though WWers might be interested. There's an open mic session for reading unpublished work, with the winner getting a read by an agent.

Now in its second year, the Debut Authors Festival is the only British festival dedicated to new writers. Introducing the most exciting debuts, the festival includes authors from a range of backgrounds, ages and styles. The writers will be reading from and talking about their work, discussing what it’s like to be newly published, how they chose what to write about, how long it took them, how they used their lives and experience to inform their work and how they found an agent and publisher. The festival also includes talks by experts from publishing and media to give tips and advice on how to get published. This festival has something for everyone who enjoys reading and writing.

http://www.debutauthorsfestival.co.uk/

Emma

Thanks, Emma, that's an interesting link. Any chance you'll be taking part?!

Not that I know of, though it sounds like a good do. Still can't quite take myself seriously as a 'debut novelist'

Emma

Still can't quite take myself seriously as a 'debut novelist'

Oh but you should! You have a website and everything - I think your novel, The Mathematics of Love looks beautiful and I'm looking forward to reading it.

This sounds very interesting Emma - thanks for posting. I shall pass the details on to the people at MNW. Sounds like the sort of thing they ought to know about.

Thanks, Tiger Bright. Glad you approve of the website.

Roger, that's a good idea. I don't keep very close track of these things, but I'm surprised that I hadn't come across a mention of it before.

Emma

Heya Roger

Good link, I've got a few days round there with nothing to do, I think I might drop by and see what's going on.

Cheers
Bob

Bob, if you or anyone else drops in on this, WWers are always really grateful for any info you can pass on: either things that were said from the platform, or general impressions so that people know whether it's worth going next time.

Emma

I love Edinburgh, partly for the very reason of how it celebrates its art, and I miss living there, despite the winters.

I'll be moving house on the 18th, so sadly, I can't make it - but I wish you all the best those who do! Especially the open mic-cers (shudder).

JB