Novel London began in 2015 as a series of monthly readings held in bookshops, offering writers the opportunity to share their work in an intimate and supportive environment. Over time, it has evolved into an international literary festival and competition.
To date, the festival has attracted hundreds of entries, showcasing the talent of both emerging and established writers. What started as a local event has grown into a significant platform, providing participants with opportunities to gain visibility, secure literary agent representation, and refine their manuscripts through our mentoring programs.
Novel London continues to support and celebrate literary talent, playing a meaningful role in the literary community.
We are delighted to share that this year's Novel London Literary Festival (NLLF) will take place in London on Friday 11th + Saturday 12th October 2024.
The Lineup
NLLF Session 1
12:30 - 14:00
Lunch and Learn/ Writing Walk
Friday 11th October
Embark on a unique Writing Walk along London's iconic riverside to kick off the Novel London Literary Festival.
Alternating between focused writing sessions and refreshing half-hour walks, we'll draw inspiration from the local area's sights, sounds, and atmosphere.
This immersive experience combines focused writing sessions with refreshing half-hour walks along the Thames, where the river's sights, sounds, and atmosphere will spark your creativity.
Whether you're writing a novel or exploring new ideas, this blend of movement and mindfulness offers a fresh and invigorating approach to your creative process.
NLLF Session 2:
14:30 - 16:00
Polishing Your Manuscript + What Agents Want
Friday 11th October
A special session sharing insights on transforming manuscripts into polished works ready for submission using manuscript assesemnt and mentoring services as well as a conversation with a literay agent on how to maximise your chances of consideration.
For these who are seeking ways to polish their manuscript before they send it out to agents, this session offers valuable guidance for your literary journey.
NLLF Session 3:
10:30 - 12:00
Crime Writing Panel with Wendy H. Jones
and Stella Oni
Friday 11th October
Join acclaimed authors Wendy H. Jones and Stella Oni for a deep dive into crime writing. They will discuss crafting suspenseful plots, developing complex characters, and share behind-the-scenes insights into their writing process.
This session is perfect for both avid readers and aspiring crime writers.
NLLF Session 4:
12:30 - 14:00
Conversation with a Commissioning Editor
Saturday 12th October
Engage with Yvonne Battle-Felton, a commissioning editor at Hachette, in a discussion about what catches an editor's eye, manuscript selection, and the journey to publication.
Whether you're or seasoned writer or curious about the publishing process, this session offers invaluable insider knowledge.
NLLF Session 5:
14:30 - 16:00
Novel London Readings
& Awards Ceremony
Saturday 12th October
The Novel London Literary competition will culminate in a hybrid event featuring readings from the shortlisted writers and the award presentation. This year was judged by Wendy H. Jones and Stella Oni.
The shortlisted writers will be announced in September,
- 1st Prize: Trophy, £500, and lunch with Literary Agent, Elise Dillsworth
- 2nd Prize: £350, a write-up in Writers Narrative, and an interview on The Writing and Marketing Show Podcast with Wendy H. Jones
- 3rd Prize: £150 and coaching/mentoring sessions with Melissa Addey
Feedback from previous winners' of the Novel London Literary Competition
The winners below were all a part of the Novel London Literary Competition and part of the Novel London Literary Festival. Here is what they have to say!
Radostina Adriana - Winner of NLLC 2023
Winning first place at the Novel London Competition last year was a much needed boost. We writers are not usually known for massive heaps of confidence as writing can be such a solitary experience. But getting this wonderful recognition really made me feel like my voice was getting heard and that there was something in the story that was worth exploring further. It was wonderful to meet all the other extremely talented writers on the shortlist too.
I am hugely grateful to the team behind the Novel London Competition for giving me such a wonderful opportunity and for supporting my writing.
All budding writers out there should consider submitting their writing to this and other competitions because there's no better way of seeing whether readers connect with your writing. Even if it might feel daunting, you never know unless you try!
Mikela Bond - Runner Up NLLC 2022
I first saw an advert for the Novel London Literary Competition on social media and decided to enter my novel The Hollow Hours. When the longlist was announced, I was thrilled to see my name there and to be asked to provide a photo and a short bio to be used if I was lucky enough to make the shortlist.
Being the runner up for Novel London 2022 was a real honour. The prize included lunch with literary agent Elise Dillsworth who was welcoming and supportive, encouraging me to keep going with my writing. Since winning second prize in this competition, I have won the New Anglia Manuscript Prize and am now represented by literary agent Emma Shercliff at Laxfield Literary Agency.
To anyone who is wondering whether they should take the plunge and submit their writing to competitions, my advice is just go for it! You never know where it will take you."
Bren Gosling - Winner of NLLC 2021
Winning Novel London Literary Competition in 2021 was a huge boost to my confidence as a writer.
Part of the prize was mentoring sessions with published crime writer Nadine Matheson. The process of re writing my novel with Nadine’s support taught me so much about my own writing and about the publishing industry in general.
Ailsing Watters - Winner of NLLC 2020
The Novel London Award was a very significant milestone in my writing journey.
Through the competition, I met my agent Elise Dillsworth who was one of the judges.
A part of the prize was a manuscript assessment with Faber Academy, which was very helpful in shedding light on ways to improve my work.
I would encourage all writers to enter this competition as you never know what doors might open and how much closer you will get to achieving your dream. And whatever the results the opportunity to interact with other writers can be great fun and very encouraging.
Melissa Addey - Winner of NLLC 2019
Winning the inaugural Novel London award was not only exciting but felt hugely validating of the stories I wanted to tell and how I had written them.
Since then, I've also attended other Novel London festivals and the readings, workshops and networking are fantastic: full of enthusiasm and love for storytelling, so it's been great to watch the award grow from strength to strength every year.
- Melissa Addey, www.melissaaddey.com
