Ten writers to pitch work to literary agents as part of Cork World Book Festival

Cork World Book Festival has selected this year’s first-page pitchers, who will have the opportunity to pitch their works to industry agents this month.

At a special event as part of the festival programme, the selected individuals will read their works in front of literary agents and receive feedback as part of the festival’s Get Published Day.

The 10 writers — Aislinn Brennan, Anthony O’Donovan, Colette Lynch, Daragh Fleming, Diarmuid Condon, Ger Morrissey, Isobel Tynan, Maeve Tynan, Margaret Gillies and Teresa Doran — will pitch their work to agents Simon Trewin and Nicky Lovick, moderated by Get Published co-ordinator Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, in Cork City Library on April 26 at 11.30am.

Senior executive librarian in Cork City Libraries Patricia Looney said that the Get Published Day is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring writers.

“Writers are hungry for any insights that will help them to improve their work and get their book to readers,” said Ms Looney. “That’s why this event is so important for us to include in our festival.

“We’re also proud that several writers have gone on to become published authors because of it.

“Last year, we heard from Lynda Marron, who got her publishing deal after speaking with literary agent Polly Nolan,” she added.

“Who knows if one of this year’s pitchers will return to future fests with their published book.”

The festival’s opening night will take place at Cork City Library, and will feature Christine Dwyer Hickey, Catriona Shine and Kevin Curran discussing ‘Who We Are, At Home and Abroad’, in conversation with Mary Morrissy.

Other events planned for this year’s festival, which runs from April 22 to April 27, will take place across Cork City Library, Triskel Arts Centre, Cork Public Museum, the River Lee Hotel, Farmgate Café, Callanan’s Bar and more. The Book Market will also return to Grand Parade on April 26, organised by Goldiefish Events.

There will also be a host of events for children and teens, including the Teen Graphic Novel launch, a comic book workshop with writer and artist Colin O’Mahoney and illustrator Mari Rolin, readings from Elizabeth Murray and Nadine Hughes Campbell, and an ISL event for children and adults with Claire Glynn.

• For more information, visit the Cork World Book Fest website.