Inside Literary Agenting with Clare Coombes (Liverpool Literary Agency)

Join us for an in-depth, inspiring session with Clare Coombes, founder of the Liverpool Literary Agency and one of the north’s leading champions for under-represented writers. This conversation is part of the Publishing Academy’s mission to demystify the publishing industry and open doors for emerging authors and future publishing professionals. (You can sign up for the academy and attend this session for free here)

Clare established the first Liverpool-based literary agency in 2020 to address inequality and the overwhelming London-centric nature of traditional publishing. With more than 20 years’ experience as an author, editor, PR professional and creative writing tutor, she brings a uniquely holistic perspective on what writers need, and how to start a values-based agency.

In this session, Clare will discuss:

• How literary agenting works, from submissions to pitching and long-term career development
• How she supports northern, working-class and under-represented writers
• Current trends and opportunities in historical fiction, crime, psychological thrillers and women’s fiction
• Advice for aspiring agents and those hoping to enter the industry from outside London

Attendees will also gain insight into the Liverpool Literary Agency’s journey, from an editing service supporting everyday writers to a mission-led agency advocating for social diversity and accessibility in publishing.

Whether you're an aspiring agent, or a publishing enthusiast eager to understand how change happens in the industry, this is a rare chance to learn directly from an agent actively reshaping the landscape.

Suitable for: editors, publishing students, early-career professionals and anyone interested in more equitable routes into the industry.

May be interesting for writers, but this is a careers based session for publishing hopefuls :)

Link will be circulated via email and academy discussion forum the day before!