Industry Day is exclusively for TLC mentees and by invitation. This event is offered as part of the Chapter and Verse mentorship programme which includes 12 months of one-to-one mentoring, a full manuscript assessment, and a suite of resources to help writers finish their books.

Twice a year, TLC opens its doors to mentees enrolled on our Chapter and Verse programme for an intimate one-day event to help writers better understand the ins and outs of the publishing process. This event is offered both online and in person.

Mentees will have been working on their book project with their TLC mentor over several one-to-one feedback sessions, and this day offers the opportunity for them to meet with a literary agent and a publisher, and fellow mentees. The aim of the day is to demystify some of the in-house processes that often remain hidden from view, as well as to get first-hand insight from those working within the industry and learn from their experiences. It is a popular aspect of our mentoring programme and writers often tell us they come away feeling inspired, and heartened.

Industry Day also offers the opportunity to pitch work for live feedback from our industry guests in a safe and supportive environment. Pitching is non-competitive, and with groups limited to maximum 12 writers at a time, we offer an optimal environment for learning and support. Writers often find they stay connected with others they meet at the Industry Day, and return to their projects with a sense of confidence and motivation.

October Industry Guest Speakers

Safae El-Ouahabi

Safae El-Ouahabi is an Assocaite Agent at RCW Literary Agency. Since joining RCW in 2019, Safae has been working alongside Claire Wilson and Jon Wood across the children’s and YA fiction and commercial adult fiction and non-fiction lists. She is also actively growing her own list, with a wide-ranging taste but a particular interest in dynamic, voice-driven narratives that carry a sense of urgency—stories that are emotionally impactful and have a strong hook without being overwritten.

Maddie Thornham

Maddie Thornham is an Editor at Pan Macmillan. Since joining the Pan team in August 2022, Maddie has had the joy of supporting the team on fantastic brand authors and upcoming sensations, including Kristin Hannah, Danielle Steel, and Alexandra Potter, as well as building a personal list of exciting commercial fiction. She is drawn to books that speak to the human experience—the highs and, at times, crashing lows that reveal something about ourselves and the world we live in. She is especially on the lookout for stories with strong talking points and a book-club appeal that can truly fly off the shelves.

This Industry Day will be held in person at a central location in London. All details will be sent to invited mentees directly.

Want to learn more about our Mentoring programme? Click here, or book a free 15-minute discovery call.