The Freelance Writing Network

The Freelance Writing Network

Live Events & Workshops

Want to land an agent for your non-fiction book?

Join our live masterclass on non-fiction book proposals, with UK literary agent Kate Barker.

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The Freelance Writing Network
Sep 16, 2025
∙ Paid
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📢 One week from today!

On Tuesday 23 September at 6pm UK / 1pm ET / 10am PT, join FWN host Amy Arthur in conversation with Kate Barker, a UK literary agent with 20+ years of experience across publishing.

Kate has worked as an agent, editor, and ghostwriter, representing both debut and established authors. She’s also held senior editorial roles at Viking, Curtis Brown, Orion and Bookouture, so she knows exactly what makes a nonfiction proposal land on an editor’s desk.

This two-hour masterclass will give you the tools, structure, and strategy you need to build a standout proposal. Whether you’re writing memoir, smart thinking, pop science, or lifestyle nonfiction, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of how to pitch your book and where it fits in the market.

👉 Kate is UK-based. Many of her insights apply globally, and we’ll also flag the key differences for US writers.

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🔍 What to expect

Kate will walk us through:

  • What publishers and agents really look for in nonfiction proposals

  • The essential elements of a strong submission

  • How to shape your proposal to match your book’s genre

  • The differences between UK and US processes

  • How to position your idea so it stands out in a crowded market

Kate will also dive deeper into idea-shaping: how to test your comp titles, show an awareness of your readership, and prove there’s space for your book.

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🗣 Your questions answered

You’ll be able to submit questions in advance (perfect if you can’t make it live) and we’ll put them to Kate during the Q&A.

We’ll also ask for a few details about your project so Kate can tailor her advice to what you’re working on.

🎟 How to attend

Tickets are £19.99 / $27, with a 50% discount for FWN paid subscribers (£10 / $13.50). Every ticket includes access to the replay, so you can catch up anytime.

🗓 Tuesday 23 September
🕒 10am PT | 1pm ET | 6pm BST
📍 Live on Zoom (replay included for all ticket holders)

Buy my ticket!

Paid subscribers can access the 50% discount below the paywall👇

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