CORK WORLD BOOK FEST OPENS SUBMISSIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S FIRST PAGE PITCHERS

Getting to read your work in front of literary agents and receive feedback is invaluable, which is why it’s no surprise First Page Pitch has become an integral part of Cork World Book Fest’s Get Published Day. Every year, dozens of writers submit their first page and from those, ten are selected to pitch their work to literary agents during the festival, moderated by Get Published coordinator Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, in Cork City Library. Festival organisers invite entries from writers who want to take part and submissions are now open at this link https://tinyurl.com/FirstPagePitch

Patricia Looney, Senior Executive Librarian in Cork City Libraries, said, “Writers are hungry for any insights that will help them to improve their work and get their book to readers.That’s why this event is so important for us to include in our festival. We’re also proud that several pitchers have gone on to become published authors because of it. In recent years, we heard from Lynda Marron who got her publishing deal after speaking with literary agent Polly Nolan, and Olivia Hope who went on to publish with Bloomsbury Children’s Books. Who knows if one of this year’s pitchers will return to future fests with their published book.”

Potential pitchers are invited to submit a 50-word synopsis of their book along with the first 500 words for consideration. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 9 March 2026.

First Page Pitch is one of three events that make up the Get Published Day and everyone is welcome to attend to hear the insights and support the pitchers. Cork World Book Fest 2026 runs from Tuesday 21st to Sunday 26th April and the jam-packed programme of events will be announced shortly.