Discover the inside story on getting a novel into the best possible shape; find out about the route to being published; learn the difference mentoring makes.

Aki Schilz, Director of The Literary Consultancy, the UK's longest-running consultancy for writers offering editing, mentoring and events. Aki has featured in the Bookseller 150, a list of the most influential figures in UK publishing, twice. She is the Founder of the #BookJobTransparency campaign and has been recognised by the Kim Scott Walwyn and h100 awards for her work to improve representation and accessibility in the literature sector. In 2023, Aki was named an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature for her contributions to literature

* Fiona Williams author and Faber's debut lead with her novel The House Of Broken Bricks which won the Bridport Prize in 2021

* Lucy Foster, current Bridport Prize winner, writing her novel on the mentoring prize programme with The Literary Consultancy

* Joe Pierson, former Bridport Prize winner now running writing workshops and literary tours

Run by international creative writing competition The Bridport Prize. Previous winners include Kate Atkinson and Kit de Waal. Discover more at www.bridportprize.org.uk

Get your novel in shape!