How to Find the Right Agent and Publisher for Your Non-Fiction Book

Monday 26th to Friday 30th January 2026
6.00pm to 8.30pm each day

Clear, step-by-step guidance - Delivered LIVE and online
Five 2.5-hour sessions - Nothing pre-recorded
Small groups - Real guidance - No hype - No false promises

Ideal for non-fiction authors — especially coaches, consultants and experts — who want a traditional publishing deal.

Finding the right literary agent is one of the most critical steps on your journey to getting your book published, but it can also be one of the most daunting. This flagship course is designed to demystify the process and give you all the tools you need to succeed.

I'll teach you my proven, step-by-step approach to identifying, approaching, and securing your ideal literary agent. I'll show you how to create a standout proposal that captures attention and opens the door to the literary agent and publisher that’s right for you. By the end of the course you will have the exact formula to copy and follow to find a literary agent who will champion your work and track down your perfect publisher. 

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What You’ll Learn to Maximise Your Chances of Getting a Deal

  • How to research and identify the agents most likely to say yes
  • How to write a pitch that stands out — even if you’re unpublished
  • What agents really want (and what puts them off)
  • How to follow up professionally — without being annoying or ignored
  • What makes a great proposal — and what to leave out

ABOUT ME

When it comes to finding the right literary agent and publisher, you need to be confident that you’re learning from someone who  knows the industry inside and out. I’m Ed Peppitt, and I’ve dedicated nearly thirty years to the  publishing sector.

My career began in 1992 at Letts Educational, where I helped bring those familiar home study guides to market—guides that have supported countless students through their GCSEs and A Levels.

Over the decades, I’ve witnessed the publishing landscape evolve in ways few could have predicted, and I’ve had the privilege of viewing it from every angle. I’ve consulted for many of the UK’s leading magazine and book publishers, including Emap, Hodder & Stoughton, Channel 4, HarperCollins, and Oxford University Press. My work has spanned the full spectrum of publishing, from traditional print to the digital revolution.

I’ve written seven business and computing books, all published by Hodder & Stoughton, including the Chartered Management Institute’s authoritative guide on management and leadership skills, which was serialised in The Times. This year, my travel cycling memoir The Beacon Bike was published by Icon Books, and was widely publicised on tv, radio and the national press.

My passion for helping others navigate the publishing process also led me to run highly successful weekend Masterclasses on self-publishing for The Guardian, and I’m proud to be the author of The Guardian’s eBook on the subject. Beyond writing and consulting, I’ve shared my expertise through seminars and workshops attended by hundreds of aspiring authors, held in prestigious venues like The National Portrait Gallery and the RADA Studios in London.

My own journey, including the challenges I faced in finding the perfect agent for my book The Beacon Bike, has given me a deep understanding of the hurdles writers face today. So when I say I know the publishing industry, I’m speaking from decades of hands-on experience. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been searching for a while, I’m here to guide you through the complex process of finding the right literary agent and getting your book published. 

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

I've created and written this course primarily for writers who really want to see their book in print and published by a mainstream commercial publisher. It is  ideal  for:

•  Writers seeking representation for the first time.
•  Authors who have faced repeated rejections and need a fresh approach.
•  Anyone who wants to understand the ins and outs of the agenting process and how to navigate it successfully.

This course IS NOT for you if you plan to self publish. 

COURSE STRUCTURE

I will deliver this course live over the course of five afternoons, Monday to Friday, starting at 6:00 PM.

Each session is interactive, giving you the chance to ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive real-time feedback.  

• Session 1 (Monday): Debunking the Myths & Understanding the Industry
• Session 2 (Tuesday): Researching & Shortlisting the Right Agents
• Session 3 (Wednesday): Crafting the Perfect Submission Package
• Session 4 (Thursday): Handling Rejection & Following Up Professionally
• Session 5 (Friday): Managing Expectations & Next Steps  

Each session builds on the previous one, ensuring that by the end of the week, you’ll have a complete understanding of the agenting process and a clear action plan.

“Ed helped me finally understand what agents are looking for — and how to present myself professionally. I now have a clear strategy and a shortlist of targets.”

Tom Wesson
Non-fiction Author

COURSE OUTLINE

Join me online for this live course,  delivered over five afternoons. Together, we’ll take the first step towards making your publishing dreams a reality. Here's exactly what we will cover on each of the five live sessions. 

Session 1: Monday
Busting Myths and Finding Your Path

Myths and Falsehoods - The publishing world is filled with myths and misinformation, especially online. These so-called “expert” opinions can lead writers to abandon their search for an agent far too soon.

In this session, I’ll expose the most common myths and falsehoods that hold writers back and show you how to navigate the industry with confidence. You’ll learn what’s really true—and what’s not—so you can stay focused on your goals.

Do You Need an Agent? - Not every book requires an agent, and for some genres or publishers, a direct submission might be the better choice. I’ll guide you through the decision-making process to help you determine whether an agent is essential for your specific book. Plus, I’ll reveal which direct submission publishers you should approach with caution—and which ones to avoid entirely. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether pursuing an agent is the right move for you.

Session 2: Tuesday
Starting your search

What does an agent do? - A good literary agent is more than just a middleman—they’re your publishing guide and advocate. In this session, I’ll break down the essential roles an agent plays, from keeping you updated with feedback and rejections to helping you refine your proposal and even your writing.

We’ll explore how a skilled agent knows exactly which editors to pitch your work to and how they negotiate the best deals on your behalf. Think of your agent as your business manager, mentor, and cheerleader all rolled into one.  

How an agent gets paid - Understanding how agents are compensated is crucial to setting realistic expectations. We’ll cover the typical commission structure, including advances and royalties—and discuss what’s negotiable across different media.

Finding and shortlisting agents - Your search for the right agent starts with knowing where to find them. I’ll share the best resources for identifying potential agents, including reputable websites, the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, and  tips on how to use social media effectively. I'll also share my "secret" formula for finding agents who you know are interested in manuscripts like yours.

Approaching agents - Once you have a list of potential agents, the next step is to make your initial approach. Should you go with a large agency or a single-agent firm? Is it better to approach multiple agents simultaneously or one at a time? We’ll discuss strategies for making these decisions and how to choose the agent who’s the best fit for your work and career goals.

Session 3: Wednesday
Recording submissions and managing responses

Keeping Track: As you query literary agents, organisation is key. In this session, I’ll show you how to maintain detailed records of the agencies and agents you’ve approached. We’ll cover the importance of noting when and how to follow up, and we’ll discuss the etiquette of approaching more than one agent at a time. Staying on top of these details will ensure you’re always one step ahead in your agent search.  

What to Submit: Submitting your work to an agent is not a one-size-fits-all process. Fiction and non-fiction proposals require different approaches, and each agent might request something slightly different. We’ll dive into the specifics of what to include in your submission , from synopses to sample chapters. I’ll also guide you on how to craft the perfect email to accompany your submission, making sure it’s professional, concise, and tailored to the agent’s preferences.

Handling Responses: Dealing with responses from agents can be an emotional rollercoaster. Whether you’re facing rejection, silence, or a request for your full manuscript, I’ll equip you with strategies to handle each situation with grace and professionalism. By the end of this session, you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Session 4: THURSDAY
Making the right choice

Selecting an agent: Receiving an offer of representation is an exciting moment, but it’s crucial to ensure that the agent is the right match for you and your work. In this session, I’ll guide you through the process of evaluating an offer of representation.

Before you commit: Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to ask the right questions. I’ll help you assess whether the agent’s vision aligns with your own and evaluate any changes they recommend for your manuscript.

My own journey: To bring these concepts to life, I’ll share my personal experience with my own book. I’ll walk you through the agents I approached, the tally of rejections and no responses, and the offers of representation I received. Finally, I’ll explain how I made my choice and what factors influenced my decision. 

Session 5: Friday
Moving Forward with Confidence and Commitment

Next steps:  The search for the right literary agent can take time—sometimes longer than expected. In this final session, I’ll provide realistic expectations on how long the process might take and when it might be time to reassess your strategy. We’ll discuss practical tips for developing the resilience needed to handle the ups and downs of the search, helping you grow the thick skin that’s essential in this industry.  

Committing to your choice: Once you’ve secured representation, your journey is far from over. I’ll guide you on how to commit to your choice and how to build a strong, productive relationship with your agent. We’ll explore ways you can actively support and assist your agent, making sure you’re both aligned and working towards the same goals.

Defining the way forward: To wrap up the course, we’ll define your precise next steps, ensuring you leave with a clear plan of action. Whether you’re still searching for an agent or have just secured representation, I’ll help you map out what’s next on your publishing journey. 

“Most proposals are rejected not because the idea is bad — but because the pitch is wrong.”

“Before this course, I had no idea how to approach agents. Now I’ve got a targeted list, a professional pitch, and I’ve already had two responses.” — Claire T., Author & Consultant.

Clare Thomas 
Non-fiction Author

STEP BY STEP:

Here's your curriculum:

WHEN YOU ENROL YOU'LL GET:

  • Five live Zoom sessions, delivered in a small group
  • Access to session recordings for 30 days
  • Workbook + email templates to support your agent outreach
  • Direct Q&A time with Ed each day
  • Support to prepare your pitch and proposal

By the end, you’ll walk away with: 

  • A clear, confident plan for your agent submissions
  • Tools and templates to help you pitch professionally

Ready to pitch like a professional — and finally get your book in front of the right agents? 

My commitment to you success

If you’ve attended any of my courses, seminars, or webinars before, you already know the level of commitment I make: 

  • I practise what I preach. Every skill and topic I teach comes from direct, hands-on professional experience. I’ve been where you are, and I know what it takes to succeed.
  • I give 100%. I’m dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, ensuring you have the knowledge and tools you need. I won’t let you down.
  • I limit the number of participants I teach on each course to provide maximum value to you. 

I’ve never had to issue a refund for any of my training courses, and I’m confident this course will deliver the value you’re looking for.

But I understand that investing in your writing career is a big decision. That’s why I offer this guarantee: If by the end of the second session you don’t feel you’re getting the benefits you expected, I will gladly refund your course fee - no questions asked.  

Your success is my priority, and I’m here to make sure you reach your goals.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

£247.00 + VAT

Max 12 participants

  • Delivered live, not pre-recorded
  • Practical, step by step, proven steps that you can follow
  • 5 x 2.5 hour online sessions
  • Maximum of 12 participants
  • Satisfaction guarantee, with money back if not delighted*
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Any questions? I'm here to help

Email info@balloonview.com or call me on (01233) 234455

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