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Romance Writing Festival, Bournemouth

Saturday 18th October 2025

(VIP Package also on 17th October) 

Full Programme of the Romance Writing Festival Bournemouth has been announced.

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Katie Fforde

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Milly Johnson

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Paige Toon

Sunday Times bestselling authors Milly Johnson and Paige Toon will headline the inaugural Romance Writing Festival, taking place in Bournemouth on 18th October 2025. They join fellow Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde on an impressive programme featuring award-winning authors, editors, literary agents, and publishers.

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The one-day event is dedicated to romance writing, offering a mix of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can also book one-to-one sessions with agents and editors or take part in free activities designed to inspire writers at all stages of their journey.

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Held at the seafront Grade-11-listed Royal Bath Hotel, the festival will host a marketplace where delegates can meet and mingle with authors, agents, and publishers. Additional activities include Proof Parties, book launches, beach walks, romance-themed literary walks of Bournemouth’s famous authors, and yoga on the beach. Writers will also have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea with editors.

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Literary agent Megan Carroll (Watson, Little) and editors Jennie Ayers (Hero/Canelo), Charlotte Ledger (One More Chapter), and Emily Ruston (Boldwood) will be offering private 1-2-1 sessions, where writers can pitch their books or receive personalised feedback to help them improve and progress in their writing journey.

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Other confirmed speakers include Zen Cho (Pan Macmillan), Philippa Ashley (Penguin), Sue Moorcroft (Avon), and Jo Thomas (Transworld), alongside authors Lola Jaye, Jeevani Charika, and Kel Menton.

What's On Offer

1. Talks and panels

The King's Hall will be our main venue for talks and panels discussing key topics for the Romance genre. As well as an In Conversation With Milly Johnson and Paige Toon, here are other sessions happening in the ballroom that inspired Roald Dahl's The Witches' movie.

  • Ruth Francis Long and Amy de la Force host a romantasy panel titled Love & Magic.

  • Holly McCulloch, Jo Thomas, Sue Moorcroft and Phillipa Ashley discuss A Sense of Place.

  • Lola Jaye and Sarra Manning explore dark themes in uplifting books.

  • Janet Glover, Emily Ruston and Sara-Jade Virtue hosting a live pitch event.

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2. Discussions

In the more intimate, seaview room, workshops and informal discussions will take place, including:

  • Writing Across Genres with Jeevani Charika, Zen Cho and Claire Swatman.

  • Bianca Gillam and Kel Menton showcasing debuts.

  • Sara-Jade Virtue talking about trade publishing.

  • Christina Courtenay and Nicola Cornick discuss research and imagination.

 

View the Full Programme and Timings Here

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3. Activities and Networking

Included in your day tickets are activities designed to meet other writers and get inspiration from Bournemouth's famous coastline. Included in the ticket (RSVP needed) are:

  • Romance-themed Literary Walk of Bournemouth

  • Yoga on the Beach

  • Beach Walk

  • Author and publisher marketplace

  • Proof Parties

 

View our Activities and Networking Here

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All of the above is included in the day ticket. You can enhance your experience with us with the following add-ons:

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4. Agent and Publisher 1-2-1s

Literary agent Megan Carroll (Watson, Little) and editors Jennie Ayers (Hero/Canelo), Charlotte Ledger (One More Chapter), and Emily Ruston (Boldwood) will be offering bookable, private 1-2-1 sessions, where you can pitch your books or receive personalised feedback to help you improve and progress in your writing journey.

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View our 1-2-1 Sessions Here

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5. Evening Networking Event

Our evening networking event means you can meet and mingle with your writing friends, writers, authors and writing professionals. The price includes canapés and a special guest speaker.

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See Details of the Evening Networking Event Here

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6. VIP Package

Upgrade to our VIP package and be part of a masterclass with Katie Fford. Not only will you get insights from the four-times bestselling author, but you'll get two nights in a seaview room, spa access, breakfast, VIP seating and day and evening pass access. Split payment plans are available.

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More details of the VIP Package are here.

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And don't forget, book before 15th May and received a HUGE 25% off the ticket price by signing up the Romance Writing Festival newsletter.

Contact Us

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We'll be in touch! In the meantime, keep writing!

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