Book Talk: Industry Insights for Writers

Mon 19 Aug 12:30 - 18:30
EFI Venue B

Attend in person

EFI Venue B
Day Pass £40.00 [concession £25]

Book Talk: Industry Insights for Writers

Edinburgh International Book Festival presents an afternoon of panels and networking for writers, bringing together perspectives from across the publishing industry – from agents and editors to crowdfunding experts.

Today’s sessions offer practical advice for writers on getting published, finding community, and accessing development opportunities to give you the tools to build your best writing life. Hosted by Emma Collins.

A one-day Industry Pass is £40 [Concessions £25]. Passes provide access to all three panels and a networking drinks.

12:30: Registration and Welcome Coffee

Kick off the day with registration and a welcome coffee, providing a chance to meet fellow attendees and start networking early.

13:00-14:00 Panel 1: Anatomy of an Industry: An Introduction to Publishing

This panel will break down some of the key roles in publishing, offering a window into the workings of the book world.

Hear a day-in-the-life of some of the UK’s top publishing professionals – including an agent, editor and publicist – and learn how each views their role in an author’s journey from submission to publication day and beyond. Come with your burning questions!

Participants:

Anna Frame, Communications Director, Canongate Books
Emma Paterson, Literary Agent at Aitken Alexander Associates
Kishani Widyaratna, Publishing Director, 4th Estate
Chaired by Jenny Brown

14:30-15:30 Panel 2: Literary Lifelines: Funding for Writers

We need to talk about money. This panel spotlights organisations who are helping writers to build sustainable, stable, and versatile creative careers – from Ireland’s pioneering Basic Income for the Arts pilot to the rise of literary crowdfunding.

Hear about the important work being done to advocate for the value of the arts, and discover some of the avenues for funding and professional development available to you as a writer.

Participants:
Sharon Barry, Director, Culture Ireland
Alan Bett, Head of Literature and Publishing, Creative Scotland
Oriana Leckert, Director of Publishing & Comics Outreach, Kickstarter
Chaired by Laura Waddell

16:00-17:00 Panel 3: You Heard It Here First: Writing for Anthologies

There is a thriving scene for indie literary magazines and anthologies in the UK, each with its own strong sense of identity and community.

This panel brings together the creative minds behind some of the country’s most exciting indie publications to explore their vital role in the publishing landscape and talent pipeline, as well as sharing how you can get involved.

Participants:
Malachy Tallack, Gutter Magazine
Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, Black Joy
Andrew Wilson, Nova Scotia: New Speculative Fiction from Scotland
Chaired by Heather Parry, Extra Teeth