National Writers' Conference 2023

oin and industry experts for a day of information sharing, inspiration and networking

Saturday 8 July, 10am - 4pm (registration from 9.15am)

Knowing how the writing world works can help all of us make the most of our writing.

Join us for a friendly day of presentations and panel discussions, focusing on how writers can find the best ways to develop their talents.

Our subjects will include:

- how publishing works

- writing for theatre and audio

- digital & self-publishing

- non-fiction publishing

Come along, ask questions, share answers and be part of a vibrant network of writers form across the country, working in many forms and genres.

Lunch:

Lunch can be purchased as part of the ticket price, and will be a simple packed lunch, but you are welcome to bring your own food.

Tea, coffee, water will be provided for all, across the day.

Speakers and themes:

• Keynote Address from writer and dramatist Maeve Clarke, who was the writer of last year’s Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony

• Keynote Interview with Jane Rogers, award-winning author of ten novels, screenplay writer and radio dramatist and creative writing teacher

• Industry Knowledge – panel sessions on How Publishing Works; Writing for Theatre and Audio; Publishing Non-Fiction

• Personal Support – panel sessions on Writing with Neurodivergence and a presentation on ‘Tax and Writers’ from H W Fisher Business Solutions, the sector’s leading accountancy firm for writers.

• Information & Inspiration – showcase of writers from fresh from the ‘Open House’ writer in residence programme run by the Hosking Houses Trust

• Speakers & Panellists include Hannah Todd (Literary Agent, Madeleine Milburn Agency), Kim Nash (Digital Publicity Director, Bookouture), Mark Edwards (best-selling novelist), Jessica Barratt (Deputy Head of Publicity, Simon & Schuster), Lorna French (theatre writer) & Mireille Harper (Editorial Director, Bluebird & One Boat, Pan Macmillan)

• Bookshop – a friendly local independent bookshop will be selling books by all speakers plus a selection of other books, including some by Conference delegates

Presented in Partnership with University of Birmingham. Supported by the Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society and Arts Council England.

We are grateful for the support of the many individuals and organisations who have helped make this event happen, including University of Birmingham (College of Arts & Law), Arts Council England, Authors’ Licensing & Collecting Society, Simon & Schuster, Madeleine Milburn Agency, Writing East Midlands, Bookoutre, H W Fisher Business Solutions, Pan Macmillan and the Trustees of Writing West Midlands.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Bramall Music Building, Chancellor's Court, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom