National Writers Conference 2024

National Writers Conference 2024 - Writing in a Changing World.

Date/Time: 29th June 2024, 10am-4pm (registration from 9.15am)

Join Writing West Midlands for a day of insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions and invaluable networking opportunities with a friendly community of writers.

Hear from leading writers, literary agents, editors, publicists and other industry experts as they discuss topics such as:

Publicity for Writers – how the industry goes about selling books and the role for writers.

Finding & Working with An Agent – advice on getting an agent and on the writer / agent working relationship.

The Joy of Genre Writing – making the right choice and moving between genres.

The Publishing Process – inside knowledge on the various stages of publishing, from selling a manuscript to getting the book on sale.

Writers & Artificial Intelligence – the latest news on how AI will affect the work of creative writers and the wider industry.

Come along and ask questions, share insights, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community of writers from all corners of the country.

Please note that shops and eateries are usually closed on campus on conference day. You are welcome to bring your own lunch with you or a simple packed lunch can be purchased for £10 as an add-on to your ticket price on tickets purchased before the 17th June 2024 (please do this before checking out on Eventbrite).

Refreshments such as tea, coffee and squash will be available.

What to Expect at The National Writers Conference 2024:

· Keynote Address with bestselling psychological thriller author, Mark Edwards

· Interview with Anna Ganley, newly appointed Chief Executive of the Society of Authors

· Industry Knowledge panel sessions delving into topics such as self-publishing, AI's role in writing, and the intricacies of the publishing process.

· Personal Support panel sessions offering guidance on finding and collaborating with agents, as well as exploring the joys of genre writing.

· Information & Inspiration panel sessions covering publicity strategies for writers and the art of running successful writing workshops.

· Ample Networking Opportunities including a dedicated networking session during lunch for expanding connections within the writing community, both locally and nationally.

This year’s conference speakers & panellists include Amandeep Singh (Agent, The Good Literary Agency), (Kiya Evan (Associate Agent, Mushens Entertainment), Jessie Goetzinger-Hall (Assistant Editor, Tinder Press), Zen Cho (Fantasy & Romance writer), Sue Moss (self-published Queer Historical Fiction author), Samiir Saunders (poet & performer), Kieran Sangha (Communications Executive, Pan Macmillan), Jo Callaghan (Crime Writer & AI Strategist).

Additionally, Voce Books, Birmingham’s bookshops for thinkers and writers, will be selling books by all speakers plus a selection of wonderful poetry, fiction and non-fiction titles.

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, Mushens Entertainment, Tinder Press, The Good Literary Agency and the Trustees of Writing West Midlands.

Host or Publisher Writing West Midlands