The Practicalities of Publishing:
Masterclass and Networking Event

Aiimi, 100 Avebury Boulevard,
Central Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

Tuesday 26 November, 6.30 - 9.00pm (doors open 6.00pm)

Tickets: £15/£12 (places limited)
Entry includes refreshments

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A masterclass and networking event for aspiring writers
There are many routes to publication, but it’s hard to identify where to begin. And once your book is out in the world, it can be just as difficult to know how to help it to gain attention or how best to maintain marketing – and writing – momentum.

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This evening masterclass event looks at the practicalities of publishing and aims to boost your knowledge about getting published, and help you to make the most of the path you choose. Whether you are just starting out, submitting your pitch, or are already in print, come along to meet industry experts and the MK Lit Fest team.

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Our expert panel will be sharing their knowledge on editing, marketing, independent publishers and self-publishing, and you’ll have the opportunity to speak to them one-to-one. You’ll also be able to meet and network with other local writers, to share the joys and challenges of writing.

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Our Expert Panel
Rachael Jones: Ingram Spark
Rachael is an account manager at the award-winning independent publishing platform that offers authors and publishers quality print books and global distribution. She collaborates with independent creators to guide them with their publishing journeys. Prior to Ingram, she has held several positions in the publishing industry; most recently as a senior executive of digital and online sales at Hachette UK. Rachael will talk about how to self-publish successfully including the costs, risks and benefits.

Kate Neilan: Unbound
Kate is an award-winning book, brand and product marketer with ten years' experience in the publishing industry. After ten years in teaching, and following experience at Icon, Hodder & Stoughton, Simon & Schuster and Quercus, Kate spent seven years at Vintage, a division of Penguin Random House UK. There, she became the brand lead for Rukmini Iyer's million-selling Roasting Tin cookbook series, and created campaigns for a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles. She then joined First News, the children's newspaper, and is now Trade Marketing Manager at Unbound, boosting the awareness and sales of their titles with booksellers and book buyers.

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Cecilia Bennett: Neem Tree Press
Senior Editor at Neem Tree Press and former Managing Editor of Sweet Cherry Publishing, Cecilia has over ten years of experience in editing children's, young adult, and adult fiction. In their spare time, they are also a PhD candidate at Edinburgh Napier University, with research focusing on the impact of global power relations and of streaming platforms over the acquisition of translation rights. Cecilia will talk about the publishing experience with an indie press, how they acquire and what authors need to know. 

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Jane Hammett: Freelance editor/Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading
Jane has been a freelance copyeditor and proofreader since 1998. She works for a variety of clients, including publishers, businesses and self-publishing authors, on a wide range of subjects, including fiction, education, travel, nature and conservation. She is an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) and a tutor on the CIEP’s proofreading and editing training courses. Jane will be talking about how to find an editor who's a great fit for you, the best questions to ask your editor, and how an editor can help to polish your book.​​

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