Whether you’re a writer, aspiring author or curious reader, join us for this special event where a variety of speakers share their perspectives on publishing, with insights and advice from literary agents, editors and authors.

• What are the key differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing?
• How do e-book and audio sales differ from print?
• Why are social media platforms such as BookTok shaping the bestseller lists? 

With audience Q&A after each session, our panel discussions feature leading literary agents, experienced editors and bestselling authors across a variety of genres – from romance to crime fiction, fantasy, memoir and short stories. 

Expect practical advice and illuminating insights into the changing publishing landscape, plus reflections on the realities of the writing life. 

Doors for the event open at 12.30pm with the first panel starting at 1.00pm sharp. 

During the breaks, a number of organisations (Including Society of Authors and Libraries NI) will have information stalls, where writers of all levels can seek support and create connections. 

After this event, join us for drinks and snacks to celebrate the winners of the Mairtín Crawford Awards for Poetry and Short Story 2026 from 6.00 - 6.30pm. Click here for more information and to register a place. 

Please note that session times are subject to change. 

1.00 - 1.45pm > The Agent-Author Relationship: Fiction 

From preparing submissions to working with agents, this panel demystifies the traditional publishing process for works of fiction. Chaired by writer Neil Hegarty, our speakers include bestselling crime author Andrea Carter, and literary agents David H Headley, founder of DHH Literary Agency, and Molly Ker Hawn, director of David Higham Associates. 

1.45 - 2.30pm > Digital Publishing: From E-Books to Audio 

With romance flourishing on the bestseller lists, this deep-dive into digital publishing brings together Freya Kennedy, author of The Fabulous Forties Club series, and Seána Tinley, author of The Irish Midwives series and chair of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Chaired by Anna Ganley, CEO of the Society of Authors, this conversation covers e-books, audio, the rise of “digital-first” publishing and the challenges of AI. 

Break 

3.15 - 4.00pm > Self-Publishing & Social Media

Join Irish fantasy author Claire Wright and freelance editor Averill Buchanan for an illuminating conversation about the process of self-publishing and marketing your own work. Chaired by Elizabeth Haylett Clark from the Society of Authors, this panel explores the benefits of independent publishing – from retaining your rights to increasing revenue – and how to build relationships with readers through social media platforms.  

Break

4.15 - 5.00pm > Developing Book Proposals: Non-Fiction & Memoir 

Chaired by writer Neil Hegarty, this panel features Suad Aldarra, winner of the Rooney Prize for her memoir I Don’t Want to Talk About Home, literary agent Paul Feldstein, co-founder of the Feldstein Agency, and Blathnaid Healy, co-founder of Full Set, a new independent publisher of non-fiction. Our speakers will discuss developing non-fiction proposals, pitching to agents and working with editors. 

5.00 - 5.45pm > What I Wished I’d Known: Reflections from Writers 

Chaired by author Babita Sharma, our final session brings together three acclaimed writers to discuss their creative process and the things they wish they’d known earlier in their careers. Panellists include multi-award-winning author Lucy Caldwell, critically acclaimed short-story writer Lucy Sweeney Byrne, and cross-disciplinary writer and performer Abby Oliveira.