Any journey starts with a single step, but there’s a helluva lot more to do before you reach your final destination – and the Book Journey is no different.

Join the British Fantasy Society as we dive into what to do once that first draft has been vomited onto the page. You’ve heard the call to adventure and started writing, but which guardians will help you get over the threshold, through the gate, and into published territory? We’ve assembled a variety of mentors to help you think through the trials and challenges of edits, cover design, promo, merch, more edits, maps, character arcs, proofreads, newsletters, interviews, blog tours, social media … are we there yet? This event is focused on what to do after you’ve put pen to paper, and when to do it. If you’re looking tips and want to be part of the conversation, grab your ticket now. Panels, interviews, and readings, oh my!

Introduction & Welcome (10–10:10am)

Panel 1 (10:10–11:10am): Editing. A discussion on the role and benefits of an editor. Why do they make your book better? And how do you choose the right editor for you? Join moderator PS Livingstone and panellists David Thomas Moore, Claire Cronshaw and Vicky Brewster as they chat about the partnership between editor and author.

Readings:  Paul A. Green (11:15–11:25am),  Anna Smith Spark (11:30–11:40am)

Break (11:40–12:10pm)

Agent Interview (12:15–1:15pm): BFS Chair Shona Kinsella interviews agent John Baker. John is an agent with Bell Lomax Moreton, where he focuses on building his own cultivated list, shaped around his passion for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror. He has a passion for subverting expectations and creating rich new worlds of adventure. Join the BFS event day to hear more about John and his role on The Book Journey.

Reading (1:20–1:30pm): Marve Michael Anson

Lunch (1:30–2pm)

Reading (2:15–2:25pm): Shona Kinsella

Panel 2 (2:30–3:30pm): Artworks & Extras. A conversation about artwork and extras add that something special to your book. Should we judge a book by its cover? What can designers create to bring readers deeper into your world? Moderator Eleanor Pender chats to panellists Jenni Coutts, Diana Sousa, and Micaela Alcaino to answer these questions.

Reading (3:35–3:45pm): Eden Royce

Break (3:45–4pm)

Panel 3 (4–5pm): Marketing. A discussion on the role of marketing in book success. How do you find your readers? What strategies get your book noticed? Join moderator Lauren McMenemy as she chats to Beverley Lee, Nicole Eigener, Jenn Hanson dePaula and Stuart Conover about the best booky boosts and the dos and don’ts of marketing.

Reading (5:05–5:15pm): Leia Talon

Reading (5:20–5:30pm): J E Hannaford

Open mic (5:30–6pm): A get-together at the end of the day and an opportunity to catch up with all your writing community pals.

Any queries, please contact Pam via email: onlineevents@britishfantasysociety.org