Manchester Writing School co-host insightful publishing event

Delegates on the day attending a session

Manchester Writing School in collaboration with Manchester-based published Comma Press hosted the National Creative Writing Industry Day to support aspiring writers in gaining insight into the publishing industry.

Over 150 delegates attended the event that is the largest of its kind in the North of England on Friday 1 November in the Geoffrey Manton building.

Attendees were given the opportunity to take part in panel sessions delivered by industry experts, pitch their work to literary agents and editors, and listen to a keynote speech delivered by acclaimed author, Sharlene Teo.

The event drew delegates from across the UK, including undergraduate students, postgraduates and writers from all backgrounds and levels of experience.

James Draper, Manager of the Manchester Writing School, said:

"The whole ethos of the day was to bring the publishing world up to the North. Traditionally, the major publishers and agencies have been based in London or the South, so it has been very difficult for people who are not based there to access those experts, resources and opportunities.

"The event also links to a lot of the work of the University, in terms of forging ongoing industry partnerships and our widening participation agenda. We organised the day in partnership with Comma Press and they have been really invaluable both as an organisation and as a partner in the Northern publishing group."

Manchester Metropolitan graduate and Publicity and Outreach Officer at Comma Press, Zoe Turner, added:

"The benefits of the event are clear when writers come up to me to say how much they have got out of the experience.

"This is especially evident when you listen to people talking and hear how passionate they are to share their stories. I enjoy doing work that is directly impactful.

"As Sharlene Teo mentioned today, being a writer means being on your own and in your head a lot, so to come here and see the people that are trying to do the same thing has a massive impact."

New MA in Publishing
The event also unveiled the University’s new MA in Publishing degree, which launches in September 2020. It will be delivered in collaboration with industry professionals and will equip students with the knowledge and skills for a variety of careers in publishing.

For further information, please visit the Manchester Writing School website.