Industry Insight Session: Steps to Publication | Everything you need to know about getting published | Arvon
Industry Insight Session: Steps to Publication
Book

Industry Insight Session: Steps to Publication

Everything you need to know about getting published
Tutors
  • FRANCESCA MAIN
    Francesca Main
  • headshot of Tom Newlands
    Tom Newlands
  • Sophie Lambert
Date Tuesday May 19th 2026, 19:00-21:00 BST
Location Online

Ready to move from manuscript to book deal? During this two-hour live webinar you’ll learn all about how the publishing industry really works in the UK, directly from those in the know – an agent, editor and author who all work together. They will demystify the process of publication and explain the steps you’ll need to take in order to give your work the very best chance of appearing in print – with plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions along the way.

You’ll hear from literary agent Sophie Lambert (C&W) and publisher Francesca Main (Phoenix Books) about the relationship between agent and editor, about what excites them in a submission, and the pitfalls to avoid when pitching. You’ll also hear from Tom Newlands, whose debut novel Only Here, Only Now was represented by Sophie, published by Francesca, and was selected as a Guardian Book of the Year, shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize, and won the Society of Authors McKitterick Prize. He’ll talk about his experience of the path to representation and publication, about his life as a writer and how he sustains his practice.

You’ll receive clear and practical advice on how to know when your manuscript is ready to submit, on crafting convincing query letters, knowing who to approach and how, positioning your work, understanding genres and market trends, and managing rejection in a competitive industry. By the end of the session you will have greater knowledge of how the industry works, a plan on the next steps for your idea or manuscript, as well as the confidence to present yourself and your work in a professional way.


Is this session for me?

Our masterclasses are regularly attended by writers who:

  • Are hungry for fresh thinking, stimulus and new ways into their writing
  • Are looking to keep up or boost their writing momentum
  • Have time constraints and can’t always commit to the live experience
  • Are wanting to try something new
  • Enjoy taking things at their own pace
  • Are looking to develop a regular writing habit
  • Are looking for a supportive environment in which to open up creatively

What will I gain?

  • A two hour writing workout – at your pace
  • Two hours of inspiring tuition from the finest writers at work today
  • Two hours to focus on your writing with guidance from experienced Arvon tutors
  • Two hours of craft, technique and writing prompts
  • Two hours that will propel your writing forward
  • Support from friendly Arvon hosts
  • Becoming part of an inclusive creative community
  • Access to the recording afterwards

How does it work?

The Masterclass will be delivered via Zoom webinar, so you can take the session at your own pace, without the pressure of having your video or camera on. You can contribute via the chatbox with your tutor and other writers attending the session. Sessions are also recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you will have access to the recording afterwards. Masterclasses can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Just translate the UK time to your local time zone.

Why Arvon?

Arvon is a not-for-profit charity that has been running since 1968.

At Arvon, everyone who crosses the door of one of our writing houses is a writer – no matter what their age or writing experience – and all are welcome.

For more information About Arvon – Home of Creative Writing since 1968 – Arvon

Online: £40

Concessions: £20

As part of our effort to increase participation in the arts, half-price concessions are available for this course at checkout. There are a limited number of free subsidised places for those who cannot afford the concession price.

We are committed to making our Arvon at Home programme accessible to as many people as possible.

Our FAQ page may also helpful.

Across all of Arvon at Home 

Masterclasses 

Saturday Writing Club

Online Writing Days

Writing Weeks and Writing Months

A note on the use of AI and recording

Subject to funding/permissions/availability (please contact arvonathome@arvon.org for more details)

If you have any access needs that we have not covered here, please contact us on access@arvon.org

See here for more access information.

"These zoom opportunities are really helping to open my world and keep me inspired to write."
— Masterclass participant
"Arvon at Home creates a model to participate in inspirational tutoring for writers, at a distance. The feeling of attending to my writing life in an excellent fashion, and still having a half-day for my work and caring responsibilities at home, felt like a good balance."
— Masterclass participant
"It was an absolutely brilliant session and very very useful. And it made me realise how much I’ve missed this kind of workshop because of having children and family that I can’t leave. Now we’re all in the same boat the online stuff is truly transformative."
— Masterclass participant

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