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Writing in the Digital Age: June conference

The Literary Consultancy (TLC), the UK’s leading manuscript assessment service, announced today a new cutting-edge conference programme aimed at writers practising at all levels. TLC is working with a wide range of exciting associate partners including Arvon Foundation, Commonwealth Writers, Free Word Centre and The Literary Platform, whose combined expertise, broad reach and understanding of the issues is set to culminate in a first-rate series of discussions, case studies and debates.

TLC’s Director Rebecca Swift: ‘When The Literary Consultancy was founded in 1996, the publishing landscape looked totally different from how it does today. We need to keep up with the times to help writers in the best possible way, and this conference will address the questions we are all asking ourselves about the future of writing.’

Highlights include:

A keynote address by Hari Kunzru: does new publishing mean new writing? Says Hari: “Writers know only too well that new technologies are shifting the ground beneath our feet. The changes in distribution, promotion, and reading platforms are only part of the story.

Authors Kate Mosse, Nicola Morgan, Linda Grant and the Guardian’s literary editor Claire Armitstead explore how established writers are making the ‘digital age’ work for them. How active a role are their publishers playing?

Sophie Rochester, Founder of The Literary Platform, will host a session demonstrating that innovative digital projects are not just the play-field of bestselling authors and established publishers. There are many routes to experimentation and publishing digitally. We’ll hear from writers who are working in interesting and imaginative ways with narrative and technology.

A masterclass on successful self-publishing strategies (including how to make and sell ebooks) with American writer Robert Kroese, author of Self-Publish Your Novel: Lessons from an Indie Publishing Success Story

An examination of international market opportunities in the age of the internet, in association with Commonwealth Writers.

The return of Canon Tales, a fast-paced look at what is driving ten of the country’s top publishers and agents, including Simon Trewin, Maria Rejt, Cathryn Summerhayes and David Godwin. They’ll reveal the stories behind some of their favourite discoveries, using a series of rapid-fire visual images: 7 minutes each, with 20 images each lasting 21 seconds. A unique and hugely entertaining experience that will bring writers closer to the key people beyond the slush pile.“PEN FACTOR”: two panels made up of agents and publishers from Canon Tales will critique five fiction projects, submitted by delegates in advance of the conference and chosen by TLC. Each panel will in turn be voted on by the author/delegate audience– whose feedback will they agree with the most?

“It’s great to see TLC pioneering a long overdue digital Conference for writers, as it’s so important to know our options in changing times. I can’t wait to see what comes out of it.”  Kate Mosse

“Too often the writer’s perspective is under-represented at digital publishing events. At Writing in the Digital Age, writers will share their experiences with other writers, putting them at the centre of the debate. We’re delighted to be working with TLC on this as it supports our own 2012 commitment to create a suite of resources aimed specifically at writers interested in digital publishing.”  Sophie Rochester, Founder, The Literary Platform

“An exciting opportunity for writers to take part in the most urgent conversation of our times. Be there.” Ruth Borthwick, Chief Executive, Arvon

“Commonwealth Writers is excited to be part of TLC’s digital conference at a time when we’re helping emerging writers to identify and secure their place in a fast changing international publishing market.” Lucy Hannah, Programme Manager, Commonwealth Writers

“There are already conferences for publishers about the impact of new technology on their industry, but Free Word is delighted to host The Literary Conference that is primarily focused on what new technology means for published and unpublished writers, both practically and imaginatively.” Rose Fenton, Director, Free Word Centre

 

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