We will kick off the day with a welcome, health and safety briefing and summary of what authors can expect over the course of the day.

From manuscript preparation to cover design, every detail plays a crucial role in producing a professional-quality book. In this session, we’ll guide you through the entire book production process, from text layout and spine design to printing options and industry best practices. Whether you're self-publishing or working with a publisher, you'll gain valuable insights into how to make your book stand out. We'll also explore how we use the production process to create a polished, high-quality final product.

Getting a self-published book into bookshops is a major challenge, but the right approach can greatly improve your chances. In this session, Troubador’s Marketing team will share expert insights on how bookshops decide which titles to stock, the importance of accurate bibliographic data, and the best ways to pitch your book. You'll also learn what to do (and what to avoid!) when approaching bookshops, giving your book the best possible chance of making it onto the shelves.

Ensuring your ebook is accessible not only expands your readership but also improves its marketability. In this session, we’ll cover key strategies for creating ebooks that meet accessibility standards, making them more inclusive and user-friendly. You'll learn best practices for formatting, metadata, and distribution, as well as how to optimise your ebook for different platforms. Additionally, we’ll explore proven techniques to boost ebook sales, from effective pricing strategies to marketing and discoverability tips. Whether you're a first-time author or have published previously, this session will help you with the tools to maximise both accessibility and sales potential.

Having your book edited by a professional will catch those pesky errors lurking within your carefully crafted words and help to smooth the creases you haven't quite managed to iron out. In this session, we'll clarify exactly what editing is, and what it is not, as well as outline the different types of edit available and which one is right for you. Whether you've written a memoir or a children's book, you're new to writing or a seasoned professional, you'll discover how the editorial process, as one of the first steps in your book's publication journey, can benefit you.

The British Library is more than just a vast collection of books. It’s a vital resource for authors, researchers, and readers alike. One of the Library's core functions is to collect and preserve the published output of the UK and Ireland for future generations, through a process called Legal Deposit. But how does it actually work? How can authors benefit from it? And what about the many myths surrounding Legal Deposit, accessibility, and library collections across the UK? In this session, we’ll demystify the British Library, explore its role within the wider network of UK Legal Deposit Libraries, and clarify common misconceptions. Whether you're looking to understand how your book fits into the system or simply want to make the most of what the library offers, this workshop will provide valuable insights.

Metadata is a powerful yet often overlooked tool in the world of book sales. Without well-crafted, high-quality metadata, a book’s chances of being discovered—let alone purchased—by retailers or readers are significantly reduced. Strong metadata helps ensure that a book appears in the right searches, reaches its target audience, and stands out in an increasingly crowded market. In this session, Clive will delve into why metadata is so important, the key elements authors need to focus on, and practical steps they can take to optimise their book’s data.

In today’s fast-evolving publishing landscape, audiobooks are more than just an alternative format—they’re a powerful tool for reaching new audiences and boosting book sales. With the rising popularity of audio content, publishing your book as an audiobook can expand your readership, enhance engagement, and create new revenue streams. In this workshop, authors will discover the benefits of audiobooks, the key steps in the production process, and how to ensure their story is brought to life in the best possible way.

What does it take to write a book that sells? In this inspiring and practical keynote, bestselling self-published author Suzy Quinn, who has sold over 1 million copies of her books, shares the secrets behind crafting a page-turner that captivates readers and climbs the charts. Drawing from her experience as both an author and a writing coach, Suzy will reveal the essential ingredients of a bestselling book, from irresistible story hooks to characters that stay with readers long after the final page. Whether you are a first-time writer or a seasoned author, this talk will give you actionable insights and strategies to make your book stand out in a crowded market. If your goal is to write a book that readers love and that sells, this is a session you will not want to miss.

Preparing your book for self-publishing takes more than just finishing the first draft. In this workshop, Debbie will cover practical strategies to overcome writer’s block, refine your manuscript through self-editing and build the confidence to share your work with editors and readers. Whether you're struggling to push through revisions or gearing up for publication, this session will provide the tools and insights you need to take the next step toward a successful self-published book.

Building a loyal reader base is essential for long-term success as an author. In this workshop, Rosemary will share her experiences in enhancing reader engagement and turning casual readers into dedicated fans. Learn how to foster meaningful connections through your website, social media, email newsletters, and live events. Discover the power of direct sales, community building, and personalised interactions to enhance your brand, increase book sales, and create lasting relationships with your audience. Whether you're a debut author or an experienced writer, this session will equip you with the tools to grow a thriving reader community and maximise your success.

Join Shimmr AI to learn how artificial intelligence can help self-published authors sell more books. Discover how AI-powered tools can streamline book promotion, increase visibility, and connect you with the right readers for a fraction of the cost of traditional advertising channels. They'll explore real case studies of authors who have seen significant success since launching AI-driven campaigns, breaking down the strategies that worked for them. Authors attending will learn how AI can optimize ads, improve discoverability, and maximise their marketing efforts. Whether you're launching a new book or looking to boost sales for an existing title, you'll walk away with actionable insights and practical tips to take your book marketing to the next level.

Join PR and social media experts from Midas, the award-winning communications agency at the heart of publishing, for an essential workshop on building buzz around your book. Learn how to attract the right audience, grow your social media presence, and create meaningful engagement. From gaining followers and increasing visibility to securing media coverage and planning bookshop events, this session will give you the tools to amplify your book’s reach and impact. Plus, discover how to track your progress and refine your strategy for maximum exposure and success.

Conference attendees can conclude the day with this final session where Alex will explore the many paths to self-publishing. Building on insights from the day's discussions, he’ll highlight key takeaways and essential next steps. Whether you're considering Troubador or exploring other options, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to move forward on your publishing journey.