What happens when your manuscript leaves your desk and enters the publishing world?
Join bestselling psychological thriller author Alex Stone for a special live, interactive panel bringing together three publishing professionals with different perspectives on the journey from manuscript to published book.
Featuring
Nicky Lovick — Literary Agent, WGM Atlantic
Phoebe Morgan — Executive Publisher, Simon & Schuster UK
Emma Grundy Haigh — Editorial Director, Boldwood Books
Together, they’ll take you behind the scenes of the publishing process and share their perspectives on what happens when a writer is ready to send a novel out into the world.
During the session, you’ll explore:
- What a literary agent and publishers look for in a manuscript
- What can make a submission stand out
- The submissions and acquisitions process
- How a novel may be positioned within the market
- Common mistakes and misconceptions about approaching the publishing industry
- What happens when an agent or publisher says yes
- Advice for writers preparing to take the next step
There will also be an extended opportunity to put your own questions directly to Nicky, Phoebe and Emma.
Whether you’re approaching submission, still writing your novel or simply want to understand how the publishing industry works before you get there, this session offers the chance to hear directly from the professionals working with authors and manuscripts every day.
Thursday 17 December 2026 | 7–9pm UK time | Live online via Google Meet
Also included: Writers’ Hub
Your booking also gives you access to the Author Events Writers’ Hub — an informal live online hour where you can ask questions, discuss your publishing questions and connect with Alex and other writers.
Part of Write a Psychological Thriller
This special panel is Week 12 and the final session of Alex Stone’s 12-week Write a Psychological Thriller programme.
You don’t need to have attended the previous weeks to join this session. It can also be booked as an individual masterclass.
Full 12-week programme: 1 October–17 December 2026
Thursdays, 7–9pm | Live online
The complete programme is £595, or £565 for Author Events members, and non-member full-programme bookings include 12 months’ Author Events membership.
Want to explore the complete programme?
View the full 12-week programme, weekly topics and guest experts →
Find the option that works for you
Join for one masterclass, choose a four-week block, or follow the complete journey with the 12-week programme.
