Comma Press and Manchester Metropolitan University Publishing Conference 2021

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor

Book now

The Publishing Conference 2021

24-25 April 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Comma Press
Book now

Comma Press and Manchester Metropolitan University present a two-day online Publishing Conference for aspiring and early-career publishers.

Designed to make publishing more transparent and to increase accessibility to the sector, particularly for those in the North of England where the conference would usually take place, nine sessions will be delivered by professionals from across the industry, along with two free live-streamed events: An Introduction To Publishing talk with James Spackman on 24 April and the panel How To Break Into The Industry on 25 April.

The paid part of the conference is £25 and includes the following presentations and workshops:

Saturday 24 April

Editorial with Marianne Tatepo (Ebury Publishing), 13.00-13.30

Production with Farzana Khan (Hachette Children’s), 13.40-14.10

Sales with Matt Casbourne (Duckworth Books), 14.20-14.50

Publicity with Poppy Stimpson (Pushkin Press), 15.00-15.30

Sunday 25 April

Rights with Sarah Cleave (Comma Press), 13.00-13.30

Marketing with Alesha Bonser (Penguin Random House), 13.40-14.10

Audio with Marina Stavropoulou (Bonnier Books UK), 14.20-14.50

Starting your own press with Kit Caless (Influx), 15.00-15.30

Workshop: CV and interview skills with Debbie Williams (Publishing @ MMU), 16.00-17.30

A limited number of free sponsored tickets are available for aspiring publishers who are underrepresented by the industry, including people of colour, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and those in a low-income household. There are also limited free tickets available for residents of Greater Manchester. Please email zoe.turner@commapress.co.uk to apply.

Where to go near Comma Press and Manchester Metropolitan University Publishing Conference 2021

Leeds
Gallery
The Sculpture Gallery

The Sculpture Gallery is an outstanding new gallery, of pure sculpture, showcasing the work, not only of the six owners but guests also.

A club bedroom at Malmaison Leeds
Leeds
Hotel
Malmaison Leeds

Malmaison Leeds is a historic and dramatic building, full of character and individual style. Beautifully refurbished quirky bedrooms with power showers, blackout curtains and great beds.

On The Wall is a funky independent shop that sells a wide range of creative and artistic items including, posters, art prints, canvases, greeting cards and merchandise/gifts. They also offer a bespoke framing and canvas printing service and a screen printed t- shirt service. If you are looking for something more unique and inspiring they also sell work by local artists.
Leeds
Shop
On The Wall

Bright, bold and full of character, On the Wall pairs expert framing with prints, posters and gifts inside Leeds Corn Exchange.

Leeds
Restaurant
Canned Heat

Canned Heat is an independent bottle-shop & bar in the heart of Chapeltown, Leeds. Born out of a passion for Music, Art and Community.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Yane

Friendly neighbourhood restaurant in Chorlton, specialising in authentic Japanese cuisine such as donburi, katsu kare and traditional pickles, made in-house.

Creatures Comedy Club
Manchester
Theatre
Creatures Comedy Club

Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.

The Loft
Manchester
Music venue
The Loft

The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.

Stables Tavern
City Centre
Restaurant
Stables Tavern

The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.

What's on: Literature

Lisa Jewell
LiteratureLeeds
Lisa Jewell at the Old Woollen

“Twisty page-turners. Domestic dramas. Bone-chilling suspense.” That’s how #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell is described by her publisher Simon & Schuster on their home page for her.

From £18.00
Jenn Ashworth at Blackwell's Manchester
LiteratureManchester
Jenn Ashworth at Blackwells

Jenn Ashworth is back at Blackwells bookshop for the Manchester launch of her latest work, reading extracts and chatting to Helen Mort about how The Parallel Path came about.

From £4.00
LiteratureLeeds
Chemistry at The Chemic

Leeds live literature regular Chemistry offers an exciting mix of open mic acts and invited poets – this month the headliners include Rosie Garland.

Free entry
Poet Mike Garry. Photo Paul Wolfgang Webster
LiteratureManchester
Word Central at Central Library

Word Central is a long-standing live literature favourite at Central Library and features open mic performers and a special guest, brought to you by Manchester Libraries and Flapjack Press.

Free entry

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

Cloudwater Production One
Tours and Activities in the North

Go forth with wild abandon to dance the pavements, dabble with the paint and down the pints in this month's tours and activities guide.

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Harry Baker
Literature Events in the North

From environmental to experimental, our poetry and prose picks from around the North are focused on the unusual and the fun.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Helena Hauff
Music in the North

Shape-shifting bands, scorched-earth techno, and off-grid festivals. Our latest music picks catch the live scene at its most urgent, inventive and alive.