Whilst traditional publishing still dominates bookshops and bestseller lists, many writers are increasingly finding alternative ways to reach readers, so they can earn an income and feel empowered to make their own choices about connecting with readers.

Chaired by literary agent Jamilah Ahmed, writers Eleanor Anstruther, Elizabeth Kuligowski and Preethi Nair will reflect on the exciting advantages and practical challenges of balancing a creative vision with a business mindset. They will explore the pros and cons of non-traditional publishing routes, whether that be through a distribution partner, using platforms such as Substack, or self-publishing via Amazon KDP.

Finding an outlet for your writing can be a frustrating experience when it feels like the gates are closed, but this event aims to show that there are positive ways forward for anyone struggling to get their voice heard.

Eleanor Anstruther was born in London, educated at Westminster School and studied History of Art at Manchester University where she was distracted from finishing her degree by a trip to India. She was lost and found for the next twelve years, starting a commune and travelling the world before finally settling down to write her acclaimed debut novel, A Perfect Explanation, (Salt Books) which was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize and the 2019 Not The Booker Prize. Her latest novel, In Judgement of Others, (Troubador) comes out this month (28 January). Founder of The Literary Obsessive, she’s grown a significant following on Substack where she champions indie lit fiction, serializes her work before taking it to print, and runs the hugely successful 8 Questions.

Elizabeth Kuligowski is a writer of speculative fiction, horror, and magical realism. Her debut novel, Red On The Inside, will be published by Burton Mayers in March 2025, an early version of which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize Discoveries Award Her work has also been shortlisted for the Mslexia Children’s & YA Novel Competition. With a degree in Classics from King’s College London, she weaves ancient myths and narratives into eerie, contemporary settings.Originally from the UK, she now lives in Sweden with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing, she enjoys wandering through the forest and arguing about old movies.

Preethi Nair worked as a management consultant and gave it up to follow her dream and write her first book, Gypsy Masala. Having been rejected by most publishers, she set up her own publishing company and PR agency to publish and promote the book all whilst putting on a suit and pretending to go to work. Working under the alias of Pru, Preethi managed to gain substantial coverage and after two years of a roller-coaster journey, she signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins. She won an Asian Women of Achievement Award for her endeavours and “Pru” was also shortlisted for a Publisher’s Publicity Circle Award.Having never acted before (not even at school), Preethi went on to write, act and produce Sari: The Whole Five Yards, a sell-out one-woman show in the West End. Preethi adapted this play into the novel Unravelling, which has been optioned for television.Preethi is also visiting professor at various business schools, teaching modules on creativity for personal leadership.

Jamilah Ahmed has worked in publishing, both academic and trade, for twenty years. She has experience as a commissioning and freelance editor, and as a literary agent. She has also taught Creative Writing (most recently at London Metropolitan University). She is currently working with the Barbara Levy Literary Agency, and the Jhalak Prize. Jamilah has a PhD from Goldsmiths University, and co-edited the volume Cultural Bodies.