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Newcastle Writing Conference

Event information

Where: The Common Room, Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1SE

Date: Saturday 17 May 2025

Time: 10.00am–5pm

Cost: £75 Early Bird/£85 Full Price (+ booking fee)

Type: Writing and Publishing Skills Hub

Book here

The Newcastle Writing Conference is back!

The writing conference is an event for writers at all stages of their careers. It aims to demystify the world of publishing and supports you to connect with peers and industry experts. Across one day, the conference offers a programme of panels, breakout sessions and practical workshops. Writers choose their own bespoke journey throughout the day, whether you’re interested in avoiding memoir mistakes, creating compelling characters in your children’s novel or getting a guide to independent publishing.

Making connections is just as important as a fantastic programme of events. We encourage attendees to mingle over complimentary tea and coffee, visit our pop-up book stall from Forum Books, and meet other writers during the networking time at the end of the day. You can also apply for an industry one-to-one with a range of agents, editors and professional writers.

If you can’t join us in person, you can still be part of Newcastle Writing Conference. We’ll be live-streaming our three main events and three breakout sessions throughout the day.

See In-Person Timetable      See Virtual Timetable

10.30am: Headline Speaker

Graeme Macrae Burnet has been nominated for the Booker Prize twice – shortlisted in 2016 and longlisted in 2022. He is among Britain’s leading contemporary novelists, whose work has been translated into more than 20 languages and achieved bestseller status in several countries.

He is the author of five novels: the Booker shortlisted His Bloody Project, Booker longlisted Case Study and the Georges Gorski trilogy, comprising The Disappearance of Adèle Bedeau, The Accident on the A35 and A Case of Matricide, published in 2024.

Born in Kilmarnock, Graeme won a Scottish Book Trust New Writers Award in 2013 and was named Author of the Year in the Sunday Herald Culture Awards 2017. He lives in Glasgow, where he writes full-time.

Graeme will be talking to Will Mackie, New Writing North’s Senior Programme Manager for Talent Development, about his inspiring career to date, as well as offering advice to writers of all genres who are beginning their careers.

This talk will be live-captioned by 121 Captions

Included with the Virtual Pass

11.15am: Breakout Session 1

  • What is a Novel, Really? with Yara Rodrigues Fowler

  • Avoiding Memoir Mistakes with Richard Benson

  • Post-Publication: Life as an Author

  • Meet the Agent with Gyamfia Osei

Breakout 1a: What is a Novel, Really? with Yara Rodrigues Fowler

How well do you understand the relationship between the form and content in your novel-in-progress? Have you sat down and considered what it is you want to say, and why you are saying it the way that you are? In this workshop you’ll try playing with form – for example, mapping your plot and changing the chronological order of chapters – to help you build a theory of the relationship between form and content in your work. You’ll use theory to problem-solve structural problems you’re having, for example, how or when to end the novel.

Breakout 1b: Avoiding Memoir Mistakes with Richard Benson

In this session Richard Benson, a writer and editor with 25 years experience, sets out the ten most common mistakes he sees writers make with life writing – and then suggests how to fix them. The session covers all aspects of writing from ideas and information gathering through to publication, and includes several insider tips and guides of use to new and established writers alike.

Breakout 1c: Post-Publication: Life as an Author

Naomi Kelsey and Seth Insua are published authors and members of the professional development group North East Novelists. In this breakout session, they will be talking about the realities of life as an early career author. They will reflect on their publication journeys; how to balance your writing life alongside your day-job; and how to find network and connection with other writers. With plenty of time to answer your questions, Naomi and Seth will aim to shed light on the realities – good and bad – of a writing life.

Breakout 1d: Meet the Agent with Gyamfia Osei

Gyamfia Osei began her career as a Bookseller at Waterstones, before moving to work as a Sales Director at an international publishing company. Returning to London, she began building a dynamic list of authors at The Good Literary Agency, before joining Andrew Nurnberg Associates as a Literary Agent in 2023. At ANA, Gyamfia is focusing on developing the agency’s list of children’s authors, from middle grade up to New Adult, while also representing a bespoke list of commercial adult fiction and narrative non-fiction.

Gyamfia will be talking about her work as a literary agent, and answering any questions you might have about seeking representation for your work.

12.30pm: Breakout Session 2

  • Writing Characters for Children with Ashley Thorpe

  • Writing Dialogue with Ishy Din

  • Meet the Agent with Lisa Highton

  • A Guide to Independent Publishing

Breakout 2a: Writing Characters for Children with Ashley Thorpe

What comes first, the world or the characters? In this practical workshop, children’s author Ashley Thorpe will guide you through creating compelling characters when writing for young people. Using his own creation as a case study, Ashley will get you thinking about the importance of side characters, how characters develop if you’re a plotter vs a pantser, and creating detailed character profiles.

Breakout 2b: Writing Dialogue with Ishy Din

Ishy Din is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose work has made a significant impact on stage and screen. Ishy’s work is known for its sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and social relevance. In this session, Ishy will share his insights into storytelling, with a focus on creating strong dialogue. Whether you’re writing for the stage, the screen, or looking to bring authentic voices to your novel, Ishy will offer advice and expertise based on his extensive experience.

Breakout 2c: Meet the Agent with Lisa Highton

Lisa Highton joined Jenny Brown Associates as an Associate Agent in 2022. In 2023 the agency started its Debut Novel Over 50 Award, which ran again this year. Until 2021, Lisa was Publisher of Two Roads, an imprint she started at John Murray Press/Hachette where she published authors including Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson. Over a long career in publishing where she was publishing director of Doubleday, HarperCollins and then Hodder, Lisa has published many bestsellers. Her passions are distinctive storytelling and finding those hidden stories with emotional heart.

Lisa will be bringing her extensive experience as a publisher and an agent, and answering any questions you might have about seeking representation for your work.

Breakout 2d: A Guide to Independent Publishing

Dive deep into the world of independent publishing and find out if an indie press could be the right home for your book. On this panel, publishers from Bluemoose, Saraband and Mslexia (authors of the Indie Press Guide) will provide first-hand insight into the world of small and Northern publishers, and the vital part they play in the literary landscape. They’ll be discussing the highs and lows of indie publishing and answering your questions.

Kevin Duffy is the Co-founder of Bluemoose Books. Based in Hebden Bridge, Bluemoose Books is an award winning independent publisher whose authors include Ronan Hession and Benjamin Myers. Rosie Hilton is Publishing Manager at Manchester-based press Saraband. Publisher of Graeme Macrae Burnet, Saraband is an award-winning publisher of fiction, nature-writing and memoir. Maxine Davies is Production Editor at Mslexia Magazine and contributor to the Indie Press Guide.

 

1.30pm: Lunch

Please bring your own packed lunch or head out into Newcastle City Centre. The Common Room is well located for many of Newcastle’s shops and cafes. Find out more in our FAQs section.

You can also take a moment to visit our Newcastle Writing Conference book stall by Forum Books.

Industry One-to-Ones

In addition to the full day programme, delegates at Newcastle Writing Conference can apply for a ten-minute chat with an industry professional. This is an opportunity to discuss your work with an agent, editor, publicist or seasoned writer. You’ll be asked to provide a synopsis of your current project, which will be shared with your industry professional in advance, if you are chosen.

Please note that due to limited availability, industry one-to-ones are not guaranteed and are not offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Places will instead be allocated based on the suitability of the synopsis you provide. We aim to select the most promising work and match you with the industry professional most relevant to your work. Industry one-to-ones are free, and anyone with a ticket can apply.

Once you’ve bought your ticket you’ll receive an email with the link to apply for an industry one-to-one. The deadline to apply is 30 April at 9am.

2.30pm: Practise Your Pitch, Live

So you’ve written the book… how do you talk about it? As a writer, being able to pitch your work is increasingly important, but it’s not easy to convey the entire world you’ve created in a two-minute elevator pitch or a one-page synopsis.

In this session, three writers will pitch their unpublished book to publishing professionals from Hachette and HarperCollins. They’ll receive live feedback on their approach from Rosie Gailer and Alice Murphy-Pyle, with tips and advice that you can apply to your own work.

Rosie Gailer is Director, Communications and Trade Publishing, John Murray Press. She has worked at JMP since 2013, where as well as heading up the Communications department she is also involved in strategy and acquisitions. Alice Murphy-Pyle is head of marketing and publicity at HarperNorth, the Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins. She has delivered Sunday Times top ten bestselling book campaigns for authors and worked as a journalist before moving into publishing.

3.15pm: Breakout Session 3

  • Author photo of Kit Fan

    Short Story Workshop with Kit Fan

  • Goal Setting for Writers with H.F. Askwith

  • Meet the Agent with Julie Fergusson

  • Becoming a Bestseller with Laura Steven

Breakout 3a: Short Story Workshop with Kit Fan

Short fiction is a form that can both constrain and free you as a writer. It can provide opportunities that novels just can’t, but without the time and space, how do you create convincing characters? How do you capture a significant, suspenseful moment within a short structure? What roles can dialogue play in short fiction?

In this practical writing workshop, author and poet Kit Fan will offer a deep-dive into the art of short story writing. Kit Fan is the author of Diamond Hill (Dialogue Books) and has twice been shortlisted for the Guardian 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize.

Breakout 3b: Goal Setting for Writers with H.F. Askwith

What is your goal, and how can you achieve it? In this interactive session, you will reflect on your writing practice and identify next steps to find out what works best for you. You’ll explore your biggest writing dreams alongside the small steps you can take towards making them a reality.

H.F. Askwith is a British writer of dark fantastical fiction, and the author of A Dark Inheritance and A Cruel Twist of Fate.

Breakout 3c: Meet the Agent with Julie Fergusson

Julie Fergusson is an agent with the North Literary Agency. Julie has worked in the publishing industry for over a decade, first in Scottish publishing and then UK-wide as a freelance editor and now agent. She has a degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in creative writing, both from the University of Edinburgh. She is looking for fiction across a range of genres, from commercial to literary.

Julie is looking for smart witty romcoms; issue-led book club novels; layered, suspenseful thrillers; sharply observed contemporary novels; vividly drawn characters and books that examine culture or class.

Julie will be talking about her work as a literary agent, and answering any questions you might have about seeking representation for your work.

Breakout 3d: Becoming a Bestseller with Laura Steven

Laura Steven is a #1 New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author from the Northernmost town in England. She has published several books for young adults, such as the instant bestseller Our Infinite Fates, while the forthcoming Silvercloak trilogy, written as L.K. Steven, will mark her adult fantasy debut.

Laura will be in conversation with author Eirinie Lapidaki, reflecting on her fascinating career so far. From moving between genres and audiences, to moving between publishers and building momentum for your work, Laura will share inspiring insights for writers at any stage of their journey.

4.20pm: A. A. Dhand in Conversation

We are thrilled to end the day by talking to A. A. Dhand. A. A. Dhand is the author of eight novels, including the Harry Virdee crime series and his latest release The Chemist. His work has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. A. A. Dhand adapted his own work for the screen, and the six-part drama series Virdee was broadcast by the BBC in 2025, starring Staz Nair.

He was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired all his novels.

A. A. Dhand will be talking to New Writing North Chief Executive Claire Malcolm about his impressive career so far as well as offering words of inspiration to aspiring and emerging writers.

This panel will be live-captioned by 121 Captions

Included with the Virtual Pass

Virtual Timetable

This year’s Newcastle Writing Conference is open to everyone. The Newcastle Writing Conference virtual ticket gives you access to live-streams of our keynote and panel events. 

As well as hearing from our headline speaker Graeme Macrae Burnet, virtual conference attendees can enjoy panels with industry experts and experienced authors. From a guide to independent publishing to a deep-dive with a literary agent, virtual attendees will have access to a full day of inspiring sessions. 

Buy a £35 Virtual Pass

10.30am–11.10am: Graeme Macrae Burnet

Watch our headline event with Graeme Macrae Burnet, live-streamed from The Common Room.

11.15am–12.15pm: Meet the Agent with Gyamfia Osei

Gyamfia Osei began her career as a Bookseller at Waterstones, before moving to work as a Sales Director at an international publishing company. Returning to London, she began building a dynamic list of authors at The Good Literary Agency, before joining Andrew Nurnberg Associates as a Literary Agent in 2023. At ANA, Gyamfia is focusing on developing the agency’s list of children’s authors, from middle grade up to New Adult, while also representing a bespoke list of commercial adult fiction and narrative non-fiction.

Gyamfia will be talking about her work as a literary agent, and answering any questions you might have about seeking representation for your work.

12.30pm–1.30pm: A Guide to Independent Publishing

Dive deep into the world of independent publishing and find out if an indie press could be the right home for your book. On this panel, publishers from Bluemoose, Saraband and Mslexia (authors of the Indie Press Guide) will provide first-hand insight into the world of small and Northern publishers, and the vital part they play in the literary landscape. They’ll be discussing the highs and lows of indie publishing and answering your questions.

Chaired by Claire Malcolm, New Writing North.

2.30pm–3.10pm: Practise Your Pitch, Live

In this session, three writers will pitch their unpublished book to publishing professionals from Hachette and HarperCollins. They’ll receive live feedback on their approach from Rosie Gailer and Alice Murphy-Pyle, with tips and advice that you can apply to your own work.

Rosie Gailer is Director, Communications and Trade Publishing, John Murray Press. She has worked at JMP since 2013, where she now works in acquisitions. Alice Murphy-Pyle is head of marketing and publicity at HarperNorth, the Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins. She has delivered Sunday Times number one bestselling book campaigns for authors and worked as a journalist before moving into publishing.

3.15pm–4.15pm: Becoming a Besteller with Laura Steven

Laura Steven is a #1 New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author from the Northernmost town in England. She has published several books for young adults, such as the instant bestseller Our Infinite Fates, while the forthcoming Silvercloak trilogy, written as L.K. Steven, will mark her adult fantasy debut.

Laura will be in conversation with author Eirinie Lapidaki, reflecting on her fascinating career so far and sharing inspiring insights for writers at any stage of their journey.

4.20pm–5pm: A. A. Dhand in Conversation

In our final event, we will be joined by A. A. Dhand. A. A. Dhand is the author of eight novels, including the Harry Virdee crime series and his latest release The Chemist. His work has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. A. A. Dhand adapted his own work for the screen, and the six-part drama series Virdee was broadcast by the BBC in 2025, starring Staz Nair.

Chaired by Claire Malcolm, New Writing North.

In-Person Timetable

10am–10.20am – Registration

Join us at 10am to sign in and grab yourself a free tea or coffee. Be sure to give yourself time to browse our book stall before registration closes at 10.20 am for the keynote speech.

10.20am–11.10am – Graeme Macrae Burnet

Introduction from New Writing North and the headline event with Graeme Macrae Burnet in conversation with New Writing North Talent Development Manager Will Mackie.

11.15am–12.15pm Breakout Session 1

Choose between four breakout sessions:

  • Breakout 1a: What is a Novel, Really? Workshop with Yara Rogrigues Fowler
  • Breakout 1b: Avoiding Memoir Mistakes with Richard Benson
  • Breakout 1c: Post-Publication: Life as an Author with Naomi Kelsey and Seth Insua
  • Breakout 1d: Meet the Agent with Gyamfia Osei

12.15pm–12.30pm – Tea and Coffee Break

Join us for complimentary tea and coffee and browse our book stall by Forum Books.

12.30pm–1.30pm – Breakout Session 2

Choose between four breakout sessions:

  • Breakout 2a: Writing Characters for Children with Ashley Thorpe
  • Breakout 2b: Writing Dialogue with Ishy Din
  • Breakout 2c: Meet the Agent with Lisa Highton
  • Breakout 2d: A Guide to Independent Publishing

1.30pm–2.30pm – Lunch (and industry one-to-ones)

Please bring your own packed lunch or head out into Newcastle City Centre. The Common Room is well located for many of Newcastle’s shops and cafes. See our FAQs for some of our favourite spots.

In addition to the full day programme, delegates at Newcastle Writing Conference can apply for a free one-to-one meeting with an industry expert. The link to apply for a one-to-one will be available to you after purchase, in the confirmation email.Please note that places will be given based on the suitability of the synopsis you provide. We aim to select the most promising work and do our best to match you with the industry professional most relevant to your work. Due to limited availability, industry one-to-ones are not guaranteed and are not offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

2.30pm–3.10pm: Practise Your Pitch, Live

In this session, three writers will pitch their unpublished book to publishing professionals from Hachette and HarperCollins. They’ll receive live feedback on their approach from Rosie Gailer and Alice Murphy-Pyle, with tips and advice that you can apply to your own work.

Rosie Gailer is Director, Communications and Trade Publishing, John Murray Press. She has worked at JMP since 2013, where as well as heading up the Communications department she is involved in strategy and acquisitions. Alice Murphy-Pyle is head of marketing and publicity at HarperNorth, the Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins. She has delivered Sunday Times number one bestselling book campaigns for authors and worked as a journalist before moving into publishing.

3.15pm–4.15pm – Breakout Session 3

Choose between four breakout sessions:

Breakout 3a: Short Story Workshop with Kit Fan
Breakout 3b: Goal Setting for Writers with H.F. Askwith
Breakout 3c: Meet the Agent with Julie Fergusson
Breakout 3d: Becoming a Bestseller with Laura Steven

4.20pm–5pm – A. A. Dhand in Conversation

In our final event, we will be joined by A. A. Dhand. A. A. Dhand is the author of eight novels, including the Harry Virdee crime series and his latest release The Chemist. His work has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. A. A. Dhand adapted his own work for the screen, and the six-part drama series Virdee was broadcast by the BBC in 2025, starring Staz Nair.

He was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired all his novels.

5pm–5.30pm – Networking

Why not stay a while? Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in the Common Room, take a moment to exchange contact details with your new friends, or drift over to the 5|Quarter, the adjoining café bar to continue the conversations sparked by the day’s events.

Speakers

  • Alice Murphy-Pyle

    Alice Murphy-Pyle is head of marketing and publicity at HarperNorth, the Manchester-based imprint of HarperCollins. She has delivered Sunday Times top 10 bestselling book campaigns for authors including Stuart Maconie, James Timpson, Spudman and Coleen Nolan. She is co-founder and co-director of Love Stories Etc festival, Manchester’s first romance festival, which was highly commended by the Publishers Publicity Circle in 2024. She mentors for The Northern Fiction Alliance and Children’s Books North.

    Alice began her career as a journalist before moving into publishing. She worked at Simon & Schuster UK and later at Transworld, Penguin Random House.

  • A. A. Dhand

    A. A. Dhand is the author of The Chemist and five previous novels, and has been shortlisted for the CWA Steel Dagger Award. His DI Harry Virdee novels has been adapted  for TV by the BBC. He was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. The history, diversity and darkness of the city have inspired all his novels. As a pharmacist, A. A. Dhand was surrounded by drugs, dealers, and incredible stories of maverick drug-deals, which on one hand blew his mind in their ingenuity, and on the other sickened him with how easily they preyed on the most vulnerable. His experiences inspired the writing of his latest novel, The Chemist. 

  • Ashley Thorpe

    Ashley Thorpe is a writer and editor based in Manchester. Ashley is the author of fantasy adventures The Boy to Beat the Gods and the forthcoming title Spirit Warriors. He is also a trustee of the Manchester Libraries Trust, and Senior Editor at the inclusive fiction studio Storymix.

  • Graeme Macrae Burnet

    Graeme Macrae Burnet is the author of five novels, His Bloody Project, Case Study and the French-set Gorski trilogy, the final part of which A Case of Matricide was published in October 2024. He is currently writing a novella Benbecula for Polygon’s Darklands series to be published in winter 2025. 

    His Bloody Project was shortlisted for the 2016 Booker prize, the LA Times Mystery Book of the Year and the European Crime Fiction prize and won the Saltire Prize for Fiction. It was variously described as ‘astonishing’, ‘fiendishly readable’ and ‘spellbinding’. Case Study was longlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize, shortlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and included in The New York Times 100 Notable Books of 2022. Graeme’s work has been translated into over twenty languages and he has appeared at festivals all over the world. 

     

  • Gyamfia Osei

    Gyamfia Osei began her career as a Bookseller at Waterstones, before moving to work as a Sales Director at an international publishing company. Returning to London, she began building a dynamic list of authors at The Good Literary Agency, before joining Andrew Nurnberg Associates as a Literary Agent in 2023. At ANA, Gyamfia is focusing on developing the agency’s list of children’s authors, from middle grade up to New Adult, while also representing a bespoke list of commercial adult fiction and narrative non-fiction. Among other accolades, her authors have been selected for the BookBuzz and Empathy Lab lists, as well as shortlisted for The British Book Awards, The Sports Book Awards and UKLA Book Awards. Gyamfia was named as a Bookseller Rising Star in 2024.

  • Heather Askwith

    H.F. Askwith is a British writer of dark fantastical fiction, and the author of A Dark Inheritance and A Cruel Twist of Fate. She gained a Distinction in her Masters in Creative Writing, and has a love of puzzles, escape rooms and cyphers, which in turn has influenced her work.

  • Ishy Din

    Ishy Din is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter whose work has made a significant impact on stage and screen. Ishy’s journey into storytelling is as compelling as the stories he tells. Before becoming a writer, he worked a plethora of jobs including being a taxi driver, a job he says that gave him a unique insight into human nature—something that shines through in his rich, character-driven narratives. His breakthrough play, Snookered, was widely acclaimed, and he has since gone on to write for major theatre companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre. His plays have been performed across the country and he is currently an Associate Playwright at the Royal Court. As well as being a playwright Ishy is a screenwriter who has worked with many of the major broadcasters including the BBC, Chanel 4, ITV , Sky Tv and Netflix.

  • Julie Fergusson

    Julie Fergusson is an agent with the North Literary Agency. Julie has worked in the publishing industry for over a decade, first in Scottish publishing and then UK-wide as a freelance editor and now agent. She has a degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in creative writing, both from the University of Edinburgh. She is looking for fiction across a range of genres, from commercial to literary.

  • Kevin Duffy

    Kevin and Hetha Duffy re-mortgaged their house and set up Bluemoose Books in 2006. The Guardian says, ‘Bluemoose Books is a small but mighty literary hit factory’. Their books have been translated across the globe, with Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession recently spending 11 weeks in the German Bestseller lists. Bluemoose recently won Northern Publisher of the year in the British Book Awards 2025.

  • Kit Fan

    Kit Fan’s first novel is Diamond Hill (2021) and his second novel Goodbye Chinatown will be published in 2026.  His third poetry collection The Ink Cloud Reader (2023) was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize and Forward Prize. He is a frequent contributor to publications including the Guardian and The Times Literary Supplement. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, Vice-Chair of Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS), and Co-Chair of Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA). He was born and educated in Hong Kong and now lives in the UK.

  • Laura Steven

    Laura Steven is a #1 New York Times, Indie & USA Today bestselling author from the northernmost town in England. She has published several books for young adults, such as the instant bestseller Our Infinite Fates, while the forthcoming Silvercloak trilogy, written as L.K. Steven, will mark her adult fantasy debut. When she’s not writing, you can find her trail running, reading chunky fantasy novels, baking cookies, playing old men at chess, or ignoring her husband and son to perfect her Stardew Valley farm. You can find her on Instagram (@laurasteven) and TikTok (@authorlaurasteven).

  • Lisa Highton

    Lisa Highton joined Jenny Brown Associates as an Associate Agent in 2022 and has a busy client list including Eirinie Lapidaki, a NWN alumna. In 2023 the agency started its Debut Novel Over 50 Award, which ran again this year (the winner will be announced in August). Until 2021, Lisa was Publisher of Two Roads, an imprint she started at John Murray Press/Hachette where she published authors including Kirsty Wark and Sally Magnusson. Over a long career in publishing both in the UK and Australia where she was publishing director of Doubleday, HarperCollins and then Hodder, Lisa has published many bestsellers. Her passions are distinctive storytelling  and finding those hidden stories with emotional heart. She firmly believes writers come from everywhere, not just the south-east and although she lives in London, she can often be found on the train to and from Edinburgh.

  • Maxine Davies

    Maxine Davies is the production editor at Mslexia magazine and produces Mslexia’s Indie Press Guide, a directory of independent presses in the UK and Ireland. She has a degree in History and an MA in Modern and Contemporary Literature from Newcastle University. In 2021 she was named as one of the Printing Charity’s Rising Stars. 

  • Naomi Kelsey

    Naomi Kelsey is the winner of two Northern Writers’ Awards and of the HWA Dorothy Dunnett Competition 2021. Her fiction has been published in Mslexia magazine and shortlisted for several further awards including the Bridport Prize and the Bristol Prize. By day she is an English teacher in Newcastle, where she lives with her husband and their two children. She is the author of The Burnings and The Darkening Globe, both published by Harper North. Her debut novel has been optioned by STV.

  • Richard Benson

    Richard Benson is an award-winning editor and non-fiction writer, specialising in popular culture and social history. In the 1990s he edited The Face magazine, when the title won several awards including International Magazine of the Year. His memoir The Farm became a number one bestseller adapted for theatre and radio, and The Valley, about a family in industrial Yorkshire, won the James Tait Black Prize for Biography. is currently editor in chief of The Bee, a new literary magazine for working class writing  published by New Writing North.

  • Rosie Gailer

    Rosie Gailer headed up the Comms team at trade publisher John Murray Press for over ten years, taking on the wider strategic role of Director of Trade Publishing in 2019. Prior to that, she worked in publicity teams at Penguin Random House, HarperCollins and Hodder & Stoughton. She was born in York and now lives in Newcastle, working out of Hachette’s national office based in the city.   

  • Rosie Hilton

    Rosie Hilton is Publishing Manager at Manchester-based press Saraband, where she has worked since 2020. In 2024, she curated and edited the poetry anthology Green Verse, and in 2023 she was shortlisted for Emerging Publisher of the Year at Scotland’s National Book Awards.

  • Seth Insua

    Seth Insua is a freelance creative. He was born in Kent to a British mother and a Spanish father. After university, he spent several years working at J. Walter Thompson, a London advertising agency. He now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne with his husband, David. His debut novel, Human, Animal, was published by VERVE Books in February 2025, and is a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. He shares his literary artwork on Instagram @sethinsua.

  • Yara Rogriques Fowler

    Yara Rodrigues Fowler is from South London. Her first novel, Stubborn Archivist, was published in 2019 and longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Desmond Elliot Prize, and Yara was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year 2019. Yara’s second novel, there are more things, was published in 2022 and nominated for the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction and Goldsmiths Prize. It was one of the Sunday Times, BBC Culture and New Statesman’s books of the Year. In 2023, Yara was chosen as one of Granta’s ‘Best Young British Novelists’ in their once-a-decade list.

Bursaries

New Writing North recognises that talent is everywhere but opportunity is not. If you are unable to book a ticket for the conference without financial help, we encourage you to apply for one of our ten free bursary places. Bursary places are based on financial need and will be selected at random from valid applicants.

You are eligible for a bursary ticket if you are in receipt of Jobseekers’ Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, Asylum Support, or Universal Credit. If none of the above applies but you feel that you are still eligible, please get in touch.

Please email [email protected] with the subject line Newcastle Writing Conference Bursary, and briefly outline the way in which you are eligible for a free ticket.

The deadline for applying for a bursary is 17 April

FAQs

Will lunch be provided?

Please bring your own packed lunch or head out into Newcastle City Centre. The Common Room is well located for many of Newcastle’s shops and cafes.

Where should I eat lunch?

The Common Room Newcastle is in easy walking distance for a range of delicious local options. Some places we love within a five-minute walk:

Grainger Market: 17 different food stalls, offering everything from mouth-watering treats from around the world, to comforting British grub.

Pink Lane Bakery: The finest sourdough bread, beautiful pastries and cakes, and renowned sausage rolls, pies, pasties, and sandwiches.

Zapatista: Fresh, delicious and healthy authentic tacos, burritos and nachos

Really short on time? Grab something quick from the Marks & Spencer or Sainsbury’s located in Newcastle Central Station 3 minutes away.

Will tea and coffee be provided?

Yes, there will be complimentary tea and coffee on arrival and between the first and second breakout sessions.

How do industry one-to-ones work?

In addition to the full day programme, delegates at Newcastle Writing Conference can apply for a ten-minute chat with an industry professional. This is an opportunity to discuss your work with an agent, editor, publicist or seasoned writer. You’ll be asked to provide a synopsis of your current project, which will be shared with your industry professional in advance, if you are chosen.

Please note that places will be given based on the suitability of the synopsis you provide. We aim to select the most promising work and do our best to match you with the industry professional most relevant to your work. Due to limited availability, industry one-to-ones are not guaranteed and are not offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Industry one-to-ones are free, and anyone with a ticket can apply.

Once you’ve bought your ticket you’ll receive an email with the link to apply for an industry one-to-one. The deadline to apply is 30 April.

 

How do I get there?

The Common Room Newcastle is a 3 minute walk from Newcastle Central Station, where you can access regional and national trains and also the Tyne and Wear Metro. If you are driving, there are various car parks in the city centre, including Times Square or Dean Street nearby.

Address: The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE

Is the venue accessible?

The Common Room is fully accessible, with lifts to each floor.

The Common Room and cafe bar 5|Quarter are accessed from street level through the main double door entrance from Orchard Street. On coming into the main building, the ground floor is then up four steps (with a double handrail).  For wheelchair, pushchair and limited mobility access there is a small platform lift to the ground floor level freely available to use if you wish. Accessible toilets are available on the ground floor and Wood Hall levels.  In the cafe bar and Reading Room, tables are available at a range of heights to suit all customers. All assistance dogs are very welcome throughout the building.

When you purchase your ticket, you will have an opportunity to let us know about any specific access requirements. Please email [email protected] for any enquiries.

Will any of the events be livestreamed?

Yes, the Newcastle Writing Conference virtual pass gives you access to live-streams of our headline and panel events. You can purchase your ticket for the virtual event here. Click ‘get tickets’ and select the ‘virtual pass’ ticket at checkout.

After you purchase a virtual pass, the link to watch the livestream will be sent to you by email. Please note the link will not be sent to you immediately after purchasing a ticket. You will receive the link as soon as it is available before the 17 May.

How long will the livestream link be available?

The livestream will be available to watch until the end of the day on 18 May 2025.

Are the bursary places for in-person or virtual tickets?

There are bursary tickets available for both in-person and livestreamed events. Please specify which ticket you would like in your email to [email protected]

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