Inpress Writing Conference – Shaping the Story

£2.88 per person per session if booking online, £2 in person at the shop

Suitable for ages 16+

Ever wondered what happens between the first draft and the finished book? Inpress return to WRITE Festival to pull back the curtain on the publishing process, bringing together poets, novelists and non-fiction writers alongside the publishers and editors who helped shape their work.

Across three intimate conversations, you’ll hear frank talk about the realities of getting published, the creative partnerships, the compromises, the breakthroughs, and everything the acknowledgements page doesn’t tell you. Each discussion will be followed by a Q&A.

Session 3 – Shaping the Story, 2pm – 3pm

Award-winning author and Scotland Street Press publisher Jean Findlay is joined by poet, translator and performer Petra Reid to explore how stories are shaped for publication. Jean brings the dual perspective of publisher and author of historical fiction, including The Queen’s Lender, while their collaborations together span genres. Together they’ll discuss the editorial process across forms, the work of bringing international and historical voices to new audiences, and what it takes to turn research and source material into books with lasting impact. – BOOK TICKETS

ABOUT WRITE FESTIVAL 2026

This event is part of The Word’s WRITE Festival which takes place throughout the whole of September. Enjoy a programme of unmissable events, workshops and performances! Find ou more by viewing our full WRITE Festival programme.