Local Author Networking Event & Publishing Panel

Are you an author or writer based in North Staffordshire? The Stoke Book Festival is hosting an event where you can meet fellow local writers, publishers and published authors. Join us for refreshments and conversation to support your writing journey.

Round off the Author Networking Event with an interactive panel featuring a line-up of experienced publishers from across the industry. Whether you're taking your first steps as a writer, preparing to submit a manuscript, or looking to better understand today's publishing landscape, this is your opportunity to ask questions and gain practical advice from those who know the industry best.

Publishing Panel 

Fiona Wilkinson and Tom Chalmers – Legend Times

Legend Times is a collection of publishing companies encompassing both fiction and non-fiction, a self-publishing service and an academic publisher. Their mission is to give voice to untold stories and deliver new perspectives to readers.

Mel Sherratt – Author

Mel is a Stoke-on-Trent based bestselling author of gritty crime procedurals, dark stories with an emotional punch. Mel also writes women’s fiction under the pen name Marcie Steele. Mel has navigated both the self-published and traditional publishing worlds throughout her writing career and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Matt Buckingham – Muddy Publishing

Matt is a bestselling author and illustrator, lecturer and workshop leader. Matt is also the owner of Middleport-based independent publisher and retailer of children’s books, Muddy Publishing.

Dale Headington - Proprietor of Clock Tower Bookshop and author 

Dale owns and runs Clock Tower Books in Hay-on-Wye, the world's most famous book town, where he frequently hosts literary events. Besides being a bookseller, Dale is an historian, writer and researcher who has worked extensively with many bestselling and award-winning authors over the years.

What to Expect

• 60-minute networking event with refreshments 
• 60-minute Q&A panel with publishers 

About the Venue

Stoke Minster is located on Glebe Street, ST4 1LP

Wheelchair Access: The main ground floor is fully accessible via ramps. Note that specific historical areas like the Peace Chapel and belfry require using stairs.

Toilets: An accessible toilet and general toilets are available onsite.

Parking: A car park is located directly opposite the building on Kingsway (ST4 1JB).

Additional Support: Assistance dogs are welcome.

Public transport links: The bus stop on Glebe Street is served by Routes 24 (D&G), 23 & 40A (First Potteries). The nearest Railway Station is Stoke-on-Trent Railway a 7 minute walk.

Arrival time: Doors open 30 minutes before the event

About Stoke Book Festival

Join us for a week of inspiring author talks, creative workshops, performances and community events, bringing readers and writers together from across Stoke-on-Trent and beyond.

Stoke-on-Trent is a city built on creativity, craftsmanship and community. This October, we’re bringing those qualities together for the Stoke Book Festival.

We break down barriers to participation, champion books, inspire creativity and create opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with literature, learning and culture.

By bringing together national and local talent, schools, libraries, businesses and communities, our goal is to improve engagement with reading and support youth literacy development in Stoke-on-Trent.

To discover more visit: www.StokeBookFestival.co.uk

Good to Know

• Please arrive 15–20 minutes before the event
• Late entry may not be possible once the event has started
• Tickets are non-refundable except in the event of cancellation by the festival
• Photography may be taken during the festival
• Books can be purchased on the day (subject to availability)