Save the date! Publishing Day: November 7, 2026
Florence Literary Society Publishing Day is an event you won’t want to miss! This one-day event will bring together four international publishing professionals to share their knowledge and experience about the current publishing industry with writers of all genres. Get expert insights, the latest industry information, and individual feedback on written work in dedicated one-on-one appointments. An on-site buffet lunch and concluding aperitivo will offer additional opportunities to interact with our experts and network among participants.
What to expect
- Literary agents, an editor and a best-selling author.
- Three panel discussions in the morning, focusing on current trends in publishing and topics of interest.
- One-on-one meetings in the afternoon with industry professionals to discuss your work (rank your preferences upon registration before September 7).
- Afternoon in-depth Q&A sessions on querying and self-publishing to help with the big picture of publishing.
- Welcome coffee and pastries.
- On-site buffet lunch.
- Concluding aperitivo.
Video by Timmi Studio.
Planned schedule for Saturday, November 7
Here’s what to expect when you come to Publishing Day on Saturday, November 7th:
9:00 Welcome coffee and pastries
9:30-12:30 Panel discussions with our four experts
- What is the process of writing for publication? The crucial steps that help writers reach their goal from start to finish.
- The big buys and the little guys, and all the other options in between. A discussion on advantages and disadvantages.
- A.I. It seems to be everywhere: in publishing, when does it help and when does it hurt?
12:30-2:00 Lunch (included)
2:00-5:30 Afternoon Sessions
Attendees will be divided into three groups so that everyone can get the most out of the following one-hour rotations:
- One-on-one meetings with panelists. At least one 10-minute appointment with an industry professional to discuss your work. (Some panelists will accept pre-submitted work; details to follow. Rank your preferences upon registration by October 9th)
- Self-publishing Q&A with Shaun Loftus of The Book Whisperer. Ask all your burning questions about self-publishing, from whether it’s a good option for your project, how to go about it, how to make the most of it, what pitfalls to avoid, and the future outlook for independent authors.
- Querying Q&A with Mary Gray, editor-in-chief of Italy Magazine. Get ideas and direction on querying from an editor who’s spent the past 13 years reading and writing queries. Mary is ready to help you bring forward your strengths, concentrate on key information, and increase your chances of attracting the attention of editors and agents.
5:45 Concluding aperitivo (included).
One-on-one sessions give you time to talk about your work with an agent, editor or writer. Featured here: New York agent Lindsay Edgecombe and London based Editor Tom Bromley speak to 2025 Pub Day attendees.
International Experts
Take the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with an industry expert at Publishing Day. By signing up before October 2nd, you’ll be guaranteed at least one 10-minute, one-on-one meeting with an expert. (Details will follow about which of them will accept pre-submitted work and which will go over written material during the meeting.)
Monika Verma is a Vice President and Agent at the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency, where she has worked for twenty years. She represents a wide range of nonfiction titles including memoirs, narrative nonfiction, essay collections, cultural histories, illustrated books, self-help and a limited list of fiction. She is especially drawn to voice-driven projects that discuss issues of identity, belonging and mental health. Her authors include New York Times and national bestsellers and award winners. She is a graduate of Wellesley College.
Willing to read: query letter/pitch + up to 10-15 pages (by Sept 7th)
Mark Kessler has been an agent with Susanna Lea Associates since 2002. Before that he was a literary scout at Maria Campbell Associates, and he first entered publishing as part-time contract manager at the French Publishers Agency while completing an MA in French literature at NYU. Mark is particularly interested in fiction with a distinctive, literary style, and innovative, big idea non-fiction, and has even worked on the occasional graphic novel.
Willing to read: up to 5 pages
Dr Noah Charney is a best-selling, Pulitzer finalist author who has written more than 30 books, mostly narrative non-fiction but also fiction, travel writing, and memoir. In addition, he’s an editor and ghostwriter and has helped numerous writers see their books published. He is a professor and award-winning broadcaster, working with Yale University, the Smithsonian, and the BBC, and is currently Reedsy’s Professor of Writing.
Willing to read: up to 500 words
Dr. Sarah E. Hill is the author of two groundbreaking books that uncover the hidden truths about women’s sex hormones, THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON BIRTH CONTROL and THE PERIOD BRAIN. She’s an award-winning researcher and professor at Texas Christian University, as well as a sought-after speaker, consultant, and media expert. Her groundbreaking research has resulted in 100+ research publications and her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Economist, and on television shows like Good Morning and Today.
Willing to read: up to 5 pages
Pub Day 2025: panel discussions with international agents, editors and writers at the British Institute in Florence.
Scholarships
We are pleased to offer two full scholarships to support those who wish to attend Publishing Day, but may not have the means to do so. Applications will be blind and judged on the basis of need and merit.
Deadline: October 2nd
Recipients will be notified by October 17th.
How to apply: Click here for more details.
Terms & Conditions
Read our Terms & Conditions here.
Podcasting seminar with Rob Murgatroyd in 2025.
Past Publishing Days, organized by Florence Writers (2016-2019 by Florence Writers & 2025 by the Florence Literary Society) sold out each year, featured experts discussing hot topics in the writing world from how to get published to matters of craft and content. Panel discussions, one-on-one sessions, and opportunities to meet fellow writers from Florence and beyond has proved to be a successful program.
Testimonials
“Publishing Day is a wonderful place to connect with like-minded writers and discover essential industry knowledge in the heart of Tuscany. The sessions supply practical tools for navigating the publishing world while building genuine relationships with fellow storytellers. It’s exactly what independent creators need—real insights, authentic community, and an inspiring event that gets you writing.” – Katja Meier – author of Across the Big Blue Sea (a Guardian Best Summer Book) and creator & producer of award-winning $HARE TV Series.
“Publishing Day 2018 offered me a wonderful opportunity to meet a distinguished editor who had worked with some of the most respected writers in literature, including Saul Bellow and Robert Fagles—renowned for his translations of the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid. I remain deeply grateful to Lori and Mundy for their leadership in organizing past Publishing Days, and I look forward to the continued inspiration of Publishing Day 2025. It’s a day not to be missed.” – Libby Cataldi
“I attended Publishing Day in 2019 when it was last held – it genuinely changed my life and gave me the confidence to begin publishing. I have to date now published more than 60 pieces and was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Gilmer Prize in short fiction. The networking and friendships continue to this day and are integral to my growth as a writer. I am truly delighted to help bring this marquee event back to Florence in 2025!”- Monica Sharp
“Since the Publishing Days began, I have attended them all and plan to be present at the 2025 edition. Each of the guest speakers present has provided valuable and interesting insights into their realms of expertise whilst the other participants engaged in the widest variety of writing genres added to the lively debates and discussions. I am sure the 2025 Publish Day will be no exception.” – Deirdre Pirro
“I had such a wonderful time moderating a session at the 2019 Publishing Day. What an event! The panel was inspiring, the discussion lively and insightful, and it was such an honour to be part of it all. The chance to ask questions and engage directly with the publishing world was invaluable. I only wish I could be there again this year. It truly is one of the most exciting and energising events.” Lisa Clifford, The Art of Writing
Publishing Day 2025
FAQ
General Questions: Pricing & Sign up
When and where is Publishing Day?
Publishing Day 2026 will take place on Saturday, November 7th at the British Institute in Florence, Italy. The event will begin at 9am and conclude with an aperitivo at 5:45pm.
How much does it cost?
Early-bird pricing for FLS members only: €160 (until July 10), a savings of nearly 30%
Regular pricing: €185; non FLS members must add the €40 membership fee at check out.
Supporter pricing: €250, to help fund two scholarships for students or others in need of financial aid.
Do I have to be a member of FLS to sign up for Publishing Day?
Yes. Italian regulations for nonprofit cultural associations require membership for activities. However, if you are not yet a member you’ll find a button at check out so you can sign up for Publishing Day and membership (€40) simultaneously.
What about students or others in financial hardship who cannot afford to attend Publishing Day? Is there a discount?
You might be eligible for one of our two scholarships. For more information on how to apply, click here.
One-on-One with Industry Experts
How do I sign up for a one-on-one meeting with an industry expert?
Upon registration, you will have the opportunity to rank your preferences among the four industry experts, with meetings assigned on a first-come-first-served basis.
When will I know which industry expert I’ll meet with?
We’ll notify participants by October 9th along with info about whether the expert will accept pre-submitted work and, if applicable, the deadline.
What if I don’t want to meet an industry expert?
It’s not obligatory. The afternoon program includes in-depth Q&A sessions on querying and self-publishing.
How do I know what group I’m in for the afternoon program?
All attendees will be assigned a group and will participate in all three rotations. Group assignments will be communicated prior to Publishing Day.
What will I do while I’m not in a one-on-one meeting?
The one-hour rotation for one-on-one meetings allows time for last-minute preparation, post-meeting note taking, connections and interaction with other members of your group.