Save the date! Publishing Day: October 25, 2025
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).
- An afternoon seminar on podcasting as a way to put a spotlight on your writing.
- Welcome coffee and pastries.
- On-site buffet lunch.
- Concluding aperitivo.
Planned schedule for Saturday, October 25
Here’s what to expect when you come to Publishing Day on Saturday, October 25:
9:00 Welcome coffee and pastries
9:30-12:30 Panel discussions with our four experts
- Trends in today’s publishing world. Global publishing is an ever-changing environment. Hear from eh experts what’s new, what’s hot, and what’s not.
- Memoir and nonfiction: the whole truth and nothing but the truth? In memoir, where does personal experience stop and fiction begin? In other types of nonfiction, do you have to be an expert to write about a topic? What do agents and editors want to see in your book proposal?
- Should I write with readers in mind? Writers like to write about themselves, but how can you tell when you’re being boring? How to identify your audience. Why is genre important?
12:30-2:00 Lunch (included)
2:00-5:30 One-on-one meetings, Podcasting & Advice Desks
- One-on-one meetings: Participants who sign up before September 7 will be guaranteed at least one, 10-minute, one-on-one meeting with an invited expert, some of whom will accept pre-submitted work. (Full details to follow.)
- Podcasting seminar: Whether launching your own podcast or preparing to be a guest, this seminar offers expert guidance on using audio to amplify your voice, promote your work, and share your story with new audiences.
- Advice Desks: Sit down one-on-one with experienced authors from our community. Ask your questions and gain insights from their knowledge!
5:45 Concluding aperitivo (included).
International Experts
Take the opportunity to have a one-on-one meeting with an industry expert at Publishing Day. By signing up before September 7, 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.)
Lindsay Edgecombe is a Vice President and Senior Agent at the Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency, where she has worked for twenty years. She represents a range of nonfiction and a small list of fiction, and her authors include scientists, doctors, nurses, researchers, journalists, activists, and illustrators. She has represented a number of New York Times and national bestsellers. She is drawn to projects with strong narrators, obscure journeys, and political backbones. She’s a graduate of Barnard College.
Gregory Messina began his career at Curtis Brown Literary Agency in New York where he sold film and television rights on behalf of the agency’s authors. He has lived in Paris since 2004, where he worked in French publishing before founding the Linwood Messina Literary Agency in 2015. Gregory works as a primary agent for both French- and English-language authors and sells translation rights on behalf of a dozen French publishers across all genres.
Tom Bromley is an author, editor, creative writing tutor, mentor and ghostwriter (not the scary kind). He is the author of a dozen works of fiction and non-fiction including novels (Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Half A World Away), short stories (NeonLit: The Time Out Book of New Writing, Best British Short Stories 2021), memoirs (All In The Best Possible Place, Wired For Sound), and general non-fiction (We Could Have Been The Wombles, Bespoke). As a ghostwriter, he has written over twenty titles, including prize-winners and bestsellers. A former ‘Big Five’ commissioning editor and publisher, he has worked on over 150 published titles, again including many prize-winners and bestsellers.
Tom has taught novel writing for over fifteen years including ten years leading Faber Academy’s online Writing A Novel and Finish Your Draft courses. He currently teaches for Reedsy, where he is Head of Learning and runs their flagship How To Write A Novel course.
Dr. Mary Fariba Afsari is the author of the memoir, Labor: One’s Women’s Work, which will be published by Avid Reader Press 4/2026. She offers firsthand insight into the realities and opportunities of today’s publishing world. She is a board-certified Ob/Gyn who founded the medical mobile clinic, FemForward Health in Portland, OR. She graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine Ob/Gyn Residency and also holds a Master of Science in Health Communication from Tufts University/Emerson College.
Scholarships, Terms & Conditions
If you are a student, or in need of financial aid, you might be eligible for a scholarship to attend Publishing Day. Click here for more details.
Read our Terms & Conditions here.
Past Publishing Days, organized by Florence Writers (2016-2019) 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 proved to be a successful program and we intend to replicate the same structure for upcoming Publishing Days.
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
FAQ
General Questions: Pricing & Sign up
When and where is Publishing Day?
Publishing Day 2025 will take place on Saturday, October 25th 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: €150 (until June 30), a savings of nearly 30%
Regular pricing: €185; non FLS members must add the €35 membership fee at check out.
Supporter pricing: €250, to help fund four 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 (€35) 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 four 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. Everyone who signs up before September 7 is guaranteed at least one meeting.
When will I know which industry expert I’ll meet with?
We’ll notify participants at the end of September 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 a podcasting seminar and dedicated advice desks.
What do I do in the afternoon when I’m not in a one-on-one meeting?
The podcasting seminar will offer expert guidance on how a writer can use audio to promote their work and share their stories with new audiences. You could also stop by dedicated advice desks to ask experienced authors from our community your questions: their knowledge and insights might be just what you need to take the next step!