Join us for a panel discussion exploring the realities of self-publishing today, from BookTok to long-term creative practice.
In this event, self-published authors come together to share experiences of bringing a book into the world. We’ll explore the creative inspiration behind their work, as well as the financial, emotional, and structural realities of independent publishing.
We will hear from self-published authors, members of the industry, and bookish creators about what drew them to writing and literature in the first place. Together, we’ll reflect on the highs and lows of self-publishing, and the tension between craft, community, and visibility.
You will leave with a deeper understanding of the diverse paths within self-publishing, a sense of connection with others navigating similar challenges, and ideas for building stronger creative communities beyond trends and algorithms.
On November 19, the Common Press will open its doors to independent authors. What you can expect:
- Signed copies of your favourite indie authors
- New work from authors you haven’t heard of yet
- Perks and gifts
- Meet and greets with the creators
To close the day, we will have a panel event and social for self-published authors and readers. Join us to hear from these authors and learn more about the joys and struggles of bringing a queer book into the world!
16:00 - 18:00 - Author Meet and Greet (With all shortlisted authors)
18:00 - 19:00 - Break and mingling
19:00 - 19:30 - Panel 1
19:30 - 20:00 - Panel 2
20:00 - 20:30 - Q&A
Featured Authors:
Kay Rowan - A Constellation of Shadows
'A Constellation of Shadows’ is the debut, YA fantasy novel by Kay Rowan, and Book One of The Talliswood series. The book has been described as Shadow and Bone x His Dark Materials, and is rich with found family vibes and queer representation. When she isn’t coming up with useless bits of world building, (did you know that the traditional food of The Andalian Archipelago is spiced honey cake?), Kay can be found performing songs as ghostgirl, composing music for the stage and screen, and navigating an existential crisis (or four).
Bren Gosling - Street Sweeper
Bren is studying for an MA in Opera Making at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and graduated from City University’s Novel Studio. His anthology-published short fiction has been shortlisted for the London, Exeter and Brighton prizes. His acclaimed novel Street Sweeper won the 2021 Novel London Literary Prize and Book Edit Writer’s Prize. His plays have been produced in London and Manchester, earning an On Comm commendation and Offies nomination. Grossly Indecent was longlisted for the inaugural Ilfeld Prize, while Invisible Me enjoyed a successful four-week run at Southwark Playhouse, starring Tessa Peake-Jones and directed by Scott le Crass.
Christopher Lieberman - J.O.I
Christopher Lieberman (he/him) is a transmasc writer, performer, and visual artist from South London. He is the award-winning author of plays "Bunny Man" and "J.O.I.", and creator of the speculative fiction zine "It's Not Real It Can't Hurt You". He is a former staff writer for Horror Obsessive, and his poetry has been published by & Change, Dykehouse Press, t'ART Press, and others. He has brought his particular brand of genre-bending comedy to queer cabarets across London, including The Enby Show, Bar Wotever, and Cabaret Roulette.
Oliver Warren - SLIGHTLY FERAL - VOL 1
Oliver Warren is a queer screenwriter, film director and, more recently, zine creator. Bringing together his passion for storytelling, the freedom of self-publishing and his past life as a graphic designer, his latest project, OLIVER WARREN’S SLIGHTLY FERAL, is a three-volume collection of transgressive short fiction (mostly queer, but with the odd straight). VOLUME ONE was independently published in September 2026 and is now distributed by Central Books across the UK and Europe. SLIGHTLY FERAL was born from a desire to make something entirely on his own terms, without waiting for anyone's permission.
Frances M Thompson - What I Want
Frances M. Thompson (she/her) is a queer, disabled author originally from London but now based in Amsterdam. She writes spicy queer romance (contemporary and modern historical) that focus on giving bi+ people the HEAs they deserve. Frances' books are known for their diverse rep, epic first kisses, chapters-long spice and sometimes making you cry!
Celina Belotti - Wild & Beyond
Celina is a Brazilian author who's been living in London with her cat for almost ten years. She writes contemporary YA stories with characters as confused and anxious as she is. She is fond of fun facts and hosting creative workshops. When she's not too busy convincing the cat to eat or writing, she investigates queer culture and is addicted to LGBTQA+ literature.