Masterclass on traditional vs self publishing
Event date: 21st Apr 2026
Trying to choose between traditional, self-publishing or hybrid? This masterclass will give you a clear framework.
In this 90-minute online masterclass, award-winning author and writing mentor, Dr Sanjida O’Connell, breaks down how traditional publishing really works, then self-published author and creative writing teacher, Ken Preston, covers self-publishing and hybrid routes, including what it takes to do it professionally, what it costs and what tends to pay off.
You’ll leave with a clear, practical framework for deciding which path suits your book and your goals.
Traditional and self-publishing aren’t rivals — they’re different business models, and each suits different books and writers. Many writers now choose to use both types of publishing path.
7-8.30pm GMT Tuesday 21 April
Book via Eventbrite
What we’ll cover:
- Clear definitions: traditional, self-publishing, hybrid and vanity presses (plus quick red flags)
- The traditional pipeline: agent, submission, acquisition, editing, production, distribution and publicity
- Typical timelines for traditional publishing.
- The basics of rights and contracts: territory, format, term, options, non-compete, audio, translation and screen
- The real pros and trade-offs of traditional publishing (control, money, marketing, reach)
- Why self-publish?
- Preparing Your Manuscript, including editing, cover design and interior layout
- The Publishing Platforms and Amazon Exclusivity vs Wide
- Marketing, building your author brand, and planning your next steps
- Live Q&A so you can ask about your specific situation.
What you’ll get afterwards:
- A recording (so you can rewatch)
- A bonus handout: a downloadable PDF with all the information covered on self-publishing, plus a step-by-step guide on Amazon’s publishing process, as well as information on process of finding and submitting to an agent.
Who it’s for:
- Debut writers deciding which route to pursue
- Traditionally published authors considering self-publishing
- Self-publishers curious about agents, deals and rights
- Anyone who wants a grounded overview without sales pitches
Format:
- Online, 90 minutes: short intro, two focused talks, then Q&A
7-8.30pm GMT Tuesday 21 April
Book via Eventbrite
Biographies:
Dr Sanjida O’Connell is the author of twelve traditionally published novels and several short stories. Four novels and four non-fiction books were published under her own name; she’s had four psychological thrillers and short stories published under her pen name of Sanjida Kay. She’s won and been short and longlisted for numerous awards. The rights for three of her traditionally published books have reverted back to her and she’s self-published them. When she’s not working on her own writing, she runs workshops on creative and academic writing, mentors writers and acts as a literary consultant.
Ken Preston is a self-published author of over twenty novels across multiple genres, with a career spanning from before Kindle revolutionized independent publishing. He has published crime fiction, horror, and young adult fiction, proving the viability of building a diverse author career outside traditional publishing. He has also written romance novels for DC Thomson and Linford Romance. His work has reached international audiences, with stories translated into several languages. As a professional editor and writing instructor, Ken leads workshops in schools and teaches online courses on both craft and the business of self-publishing.
