Are you an aspiring or existing author looking to take your writing career to the next level?

Do you dream of writing and publishing your book, seeing it in readers’ hands, and gaining the recognition it deserves? If so, you won’t want to miss the Socially Shared Author Insights Book Convention on Friday 2nd May 2025, in Kenilworth.

This full-day event is designed to empower writers like you with expert knowledge, networking opportunities, and industry insights!

Within the Socially Shared community, we have seen a steady increase in female authors writing and publishing books. This spurred founder Karen Heap to create the Online Bookshop, a visible space for local female authors in the network to showcase their books. We currently have 150 books across all genres listed.

Alongside the popular Meet the Author experience in October, Karen wanted to host a second event specifically for female writers, allowing them to meet and network with fellow scribes, learn from leading experts, and connect with businesses that offer products and services for authors through the exhibition stands.

What to Expect

This isn’t just another writing event. The Author Insights Book Convention is dedicated to authors who are serious about success. Whether you’re working on your first novel, polishing your non-fiction manuscript, or ready to launch your latest book into the world, the Socially Shared Author Insights Book Convention is packed with valuable takeaways to help you achieve your goals.

• Expert Speakers – Learn what it takes to succeed from our guest experts.

• Step-by-Step Guidance – Get actionable advice tailored to your author journey. 

• Boost Your Confidence – Learn how to effectively promote yourself and your book.

• Supercharge Your Success – Walk away with a clear plan to take your book to the next level.

• Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded writers, share experiences, and build relationships that could lead to future collaborations.

• Hospitality – Enjoy a relaxed and inspiring environment with refreshments, lunch, and free parking included!

Meet our Speakers

Sian Smith, Sian Smith Editorial

Sian Smith Editorial was created by Siân to provide editorial services for non-fiction books written by women. Specialising in personal development, health and wellness, Siân’s top priority is ensuring you don’t fear the editing process. Working 1:1 with authors means she can give your book the attention it deserves and step in as your editorial cheerleader when self-doubt creeps in. Siân is determined to reframe self-publishing for independent authors: it doesn’t mean doing it all by yourself, it’s about working together to make your book the best it can be.

Talk Title: Finish your book like a pro: Planning the front and back matter of your book

Self-publishing a top-quality book involves more than just writing great content. One crucial element that could make all the difference to producing a professional and polished book is including the right front and back matter – from the contents page to the acknowledgements, and how to get those wonderful reviews for your front cover. Executing this with finesse will elevate your book so it’s on an equal footing with traditionally published books.

Siân Smith from Sian Smith Editorial will you guide you through the order and content of the front and back matter for your book, with particular focus on the timings and approach. Whether your book is 20,000 words or 120,000 words, fiction or non-fiction, this stuff matters!

Jen Parker, Fuzzy Flamingo

Jen Parker’s story began in 2010 as an admin assistant in the publishing world. She climbed the ranks to become Group Head of Production, overseeing teams across the traditional, partnership and self-publishing imprints. In 2017, after welcoming her first child, Jen took a leap of faith and went freelance, thinking she might return to a “proper job” once her kids started school. However, she found her true calling in supporting self-publishing authors with Fuzzy Flamingo. Her work not only brings her joy but also offers a perfect work/life/health balance. Jen’s expertise transforms authors’ first drafts into beautifully edited and designed published books, helping them achieve their publishing dreams.

Talk Title: Routes to Self-Publishing: Unlocking Your Potential

Feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of publishing options? Whether you’re considering traditional, partnership, or self-publishing, it can be tough to know which path is right for you and your book. Join Jen Parker from Fuzzy Flamingo as she demystifies the publishing process, breaking down the pros and cons of each route.

Jen will guide you through the self-publishing journey, helping you find the right support to achieve your publishing goals. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, for adults or children, there’s a pathway for you. Jen’s mission is to make publishing more transparent, less intimidating, and more accessible for all authors.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to publishing, so it’s important to find the right options and support for you.

Zoe Roddis, ZHR Marketing

Zoë Roddis (the ONLY Zoë Roddis on LinkedIn) is a marketer and self-confessed bookworm. She works with small business owners every day, demystifying marketing and helping them become confident and capable while doing it themselves. Known for her straight-talking style, Zoë’s on a mission to show how marketing is more common sense than rocket science. Ditching the jargon, fluff, and faff, she breaks marketing down into practical, doable steps. 

Talk Title: Your Book Won’t Sell Itself:  Marketing Made Simple for Authors

If the thought of getting out there and getting people to buy your book is even more daunting than the prospect of writing it in the first place, this session is designed to help.

Zoë will walk you through simple, effective marketing techniques you can use as an author to raise your profile, build buzz around your book, and turn browsers into buyers.  Whether you’re self-publishing or just want to give your book the best shot at success, this session will help you approach your marketing with confidence.  You might even start to enjoy it!

Shelley Wilson, Author and Writing Mentor

Talk Title: How to Get Your Book into Bookshops

You’ve done it! Your book is finally finished after weeks, months, or years of writing. It’s printed, ready to be shared with readers, and now there’s just one question: How do you get it onto the shelves of a bookshop?

For independent authors, breaking into brick-and-mortar stores can seem impossible. Will bookshops even stock your book? What do you need to do to make it happen?

In this talk, we’ll explain the process step by step, sharing insider tips and practical strategies to help you get your book in front of booksellers. You’ll learn what bookshops look for, how to approach them confidently, and the key factors that can boost your chances of getting stocked.

Book your ticket today!

This event is designed to equip and inspire local authors, but spaces are limited! Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your writing career and gain insider knowledge from industry professionals.

Date: Friday 2nd May 2025

Time: 11am – 3pm

Location: St Francis of Assisi, 110 Warwick Road, Kenilworth, CV8 1HL
Tickets: https://sociallyshared.co.uk/events/#!event/2025/5/2/author-insights-book-convention-socially-shared

Member ticket: £45 includes lunch

Non-Member ticket: £55 includes lunch

Exhibition stands are available and include a ticket and lunch. Email books@sociallyshared.co.uk if you’re interested in exhibiting.

Book your ticket today and take a big step toward becoming the author you were meant to be!