Florence Literary Society’s Publishing Day Returns in November

A full day of expert publishing advice, one-on-one feedback, and networking in the heart of Florence

Whether you’re polishing your first novel, preparing a nonfiction proposal, or wondering if self-publishing is the right path, Publishing Day 2026 offers something few events in Europe can: direct access to literary agents, bestselling authors, editors, and publishing experts — all in one place.

Hosted by the Florence Literary Society, the annual event returns on Saturday, Nov. 7, bringing together writers from Italy and around the world for a practical day dedicated to the realities of getting published.

Publishing Day is designed to answer the questions every writer eventually faces: How do I move from manuscript to publication? Should I pursue a traditional publisher or consider independent publishing? How is artificial intelligence changing the industry? And what makes an agent or editor keep reading?

---

How the day works

The day begins with coffee and pastries before three morning panel discussions led by four international publishing professionals. Together they will explore the complete publishing journey — from developing a manuscript to finding representation and reaching readers. 

The first discussion topic will focus on critical steps in the writer’s journey toward publication, while another will compare commercial publishers, independent presses and alternative publishing routes. The third morning session tackles one of the industry’s most pressing topics: the role of artificial intelligence in writing and publishing, examining when AI can be a useful creative tool and where it risks undermining originality and craft.

After a buffet lunch, the focus shifts from discussion to individual guidance.

Every participant who registers by Oct. 2 is guaranteed at least one 10-minute one-on-one consultation with an industry professional. Writers can rank their preferred expert when registering, with preferences accepted until Oct. 9. Several of the speakers will also review writing submitted in advance, giving attendees the rare opportunity to receive personalized professional feedback.

Opportunities for expert feedback and connection

This year’s panel includes an exceptional group of publishing professionals:

Monika Verma, Vice President and literary agent at the renowned Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary Agency in New York, has spent two decades representing bestselling and award-winning authors. She is looking for voice-driven nonfiction—including memoir, cultural history, self-help and essay collections—as well as a select list of fiction. She will review a query letter and up to 10–15 pages submitted in advance.

Mark Kessler, literary agent with Susanna Lea Associates, has represented writers for more than twenty years. His interests include literary fiction, ambitious nonfiction with big ideas, and the occasional graphic novel. He is happy to review up to five manuscript pages.

Joining the agents is Dr. Noah Charney, bestselling author of more than 30 books, Pulitzer Prize finalist, editor, ghostwriter and Reedsy’s Professor of Writing. With experience helping numerous writers shape manuscripts for publication, Charney will review up to 500 words of submitted work.

Also appearing is Dr. Sarah E. Hill, bestselling author of This Is Your Brain on Birth Control and The Period Brain . A professor, award-winning researcher and internationally recognized science communicator, Hill’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Scientific American and The Economist . She will review up to five manuscript pages.

The afternoon also features two one-hour sessions designed to answer writers’ most common questions. Shaun Loftus, founder of The Book Whisperer, will lead an open Q&A on self-publishing, covering everything from choosing the right publishing path and marketing strategies to avoiding common pitfalls and understanding the future of independent publishing.

Mary Gray, editor-in-chief of Italy Magazine, will host a session on writing successful query letters. Drawing on more than a decade of reading and responding to pitches, she’ll help participants identify what editors and agents look for and how to present their projects effectively.

Throughout the day, participants will have ample opportunity to connect with fellow writers over lunch and again during the closing aperitif, making Publishing Day as much a networking event as a professional development opportunity.

---

About the Florence Literary Society

Founded to support Florence’s growing international writing community, the Florence Literary Society has quickly become a meeting place for novelists, poets, journalists, memoirists, travel writers, translators and nonfiction authors. Publishing Day is its flagship event, reflecting the Society’s mission to connect writers with one another while providing practical guidance on the path to publication.

For centuries Florence has inspired writers from around the world. Publishing Day continues that tradition—not simply by celebrating literature, but by helping today’s writers bring their own books into the world.

---

Publishing Day 2026

Saturday, 7 November 2026

Registration includes:

– Welcome coffee and pastries

– Three expert panel discussions

– Buffet lunch

– One-on-one meeting with an industry professional (for early registrants)

– Self-publishing and querying Q&A sessions

– Closing aperitif

For registration and further information, visit florenceliterarysociety.com. Early booking is recommended, as places for one-on-one consultations are limited.