This might be interesting - substantial line-up of speakers, for one thing:

The School of Humanities at Kingston University is hosting a conference entitled: How to get published: a two day conference for writers on 11th and 12th September 2009 (concessions available). The conference is aimed at people who have always wanted to write, (but don’t know where to start), and authors who have written, but are trying to get published. It covers what to write about, how to keep going, and the most appropriate format and timing for submission. The conference is led by Alison Baverstock,( author and senior lecturer on Kingston University’s Publishing MA) and is supported by a range of industry experts and writers: Richard Charkin – Executive Director of Bloomsbury Publishing Carole Blake – one of the UK’s best known agents Chris Cleave – journalist and author – winner of the 2006 Somerset Maugham Award Emma Burstall – journalist and author of ‘Gym and Slimline’ Jo Herbert – editor of the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook Lisa Carden – experienced reference commissioning editor Mary Lawson – author and Booker nominee Stephanie Glencross – runs the editorial department at Gregory and Company’s Authors’ Agents Tristan Rutherford – freelance travel writer Justine Picardie – author and journalist; former features director of Vogue Linda Strachan – author of more than 50 children’s books Michael Ridpath – thriller writer Suzi Williamson – works in publicity and marketing within publishing Participants can attend for one day only or both days. A free copy of the following books is included in the conference fee: Baverstock – Is there a book in you? Baverstock – Marketing your book – an author’s guide.

Date: 11 September to 12 September 2009, 09:30 to 17:00
Location: Penryhn Road campus, Kingston University
Fee: £135 (2 days), £75 (1 day)

http://fass.kingston.ac.uk/activities/item.php?updatenum=1044

Emma