Welcome to the Industry Hub
Running alongside our reader-focused programme, the Industry Hub offers a behind-the-scenes look at the crime fiction industry – from craft and career advice to practical insight into publishing, agents, and editors.
Whether you’re at the very start of your writing journey or already working towards publication, the Industry Hub is designed to be informative, welcoming, and genuinely useful.
Who the Industry Hub is For
The Industry Hub is ideal for:
- Aspiring writers wanting to learn craft and publishing fundamentals.
- Published or soon-to-be-published authors seeking to grow their career.
- Writers of any genre curious about the business side of writing.
- Anyone interested in building community and professional networks in the crime fiction world.
Industry Hub programme
09:00 – 09:45 The Write Path: Writing Journeys from Rising Voices in Crime Fiction
An honest conversation about breaking into the crime genre, building momentum, and navigating the early stages of a writing career.
10:15 – 11:00 Routes to Publication: Traditional, Indie, Hybrid
Agents and publishers unpack today’s publishing landscape, exploring the realities, opportunities and challenges of traditional deals, independent publishing and hybrid paths.
11:30 – 12:15 Case Closed: Mastering Your Tax and Finances
In this session, Andy Levett (Principal) and Ajay Jassal (Senior Manager) at HW Fisher will strip away the mystery of tax and related financial management. This practical briefing is designed to help authors at all stages of their career, providing guidance on:
- Business set-up: ensuring you set up as an author in the right way business for tax efficiency and to ensure your IP is in the right entity.
- Making Tax Digital (MTD): essential preparation for the introduction of MTD for Income Tax.
- Tax-deductible expenses: understanding the allowances and deductible costs available to authors.
- Record keeping: streamlining your bookkeeping and transitioning to digital-ready records.
13:15 – 14:00 Marketing & Visibility for Authors
Building profile, finding your audience and standing out in a crowded market. A practical discussion on discoverability, branding and long-term visibility.
14:30 – 15:15 Writing Crime from Both Sides of the Desk
A unique perspective from those who have worked across editorial and author roles, exploring what makes a manuscript stand out and how industry insight shapes storytelling.
15:45 – 16:30 Getting The Details Right
Authenticity matters. From policing and procedure to forensic detail, this session explores research, accuracy and credibility in crime fiction.
17:00 – 17:45 How To Pitch To Literary Agents
Clear, practical guidance on submissions and what agents are really looking for. Designed to demystify the pitching process and give writers confidence.
Tickets & Access
Your Industry Hub access is included with a valid Coastal Crime ticket.
We recommend booking early to secure your place and keep up with updates on sessions as they’re confirmed.
