Publishing Industry Guest Sessions
Writing is a solitary act, but getting published is a conversation. Every week, I bring in commissioning editors, literary agents, and seasoned authors to bridge the gap between your manuscript and the bookshelf.
We were honored to host writer Krupa Ge, author of 'Rivers Remember'. Our guest speakers include accomplished authors who share their personal journeys and craft secrets.
Sanghamitra Biswas, Executive Editor at Westland Books, joined us to discuss her work in commissioning and editing both literary and commercial fiction.
Multi-talented creator Neelesh Kulkarni, a poet, actor, and author, shared his diverse experience with our writers, showing the many paths a writing career can take.
Author Gigi Ganguly, whose work spans from novellas to short story collections, discussed her creative process and her current work on a novel about AI.
Poet and editor Arjun Rajendran gave our writers a deep dive into the world of poetry and literary magazines, offering a perspective on a different facet of the writing world.
We welcomed back Attic Alumna Sandhya Ranganathan, now a published author of three books, to share her journey from aspiring writer to published author.
Ranjit Lal, author of over 45 books for children and adults, brought his decades of experience and wisdom to an inspiring session with our writers.
Philosopher and author Sundar Sarukkai, who writes across genres from academic books to novels, discussed the intersection of philosophy and storytelling.
Apeksha Rao, author of India's first YA spy thriller and an Attic alumna, returned to share her success story and inspire the next generation of writers.
Our "Writers' Wellness" week featured fitness expert Abdullah Memon, who provided essential tips on posture correction and injury management for a sedentary writing life.
About Meet the Industry: Our Guest Speakers
You might have a brilliant draft, but without understanding the publishing landscape, even good manuscripts often get overlooked. In these guest sessions, you get weekly face-time with commissioning editors from houses like Westland, literary agents, and successful authors. You are not just listening to lectures, but getting a reality check on submission etiquette, marketability, and exactly what happens once your book lands on a publisher's desk.
The publishing world is not as opaque as it seems, but it does require a map. My goal with these sessions is to remove the guesswork. Whether you are writing literary fiction, a thriller, or a memoir, you need to understand how industry insiders think.
Why these sessions matter
Writing is only half the battle. The other half is knowing how to present your work. During our '60 Minutes at the Attic' sessions, our guests—who range from Westland publishers to agents from Labyrinth Literary—break down the barriers between you and the industry. They discuss:
- The Pitch: How to write a query letter that actually gets read.
- Marketability: Understanding where your book fits in the current market without compromising your voice.
- The Reality of Deals: What an editor looks for, why rights matter, and how an agent works.
Access, not just theory
This is not about generic advice. Our guests, such as Karthika V.K. or Anish Chandy, bring decades of experience. They answer your questions about the trade. They discuss the nuances of translation, the impact of audio rights, and the business of being an author. You walk away with a clearer understanding of your project's potential and the practical steps to get it published.
Our alumni have gone on to land deals and see their work in print. The access you get here is about preparing you for the real world of publishing, so that when you finish your manuscript, you are ready to send it out with confidence.
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