An Author's Perspective - Writing Workshop

Gary Dalkin & Sophie Beal: Passion vs Profit – Inside a Small Press

As Clouds Over Bowland, the new novel by Rosemary Sturge, prepares to launch, Cadence Publishing opens its doors.

In this session of the An Author’s Perspective Workshop Series, Sophie Beal, director of Cadence Publishing, and senior associate editor Gary Dalkin offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at life inside a very small independent press — where passion often leads, and profit has to follow.

Together, they explore the realities of running a publishing company guided by creative belief rather than a corporate bottom line. From editorial decision-making to author relationships, marketing challenges to motivation, this conversation sheds light on both the freedoms and limitations of small-press publishing.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a small press could be the right home for your writing — or what actually happens once a manuscript is accepted — this session offers rare, honest insight.

What You’ll Learn

• How a small independent press operates day to day
• The editorial and publishing process from submission to launch
• What small presses look for in authors and manuscripts
• The benefits of a personal, hands-on publishing approach
• The challenges of balancing creativity, sustainability, and ambition

This is not a sales pitch — it’s a real conversation about the choices, compromises, and rewards that come with independent publishing.

What to Expect

Held on the second Saturday of each month (10:30am–12:30pm), these relaxed and welcoming workshops feature guest speakers from across the publishing industry — including authors, editors, and publishers — sharing genuine, experience-led insight.

• Tea or coffee on arrival ☕
• Time to chat and connect with fellow writers
• The session begins at 11:00am
• A friendly, discussion-led format with time for questions

Who It’s For

• Writers considering submitting to small or independent presses
• Authors curious about how publishing works behind the scenes
• Writers weighing passion-led publishing versus commercial routes
• Anyone interested in the realities of independent publishing