Fly on the Wall Press
Applications close 14 July
A 12-week professional development programme for career authors
Built for writers ready to be seen as authors.
Many talented writers never reach publication, not because the writing lacks potential, but because today’s industry expects authors to arrive with more than a manuscript.
12
weeks online
20+
hours with Isabelle
36
hours of focused work
£2,995
£995 deposit
You’ll be in a cohort of committed writers, held accountable to your goals while gaining a supportive creative network.
Fly on the Wall Press credentials
Authors published
Bookshops internationally
Award nominations and wins
PR and media coverage
Why talented writers don't get book deals
Many editors simply do not have the time or resources to develop writers in the commercial, professional and public-facing skills that can make a manuscript easier to champion.
Agents and publishers increasingly seek writers who can…
Understand their market and where their book belongs.
Articulate who their readers are and where those readers reside.
Advocate for their work through social proof, events, media and community.
Build industry connections and contribute to their own visibility.
Programme fit
This is for…
Debut authors; writers changing genre; authors seeking to strengthen their publishing prospects; writers who want clearer decisions, stronger positioning and a professional support structure.
This is not for…
Writers who want to publish as a hobby, or whose focus is not currently on building a sustainable career as an author.
What you’ll gain
Publishing landscape
Understand agents, publishers, journals, prizes and commercial expectations.
Author brand
Clarify who you are as a writer, who your readers are, and where to focus your platform.
PR and media skill
Create talking points, event pitches and a practical approach to visibility.
Industry network
Map the people, places and communities that can support a long-term writing career.
Market positioning
Analyse comparable titles and understand where your book sits in bookshops and proposals.
Career roadmap
Leave with a personalised plan for the next stage of your writing journey.
Led by Isabelle Kenyon
The programme is led by Isabelle Kenyon, Managing Director of Fly on the Wall Press and finalist for the Leader of the Year Award 2025. Over eight years, Isabelle has grown the press into one of the UK’s respected independent publishers, publishing more than 90 books and championing over 420 writers from around the world.
Fly on the Wall Press achievements
Small Press of the Year (North), 2024
British Book Awards Finalist, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025 and 2026
Manchester Culture Award Winner, 2024
FutureBook Awards Finalist, 2024 and 2025
Published authors shortlisted for and awarded major literary prizes including The Women’s Prize for Fiction, The Dublin Literary Award, The Laurel Prize, The Julie Suk Award, The Saboteur Awards and The Edge Hill Prize.
Press shelf
Workshop
Course modules
One live hourly guided session a week, focused homework between sessions, and feedback on your direction and progress.
Week 1
Defining Your Author Brand
Identify your author identity, clarify your target audience, and decide which platforms and communities deserve your attention.
Week 2
Finding the Right Agent or Publisher
Research agents and publishers, understand submission expectations, and create a targeted strategy using professional resources.
Week 3
Literary Journals and Building Credibility
Receive guidance on suitable journals, submission strategies, and article or pitch ideas that strengthen future book proposals.
Week 4
Literary Prizes and Recognition
Understand the prize landscape, receive a curated calendar, and learn how nominations and judges’ comments can create social proof.
Week 5
Understanding Self-Publishing
Explore when self-publishing makes strategic sense, how independent authors build readerships, and how it can support a proven track record.
Week 6
Building Your Author Community
Cultivate genuine relationships with readers, booksellers, reviewers, librarians, fellow writers and industry professionals.
Week 7
Networking with Purpose
Create a networking plan for festivals, workshops, mentoring opportunities and industry events that feels authentic rather than transactional.
Weeks 8–9
Social Media for Authors
Learn which platforms are worth your time, how to create credible content, grow your audience and avoid overwhelm.
Week 10
Publicity, Events and Media Training
Develop media talking points, prepare for interviews, and create talks or workshop offers suitable for literary venues.
Week 11
Market Awareness and Positioning
Analyse comparable titles, identify your market position, and understand how industry professionals assess commercial potential.
Week 12
Contracts, Rights and Author Finances
Gain confidence with publishing contracts, rights licensing, advances, royalties and the business side of being an author.
LASTING IMPACT
Graduate as a career author
Top 10% of graduating students from the Programme will receive a personalised letter of recommendation from Managing Director, Isabelle Kenyon, to support future submissions.
Case studies
Rebrand and representation
Sheena Kalayil
After moving to Fly on the Wall Press for a rebrand of her writing with The Others, Sheena secured agent representation, a Women’s Prize 2026 longlist, Audible UK deal and an Indian Subcontinent rights sale with Westland Books.
Series development
Donna Moore
From The Unpicking to The Devil’s Draper, Donna’s author development helped shape a feminist cosy historical crime series, inspire launches, secure Waterstones attention, reach a CWA Historical Dagger shortlist, and sell audiobook rights to Penguin Random House USA.
Events and rights
Arathi Menon
Debut author Arathi Menon secured 12 UK-wide bookshop, library and festival dates for Da, national radio, and sold Indian Subcontinent rights to Pan Macmillan India.
Readership building
Rachel Grosvenor
After The Finery was reviewed in The Guardian, Rachel focused on social media and newsletter growth ahead of Witchborne, which became a Fly on the Wall Press bestseller and continues to attract bookshop and book club events.
What writers say
Lucy Hurst
Donal Conaty
Clare Reddaway
Nicole Ai
Practical outcomes
You will create…
A defined author brand
A targeted publishing strategy
A literary journal submission plan
A literary prize calendar tailored to your work
A networking and professional development roadmap
A reader-focused social media strategy
Media talking points and event pitches
Market positioning analysis for your book
Greater confidence in contracts and finances
Investment
Complete the application form by 14 July. You’ll then receive an invite to an interview to discuss your writing. If you’re a strong fit for the programme, you’ll receive an offer letter by email.
Investment
Deposit
£995
Application path
1. Complete the form by 14 July.
2. Join an interview to discuss your writing.
3. Receive an offer letter if the programme is a strong fit.
Complete the application form