Posted by Maleeha Mir on 29 June 2025, in Event reports, News

Photos by Phoebe Ireland, Words by Chris Russell

You can listen to an audio recording of this event via this link.

At Byte The Book’s latest live panel, held in partnership with The London Library, the focus was on helping writers navigate their route to publication. The event brought together a panel of experts from across the industry, each offering a unique perspective on the publishing landscape: author and coach Sophie Hannah, publisher at Bridge Street Press Sameer Rahim, literary agent Oli Munson and Chris Wold, publishing director at Whitefox.

Our panel from left to right: Chris Wold, Sameer Rahim, Justine Solomons, Sophie Hannah, and Oli Munson.

The discussion kicked off with the panellists’ thoughts on whether writers still need agents, and if so, how they might best go about attracting one. Sameer brought an interesting perspective to the table, pointing out that as a publisher at Bridge Street Press, he has been known to sign authors by actively approaching them himself, whether they’re agented or not (though he did admit that BSP still use the agenting channel in the majority of cases). Sophie was quick to remind writers than an agent who is a poor match for them is worse than no agent at all. “Having a great agent that you fit well with – and who is on your wavelength – is amazing … but I had three in total before I found my current one”. Oli, meanwhile, offered an insight straight from the horse’s mouth, revealing that while he receives up to one hundred submissions every single week, high quality work will always stand out. “If a book is very good, I can tell. If it’s very bad, I can tell. It’s the middle that takes a bit of time”.

Oli Munson shares his insights as a literary agent on the issues that authors face in trying to get published nowadays.

Next, Byte founder Justine Solomons asked the panel how authors can best find their way around the various options available to them – traditional publishing, self-publishing and hybrid. How can they be sure that they’re venturing down the correct path? “It’s about creative control, at the end of the day”, answered Chris, advising writers to consider how much of that control they wish to keep, and how much they’re prepared to relinquish.

Chris Wold discusses how authors can stand out in the competitive world of publishing and why this is essential in becoming a bestseller.  

“We’re happy to explore all routes with our clients,” confirmed Oli, “and we find that many authors follow different roads throughout their careers”. Sophie expanded on this, suggesting that, from a writer’s perspective, this is a kid-in-a-candy-store moment. “When I began, there was only one route. Now you can try them all, one by one, and see what works”. Sameer agreed, but was quick to point out that the traditional model still has its place, especially for non-fiction writers, who often need the time and freedom afforded by upfront advances to complete their research. 

Sameer Rahim explains his experiences as a publisher and what he looks for in potential authors at Bridge Street Press. 

So, with this smorgasbord of opportunities in mind, what tips did the panel have for aspiring writers looking to maximise their chances of success? Chris was unequivocal about the importance of identifying your audience, and then seeking them out. “The key is this,” he said. “Do you understand who your audience is? Can you find one thousand true fans who will champion you? There’s no such thing as a book that ‘deserves’ to be published, so if you’re really serious about this, you have to know who your readers are”. Sameer, meanwhile, quoted an exchange he’d had some years back with a creative writing coach. “‘Among your students,’ I asked him, ‘what’s the difference between the ones who succeed and the ones who don’t?’. His answer was simple: persistence. It’s the writers who just don’t give up”.

Sophie Hannah offers her unique perspective as a bestselling author and coach when supporting fellow authors on their writing journey.

Finally, to close the discussion, Sophie offered an uplifting take on the current moment in publishing. “If I was starting out today,” she mused, “I’d think: this is the best time ever to be a writer”. With more paths open than ever before, writers no longer have to pin all their hopes on a single deal or a lone gatekeeper, and with the right ingredients, success can come to anyone, at any time. She cited the story of a 74-year-old novelist – a client on her Dream Author coaching programme, now in its seventh year – who had an extraordinary, high-concept idea but refused to put pen to paper unless a publisher confirmed interest first. Patiently, Sophie persuaded her to write a chapter and synopsis, and the resulting manuscript went to auction, selling for hundreds of thousands of pounds. “Amazing things happen,” she concluded, “when writers back themselves”.

Our audience enjoyed our live panel in the beautiful surroundings of The London Library. 

Thank you to The London Library for hosting us!

You can find many more photos from this panel from our online album 'Byte the Book x The London Library: Get Your Writing Into the World' here!

If you're not already a member of Byte The Book you can join us from £30 a month here.