First Friday, our monthly conversation with an industry professional, is a chance for our community to learn more about the writing and publishing industry. This March, we invite you to our online event with Lex Hirst.

Lex talks with Sophie Groom (CEO, Writing NSW) about writing, publishing, young people and where the three coincide. In a constantly shifting publishing landscape, how do writers navigate a course towards seeing their work in print? Does being a young writer make this more difficult, or are there opportunities for them that might be closed off to others? Lex uses her long history in publishing and working with young writers to explain how this group might approach an unknown future.

This event starts online at 12:30pm, via Zoom, and will run for 60 minutes. If there is time, we will take audience questions at the end. Free and open to members and non-members, but RSVPs are essential. You can submit a question for Lex in the ‘Additional Information – Order Notes’ section at Checkout.

Registered attendees will receive a link to access this event prior to the start time.

Lex Hirst is the Publishing Director at Pantera Press – an imprint of Hardie Grant that publishes unputdownable, culturally vital books. An occasional literary, arts and ideas event programmer and former SAMAG board member, she is currently Deputy Chair of the National Young Writers’ Festival Board. An editor by trade, Lex loves books that refuse to let you go long after you put them down, and is always on the lookout for stories that make you think and feel deeply.