Orion launches academy for debut authors after Bookseller survey revealed gaps in care 

Orion Publishing Group has launched an online academy to support 2024 debut fiction writers being published onto the Orion Fiction and Trapeze lists, to “demystify the process and ensure expectations are clear”.

A survey conducted by the Bookseller found that many debut authors struggled with a lack of support, with more than half of those polled (54%) saying the process of publishing their first book negatively affected their mental health. 

Among the majority who said they had a negative experience of debut publication, anxiety, stress, depression and "lowered" self-esteem were cited, with lack of support, guidance or clear and professional communication from their publisher among the factors that contributed.

The conversation continued at the Bookseller’s Marketing and Publicity conference on 26th June, where, during a panel entitled “Pastoral or professional? Looking after our authors and our publicists", industry figures discussed the difficult balance between being emotionally supportive while remaining professional for writers during the publishing process.

Now, Orion has announced a new scheme to try and ensure debut authors are clued up and supported throughout the process. Publisher Sam Eades told The Bookseller: “This was a project that came out of discussions following the results of The Bookseller’s debut writers survey, specifically tackling how to provide more information and support to writers new to the industry.”

Participants in the scheme will learn from “some of the most successful and experienced writers in commercial fiction”, with confirmed course guest speakers including bestsellers M J Arlidge, David M Barnett, Jendella Benson, Cathy Bramley, Sharon Bolton, Sophie Gravia, Mari Hannah, Veronica Henry, Anna Mazzola and Holly Seddon.

The graduates will also receive detailed insight into the publishing process, with an eight-week virtual classroom led by publishers Sam Eades and Sareeta Domingo, with panel events featuring experts from across the business. The academy will include sessions on honing your pitch and preparing for events, social media best practices, an overview of the retail landscape, finding your village and how to tackle the difficult second novel. 

The aim of the course is to demystify the publishing process for debuts, and to build a support network among writers in a similar genre. The course will be rolled out across other imprints at Orion in autumn 2023.

Eades continued: “The publishing landscape has changed dramatically, and for first time writers the experience of being published can feel bewildering and lonely. My hope is that these skill-sharing sessions featuring some of Orion’s bestselling authors are informative, inspiring and collaborative, with our debut writers forming a support network that thrives outside the classroom.”