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, welcoming workshops feature guest speakers from across the publishing world — including authors, editors, and industry professionals — sharing honest insights into their craft and careers.
- Tea or coffee on arrival ☕
- Time to chat and connect with fellow writers
- The workshop begins at 11:00am, allowing space to settle in
- A supportive, discussion-friendly environment — no pressure, no judgement
Whether you’re working on your first draft or refining a manuscript, this session is designed to help you write with greater emotional confidence and clarity.
Who It’s For
- Fiction writers at any stage
- Writers who feel their characters are “flat” or emotionally distant
- Authors who want readers to connect more deeply with their stories
- Anyone curious about how emotion, character, and story truly intertwine
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