What You Need to Know About The Business of Being An Author

In this engaging + invaluable Q & A, we'll explore the realities of making money as an author and the pros and cons of indie publishing.

What does it take to build a successful career as a self-published author?

Join bestselling author Kirsten McKenzie for a fascinating conversation about the business of being a writer and what it takes to find readers, sell books and build a sustainable writing career.

In this stimulating Q & A, we'll explore the realities of making money as an indie author, the pros and cons of independent publishing, how authors build their readership and promote their work, and the business decisions that can make all the difference.

Whether you're already published, working towards publication or simply curious about the commercial side of writing a book, this session will offer practical insights and plenty of inspiration.

About Kirsten McKenzie:

Kirsten is a bestselling author whose novels span thrillers, historical fiction, horror and time travel. A successful independent author, she has built an international readership and received recognition in the Sir Julius Vogel Awards. Her latest novel, The Ancient Lives of Emily Best, was published in July 2026 and is the third book in the Cheviot Hills time-travel series, co-written with American author Shawn Inmon.

Alongside her writing, Kirsten is an experienced speaker, workshop presenter and literary event moderator. She's passionate about the craft and business of writing, sharing practical insights into independent publishing, building an author platform and connecting with readers.

What to expect:

• Turn up online with pen and paper.
• Discover the realities of building a successful author career.
• Insights into making money from your writing and building a sustainable career.
• The pros, cons and opportunities of independent publishing.
• Practical tips for finding readers, promoting your books and building your author profile.
• Audio recording available for registered participants.

NB: This session is ONLINE and the Zoom link will be accessible 30 mins before the event - AND sent to the email address you supplied when registering.

Facilitator: Kathryn Burnett

Kathryn is an award-winning screenwriter, playwright, public speaker and writing coach who runs super inspiring writing workshops and the Writing Room. She recently completed her role as the Story Producer on Libertine Picture's series "Secrets at Red Rocks" and her latest produced project is "Nicola Cheeseman is Back" which premiered in 2024 and has been re-programmed numerous times across Aotearoa.

She is the author of "The Productive Writer Guidebook" and has facilitated panels for the IAWG Conference 2026, Auckland Writers Festival, the Screenwriting Research Network Conference 2017, the SPADA conference and the Fourth World Conference of Screenwriters in Berlin (2019).