If you’re a woman writer thinking seriously about publication, you need to know about indie presses.
In a year when headlines have claimed men are back on top in the literary world, independent publishers continue to champion women writers, taking risks on books that don’t fit neatly into commercial boxes – and are storming the prize shortlists as a result.
We’ve unpacked why indie presses matter so much right now in this blog:
👉 How to get your work published without an agent
The question then becomes: how do you actually get your work in front of them?
On 23–24 February, we’re hosting our first-ever Indie Extravaganza in the Mslexia Salon. This is a chance for your prose, poetry, or short fiction to go directly to editors from 12 independent presses, all of whom are actively looking for new writers.
You’ll find details of how the event works and who’s taking part here:
👉 Indie Press Extravaganza – how it works
This is an opportunity to get your work in front of editors who care about great writing. And if you sign up in the next week, you’ll gain access to our pitch surgery, also taking place in the Salon.
So, could joining the Salon, attending a pitch surgery, and posting your pitch for 12 editors to read set your writing on course for 2026?
We hope you can join us at the Indie Extravaganza this February!
Team M x
