Getting Published: What Aspiring Writers Need to Know (English)

Synopsis

Publishing opportunities today go far beyond books. Many writers begin by placing their work in literary journals, online magazines, or anthologies before moving on to full-length publications. But how do you know which path is right for you—and how do you get started?

In this session, an experienced writer or publisher will guide participants through the essentials of getting their work published: from submitting to journals, exploring competitions and small presses, to eventually working with agents and publishers. Participants will gain practical tips, industry insights, and a clear understanding of how to share their writing with the world.

This session will be conducted separately in Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil, ensuring that writers of all backgrounds can access guidance in the language they write in.

Programme Outline

• Introduction
• Why publish, and when not to publish
• How to pitch
• Going solo or going anthology
• Options besides traditional publishing – considerations and practicalities, including budget
• Final Q&A

Programme Details:

Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026

Time: 8PM - 9:30PM

This will be an Online Event.

About the Speaker:

Ng Kah Gay is the publisher of Pagesetters Services, which oversees the Ethos Books imprint. Leading a young and dynamic team, he focuses on producing books while fostering a vibrant literary, arts, and cultural environment in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Under his guidance, Ethos Books champions fiction, non-fiction, and poetry that engage with contemporary issues, including critical topics such as climate action.

Kah Gay and his team are part of a growing network of independent publishers and literary agents dedicated to nurturing and circulating meaningful works across the region. Their ongoing mission is to promote creative collaboration, strengthen literary infrastructure, and elevate Singaporean voices alongside other Southeast Asian authors and editors.

Cancellation:

The programme can be cancelled or postponed two weeks before the programme date if the minimum number of participants is not met. Participants will be fully refunded for workshops cancelled by us.

Participants who are unable to attend a workshop they have registered for are to inform us of the reason two weeks before the workshop date. They will be fully refunded in the event of extenuating and mitigating circumstances (E.g. illness, bereavement, accidents) . Those who inform us up to 5 working days before the workshop date will receive a 50% refund. Those who did not turn up at the workshop will not receive a refund.

Upon registration, you are deemed to have read and understood the cancellation and withdrawal policy and accept the terms contained therein.