The London Library & Pen to Print Masterclass: Self-publishing and Beyond with Ola Awonobi

The London Library & Pen to Print Masterclass: Self-publishing and Beyond with Ola Awonobi

Pen to Print and The London Library are joining forces for the fourth year, to bring you a series of workshops designed to take you through different creative writing processes, including writing poetry, writing for children, introduction to Screenwriting and how to publish your own work. The workshops all take place at the atmospheric London Library and are open to aspiring writers in any genre.

In this session, author and creative writing tutor Ola Awonobi will explore practical approaches to self-publishing and building a sustainable writing career beyond traditional routes. Drawing on her experience as a multi-published author, Ola will guide participants through the key elements of developing a publishing strategy, from shaping and positioning your work to understanding the opportunities available to independent writers. The workshop will also look at how writers can build their author profile, connect with readers, and create visibility for their work.

Through discussion and practical exercises, attendees will gain insight into the relationship between strong content, a clear publishing strategy, and effective profile building. The session is designed to equip writers with useful tools and ideas to help them move forward with confidence, whether they are considering self-publishing for the first time or looking to expand their presence as an author.

There will be time to write, reflect, and share work in a supportive environment, with opportunities to receive positive and constructive feedback.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the sessions afterwards.

Ola Awonobi was born in North London to Nigerian Parents. She went to Nigeria as a child and returned in the 90s and has worked in several secretarial roles. At the age of 40 she rekindled her childhood dream of becoming a writer and went back to University to get a MA in Creative Writing.

Her short story The Pink House, won first prize in the 2008 National words of colour competition and another short story of hers The Go- slow Journey, won the first prize in the fiction category for Queen Mary Wasafiri’s New writing prize 2009 and the Best Author CA Awards 2019.

Author of 9 books –  including Love’s Persuasion, Love Me Unconditionally, an anthology of short stories – Naija Love Stories and a contemporary Romance Lovers, Leavers and Keepers.

Her recent Book ‘A Nurses Tale‘ was published by her publishers One More Chapter Books; Harper Collins in July 2023 and in US/Canada in July 2024 and was recently on the Historical fiction bestsellers chat for ‘The Globe and Mail’ in Canada. It was also in the winners circle of the Brown Girl Collective for favourite Historical fiction Book 2024 for last December 2024 in the USA.

Her next Romance – ‘The Marriage Monitoring Auntie’s Association’ a Rom com about a fifty plus Nigerian woman’s search for love, fulfilment, and faith out was published by One More Chapter Books, Harper Collins in July 2025.

She is a creative writing tutor and speaker and has spoken at national conferences such as Black British Book festival, Manchester in March, the Meet-cute Romance festival and London Festival of Writing, Jericho Writers conferences.

The workshop will run from 11am to 1pm at the Library and all participants will receive a complimentary London Library day ticket (worth £30) so that you can continue writing or using the Library until it closes at 5.30pm. A guided tour of the Library will be on offer after the workshop for anyone who wants to explore. Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the workshop.

Pen to Print is an organisation established in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and operating within the borough’s library service. Built on the belief that everybody should have a chance to tell their story, the organisation creates a network of expertise and support for aspiring writers.

The London Library is a unique literary oasis in the heart of London. Founded in 1841, it is steeped in literary history, holds an unrivalled collection of over a million books, hosts a vibrant events programme and is a home for anyone who loves the written word.

Important to Know

This event will take place in person at The London Library. Please see our Event Access Guidelines before you arrive.

Attendees will be able to access The London Library from 10.45am ahead of the event starting at 11am. Please let us know if you are unable to attend so that we can reallocate your ticket. If you have any questions, email events@londonlibrary.co.uk.

London Library events are subject to Terms & Conditions