Live Programme
Author Discussions, Live
Real conversations between authors and readers — hosted, moderated, recorded and made to travel long after the stream ends.
Overview
A stage built for the conversation your book deserves
Author Discussions is the live heart of the HaySuccess season. Every session is produced like a broadcast: a briefed host, a moderated audience, a clean run of show and a recording you own. We do not put authors on an empty stream and hope readers wander in — we bring a prepared audience who already know your title, your genre and the questions worth asking.
Sessions run year-round and cluster around our feature dates of August 30, September 15 and September 30. Whether you write literary fiction, memoir, faith, thrillers, children's books or poetry, there is a format here that suits how you talk about your work — and a producer who will make sure you sound like the best version of yourself on the day.
60 min
Standard live session length
Moderated
Prepared, on-topic audience
72 hrs
Replay and clips delivered
Live Q&A
Real reader questions
Formats
Four ways to go live
The Author Hour
A 60-minute hosted conversation about your book, your process and the readers you wrote it for. Two rehearsed anchor questions, six live questions, one closing reading.
Craft Panels
Three authors, one shared theme — structure, dialogue, world-building or revision. Moderated so every panellist gets equal airtime and a clean pull-quote.
Book Club Live
A reading circle that has already finished your book meets you on camera. Prepared discussion questions, honest reader reactions, no cold audience.
Open Mic Readings
Ten-minute reading slots with a live chat and a host who introduces you properly. Ideal for poetry, short fiction and first chapters.
Run of show
Exactly how the hour unfolds
- 00:00Host welcome, festival framing and author introduction from your approved bio.
- 00:05Origin of the book — the question the story was written to answer.
- 00:15Craft segment: structure, voice, research and the hardest chapter to write.
- 00:30Live reading — a passage you choose, 3 to 5 minutes, on screen with the cover.
- 00:38Reader Q&A moderated from the live chat and pre-submitted questions.
- 00:52Where to buy, what's next, and a direct call to action for the audience.
- 00:58Host close, credits card and replay announcement.
Preparation
What happens before you go live
Before the session
- A pre-call with your host 3–5 days before, to agree tone, questions and any topics you would rather avoid.
- A technical check: camera framing, lighting, microphone levels and internet backup plan.
- A one-page brief with your bio, book blurb, cover art and buy links, shared with the host and the audience.
- Three sample questions written by you, so the conversation starts where you are strongest.
After the session
- Full-length recording delivered within 72 hours, ready for your website and channels.
- Two vertical clips (60 seconds) cut for Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
- A transcript you can repurpose into blog posts, newsletters or press notes.
- Session posted to the festival Portfolio and Spotlight pages with your buy links.
House rules
How we keep discussions worth attending
Respect the work
No surprise topics
Readers first
Your recording, your rights
Accessibility
Honest promotion
Questions
Author discussion FAQ
Do I need special equipment?
No. A laptop or phone, headphones and a quiet, well-lit room are enough. Our producer will help you frame the shot on the technical check.
Is the discussion scripted?
No. You see the themes and your own three questions in advance, but the conversation is live and unscripted so it sounds like you, not a press release.
What if I am nervous on camera?
Most first-time guests are. Your host carries the opening five minutes, and we can record a practice segment before going live.
Who can attend?
Discussions are open to festival readers, reading circles and your own invited guests. Attendance links are yours to share freely.
Which package includes a live discussion?
Virtual Participation ($250) includes a full live session, interview and Q&A. Digital Placement ($150) authors can add a session at any point in the season.
Book your live author discussion
Sessions are scheduled around the August 30, September 15 and September 30 feature dates. Your account manager, Olaleye Hammed, will confirm your slot and host.