Not To Be Missed At The London Book Fair 2023
By Lauren Jones, Rowan Jackson, Zoe Doyle, Amy Wright and Ana Matute
The London Book Fair will take place from 18–20 April this year with a plethora of seminars, conferences and exhibits to visit. We recommend you plan your visit to get the most out of your experience so, to help, we have highlighted the events that we think you should definitely pencil in! Visit The London Book Fair website here to register for events.
Keeping up with Social Media: What’s an Author’s Best Tool?
12:00–12:45 p.m., 18 April at Author HQ
Over the last few years, we’ve seen social media become closely intertwined with the publishing industry. From clever marketing campaigns to BookTok and Bookstagrams, social media has become a great way for authors to connect with their audiences and to promote new books, eBooks and events. Chaired by Naomi Bacon, the founder and director of global marketing company Tandem Collective, this seminar promises to be an informative insight into how social media can be used effectively to reach your audience. The session will provide top tips and advice about using a range of platforms. You definitely shouldn’t miss it if you’re interested in learning more about digital marketing in publishing or are eager to find out more about building communities online!
Page to Screen as Translation
3:25–4:10 p.m., 18 April at Literary Translation Centre
The Page to Screen as Translation seminar promises to be a thought-provoking insight into the process of translating a story from page to screen. Many popular films are based on books with classics such as Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice have been adapted multiple times. The London Book Fair found that according to a study in 2018, “70% of the world’s top twenty grossing films are based on books.” The seminar will be an informative discussion on what it is about a book that catches a filmmaker’s eye, what makes a successful adaptation and will explore the role and involvement of the author in an adaptation. The panel will be chaired by journalist Olivia Snaije and will consist of novelists and screenwriters Fflur Dafydd and Daniel Kehlmann and writer, translator and filmmaker Samvartha Sahil.
Magical Realism and Freedom of Expression: Leone Ross and Irenosen Okojie in Conversation
12:00–12:45 p.m., 19 April at English PEN Literary Salon
Listening to authors discuss their inspirations, interests and work strategies is always fascinating but this one is definitely not one to miss! Leone Ross and Irenosen Okojie will be in conversation, discussing their work in speculative fiction and the genres’ relevance to freedom of expression. Leone Ross’s third novel This One Sky Day was longlisted for the Women's Prize, the Ondaatje Prize and shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize. Irenosen Okojie’s debut novel Butterfly Fish won the Betty Trask award and her short story collection Speak Gigantular was shortlisted for the Edge Hill Short Story Prize, the Jhalak Prize and the Saboteur Awards, in addition to being nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. This is set to be an engaging discussion from two brilliant authors, which will appeal to both lovers of speculative fiction and newcomers to the genre who wish to develop their knowledge around it.
How to Be Yourself Online and Publishing Networking
5:00–6:00 p.m., 19 April at English PEN Literary Salon
We know how hard networking is. Especially after COVID-19, connecting online may feel different than in person. We often wonder what the right thing to say is or how you can say what you want. This panel, hosted by Byte the Book, is perfect to get that boost of confidence, start networking and find the job you want. They will discuss how to present yourself in a professional way and the possibilities you have according to the field you want to be in. Also, they will give a closer look at how to show your work, as this is key to connect in the way you need. The panellists are Simon Appleby from Bookwarm; Kelly Weekes, Marketing Mentor and Confidence and Mindset coach; and Mark Stay Writer and Co-Presenter of the Bestselling Experiment Podcast. Reserve your spot here.
Children’s Spotlight: How To Get Noticed in a Crowded Market
12:00–12:45 p.m., 20 April at Author HQ
In recent years the publishing world has seen a boom in children’s fiction. These novels often explore themes of friendship, family and identity construction as well as a growing number celebrating diversity. While this market continues to expand, the increasing number of titles released each year can make it a difficult prospect to stand out as an author. This event will attempt to equip its visitors with knowledge on how to beat the “noise” and use innovative ways to get noticed. People at all levels of the publishing industry will benefit as they will examine the perspectives of an author, influencer, editor and publicist.