Upcoming Events in Publishing
By Sophie Dickinson, Erin Evett and Sabeehah Saleq
Natalie Haynes: Stone Blind
20 September, 8:30 p.m.
Medusa is a myth that has captured the minds of great artists, filmmakers and novelists. Now, author and broadcaster, Natalie Haynes is recentering this famous myth around the titular character, finally giving Medusa a chance to share her perspective on the tragedies imposed upon her by the gods. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
BookTok Festival
21 September, 5–8:00 p.m.
BookTok has had a profound effect on the publishing industry and has thrown some novels into an unprecedented spotlight. Cambridge explores the phenomenon in this mini-festival, which includes a book signing from Simon James Green, author of LGBTQ+ teenage fiction, a talk from booksellers about popular hits, including Ali Hazelwood's latest release and a Colleen Hoover quiz. For more information on activities and ticket prices, click here.
Wigtown Book Festival
23 September to 2 October
This year’s Wigtown Book Festival is comprised of over 200 exciting events that you won’t want to miss. Located in the stunning countryside of Dumfries & Galloway, this has been one of the most highly anticipated literary events each year for over three decades. Starting on 23 September, the ten-day festival is the perfect way to kick off your bookish Autumn by joining exciting authors like Lisa Jewell, Robert Harris, Ian MacGregor and so many more! Book tickets here.
In Conversation with Claire North & Sarvat Hasin
23 September, 7 p.m.
If you love reading Greek mythology retellings, this event is a must. Join Claire North as she discusses her debut novel, Ithaca. It records the story of Odysseus' wife, Penelope, and how she deals with his absence. It is the first in a series of novels detailing myths from the Trojan War. She is in conversation with Sarvat Hasin, who will be discussing her new novel, The Giant Dark, which is a retelling of the famous myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. For more information and ticket prices, click here.
Hachette Virtual Publishing Open House for Entry Level Professionals
29 September, 5–6:00 p.m.
Join Hachette for a Linkedin Virtual Publishing Open House, specifically focused on those who are wanting to learn more about a career in publishing. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from, and meet, staff with varied skills and backgrounds from Hachette Book Group during this event, which takes place online. To register for the event, click here.
Bath Children’s Literature Festival
23 September to 3 October
Bath Children’s Literature Festival is Europe’s largest dedicated children's literature festival, with a wide array of activities and events on offer. The festival features Alice Oseman, creator of the bestselling Heartstopper graphic novel series. Not only is Oseman in conversation with Lauren James to talk about Heartstopper, and with Juno Dawson to talk about screen adaptation, but she has aided in curating the teen and YA section of this year's festival. Further exciting events at this festival include talks with Jacqueline Wilson as she discusses her new book Project Fairy, as well as various events with Michael Rosen, Richard Ayode and Dermot O’Leary. For more information and tickets, visit the Bath Children's Literature Festival website here.
Booksellers Association Bookshop Social with BatchLine POS and Penguin Random House
5 October, 6–9:00 p.m.
Kett's Books, 3 Whartons Lane
Join Batchline POS and Penguin Random House for a bookshop social at Ketts Books. Penguin Random House will be bringing authors Kirsty Logan, presenting her new book Now She is Witch, and Tom Crewe, debut author of the historical novel The New Life. The event will begin at Ketts Books, followed by an evening meal at The Queens Head, Wyndmonham.
Henley Literary Festival
6–9 October
Birmingham’s biggest literary festivals returns this autumn with a stunning line-up of unmissable events. The talented guestlist is made up of some of the UK’s best writers, artists and activists. This year’s line up includes Love Marriage author Monica Ali and award-winning poets Caleb Femi and Liz Berry amongst many more. Some of this festival’s thought-provoking, conversation-starting events include a discussion of My Pen is the Wing of a Bird: Stories from Afghan Women andBirmingham Poetry All Stars, which features the talented line up of poets Casey Bailey, Jasmine Gardosi, Safiya Kinshasa and Roy McFarlan. When there’s so much to offer, you won’t want to miss out. Get tickets here.