By Isobel Edmondson, Maria Sadek and Fernanda de Madariaga
Behind the Scenes: Hachette x Creative Access
23 November, 5:30 p.m.
Online
Do not miss this fantastic free webinar, hosted in collaboration with Hachette and Creative Access, to demystify the publishing industry. The event, with guest speakers from various imprints and departments at Hachette, delves into the roles that exist within the industry, how to create outstanding applications that showcase your skills and offer some valuable guidance for those looking to break into publishing. This is a free must-attend event, so to find out some more information, click here.
FutureBook Conference
27 November, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
County Hall, Waterloo and Online
Are you ready for a whole day packed with some of the leading voices in publishing? Like in most industries, the majority of heads are deciding to adapt to the future and let go of certain practices that were once standard. This year’s FutureBook Conference, hosted by The Bookseller, focuses on the inevitable topic of AI. Nadim Sadek, founder and CEO of Shimmr AI, will delve into the upsides of using AI in publishing and how it can benefit us as a tool.
LJ Ross, prolific author of twenty-seven bestselling atmospheric thrillers, has exclusively published through her own imprint Dark Skies. She promises to inspire with an illuminating speech on her positive outlook on the future of publishing, her initiatives to engage prospective writers and readers in the Northeast and why the reader should always be prioritised when writing.
Jon Watt will moderate a discussion on how AI is impacting audio, covering narration, commissioning and data within the realms of audiobooks, podcasts and other audio content in the industry. This is just to name a fraction of the talent attending. There will be a whole host of events with hundreds of speakers to get your teeth into, so look at the programme now to make your choices!
The Debut Digest Christmas Party
1 December, 7:00 p.m.
Online
Join The Debut Digest for some Christmas fun as they host their online festive party. The event will include a Q&A and readings with top debut authors from 2023, including Anna Britton, author of Shot in the Dark; Claire Daverley, author of Talking at Night and Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels. As well as these exciting discussions, the team at The Debut Digest will also be taking a look at this year’s best debut books and trends from the past year. Make sure to register because all attendees will be sent a Secret Santa Christmas Gift in the post (UK addresses only). This gift will be a physical copy of one of this year’s best debut books, although not affiliated with the guest speakers, and is included in the ticket price. This is a fantastic event to meet other bookish people and should not be missed. To purchase your ticket or for more information, click here.
A Devon Midwinter Murder – Book Signing with Stephanie Austin
2 December, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Waterstones, Newton Abbot
With the Christmas spirit gleaming in the air, Waterstones offers a thrilling morning full of festivity and crime. Join Stephanie Austin in her book signing of her latest publication A Devon Midwinter Murder. This novel, along with her other publications, stage-centres Juno Browne, who besides running an antique shop also happens to be an amateur detective. Set during a Christmas fair, Browne encounters a dead body and from there a puzzle to solve. A Devon Midwinter Murder is the perfect read for a cosy crime snuggle in front of the Christmas tree. Join the event to be able to meet the charismatic character behind the creation of Browne and get your book signed too. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.
An Evening with Philippa Langley
04 December, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Waterstones, Nottingham
Philippa Langley brings history to life through her new publication The Princes in the Tower. This novel breaks down the true story of the disappearances of Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, which has remained a mystery since 1483. Through the discovery of new archives involving the case, Langley lays out her research and find-outs on one of history’s oldest untold and unsolved cases. Langley will be conversing about her new book, answering questions from the public and will also be signing copies. Be sure to not miss out on this enriching event. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.