By Erin Taylor and Sofia Martinez Alvarez
Putting Accessibility into Practice: Helping Publishers Connect the Dots
28 February, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Online
BookMachine’s first event of 2024 opens with an important panel surrounding the EU Accessibility Act, which comes into force next year. The panel will be made up of Richard Orme (Chief Executive at the DAISY Consortium, a global organisation that works towards developing standards for accessible publishing and reading), Ken Jones (founder of Circular Software, which offers software advice and training to publishers), Stacy Scott (Head of Accessibility at Taylor & Francis publishing group) and Simon Mellins (Accessible Publishing Specialist). They will delve into the way that the act impacts UK publishers as the industry strives to review and revise its working inclusivity practices. Tickets for BookMachine members are free. Further information about the event and tickets can be found on Eventbrite here.
YA Romantasy Panel
1 March, 6:30 p.m.
Waterstones Norwich
Has Valentine's Day left you craving some romantic reads? Well, you’re in luck because Waterstones Norwich is hosting a panel of authors this March to discuss the genre of young adult romantic fantasy. Rachel Greenlaw, Sarah Underwood and Shade Lapite will be talking with Booktok phenomenon Kat Redfern (@whatkatreads) about their recently published books. So, if you liked Greenlaw’s Compass and Blade, Underwood’s Lies We Sing to The Sea or Lapite’s Goddess Crown, this is a great opportunity to hear more about the writing of these books and to meet other book lovers. For ticket prices and more information, click here.
How to Self-Publish a Book That Sells with Sam Pearce
2 March, 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Farnham Literary Festival
If you’re keen to try your hand at self-publishing your very own book but are unsure where to start, Sam Pearce, owner of SWATT books, can provide you with information and support throughout the process. At Farnham Literary Festival this March, Sam Pearce will be hosting a workshop outlining everything from rights and royalties to getting your book sold through retailers. Farnham Literary Festival is also hosting a range of author talks, poetry evenings and open mic nights. Tickets for Sam Pearce’s workshop are £25 and you can find out more about the festival here.
The Short Story Course from Write Like a Grrrl
2 March to 13 April
Online
Are you a writer looking to master the art of the short story? If you are, then Write Like a Grrrl’s six-week course with tutor Isha Karki is the perfect opportunity. Dedicate time to honing the craft of condensed storytelling, from world-building, voice and plot to the intricacies of melding genres and more. You’ll study authors such as Sofia Samatar and Julia Armfield during the two-hour weekly sessions while working through dedicated writing exercises among peers. This course is exclusively open to women and marginalized genders in an effort to support Write Like a Grrrl’s mission. More information about this six-week event and other writing workshops hosted by Write Like a Grrrl can be found here.
Society of Young Publishers London March Book Club: Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
5 March, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
The Sun Tavern, Covent Garden, London
Every month, the Society of Young Publishers hosts a book club at the Sun Tavern. This March, the chosen book is Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. You’ve probably spotted Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’s colourful interpretation of the artist Hokusai’s famous Great Wave off Kanagawa image over on Instagram or Booktok since its release in 2022. Aside from having a fabulous cover, the book explores themes of love, friendship, tragedy and betrayal. If you’re keen to read Zevin’s bestseller this month and share your thoughts on the book, head along to the Sun Tavern. For more information, click here.
Waterstones Book Quiz
6 March, 7:00 p.m.
Waterstones Edinburgh West End
Waterstones Edinburgh will be running a book quiz in their cafe this month. If you’re looking for something to do on the evening of Wednesday 6 March, this quiz boasts the perfect opportunity to cosy up in the cafe and meet other book lovers. Teams are made of up to five people, so bring along your book-loving friends and put your knowledge to the test! Tickets are just £3. To find out more, click here.
An Evening with Victoria Aveyard in Conversation with A.Y. Chao
Tuesday 12 March, 7:00 p.m.
The Glee Club, Birmingham
The internationally bestselling author Victoria Aveyard, whose series Red Queen went on to become a number one New York Times bestseller, is taking to Birmingham to celebrate the highly anticipated release of Fate Breaker – the final installment of her Realm Breaker trilogy. She will be joined on stage by A.Y. Chao, author of the number one Sunday Times bestseller Shanghai Immortal, as the two discuss all things Realm Breaker before turning to the audience for questions and finally holding a book signing after the event. Tickets are £10 for general admission or £30 with an exclusive sprayed edges edition of Fate Breaker and can be purchased here.