By Michaela O’Callaghan and Sabeehah Saleq
Gŵyl Haf, a festival of the arts in translation
5–16 June
If you are interested in reading literature from a range of cultures and are amazed by translation, this one's for you! This year, the events include a range of poets, publishers, authors and translators. There is a particular focus on sign languages, Patois and Creole(s). For instance, Professor Rachel Sutton-Spence will be discussing poetry and folklore within BSL and Libras (Brazilian Sign Language). Talks spotlight the work of translators and writers across the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Listen to Tishani Doshi as she discusses her two latest poetry collections or hear from children’s writer Lawrence Schimeal as he explores the topic of inclusivity in children’s publishing and his experience of being translated into 37+ languages! Find out more here.
Just You and the Page
8 June, 7:00 p.m.
Join Sue Gee as she celebrates the release of her incredible new book, Just You and the Page: Encounters with Twelve Writers. In this fascinating part memoir, part literary biography, Gee interviews twelve extraordinarily different writers and examines the inspiration and dedication behind their work. Register here.
The Scottish Books Long Weekend
10–13 June
Celebrate Scotland’s writing and publishing landscape with this series of online book events. Covering everything from Gaelic fiction to children’s storytelling, thrillers to historical fiction, this is a brilliant way to explore some of the best works from Scottish writers. A key event of interest will take place on 12 June from 1.30–2.30 p.m. in which a panel of publishing professionals from a range of areas within the industry share their career journey and offer their top tips for publishing hopefuls. Tickets are free to book here. Find out more about the range of events here.
Black Buck: Selling Hope & Community
11 June, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Mateo Askaripour, author of the debut novel Black Buck, joins host Leah Davis and a whole host of talented authors including Tahmima Anam, Jason Mott and Musa Okwonga to celebrate books and community. The event will dissect the themes of the book, and all proceeds will go to the charity 100 Black Men of London who work to put on activities for the Black youth. This is one for the diary! Purchase tickets here!
SYP Oxford Book Swap & Picnic
12 June
This will be SYP Oxford's first in-person social event, a lovely glimpse at future physical events out in the sun this summer! Keep an eye out on their Twitter and website for more information and to keep up to date with more meet ups!
Marketing and Publicity Virtual Conference 2021
14–17 June
The Bookseller welcomes you to the Marketing and Publicity Conference 2021! The theme for this year’s conference is “Where We Go From Here”, which will focus on conversations about lessons learnt over the past year and questions of what comes next. Some specific topics which will be covered include what the possible return to “normal” means for our mental health, how different industries have adapted to the pandemic and the future of author tours in a hybrid landscape. To be part of the conversation, book tickets here.
USTC Conference: Gender and the Book Trades
16–19 Jun, 10:00–5:00 p.m.
This free, virtual conference aims to discuss the analysis of the critical relationship between book history and gender. This aims to be an engaging discussion, wherein panelists will respond to questions. To be part of this important conversation, register here.
Poetry London Summer 2021 Online Readings
16 June, 7:00–8.30 p.m.
The perfect evening for any poetry lover, this event celebrates the launch of Poetry London’s latest issue and features readings from Sarah Lasoye, Elisa Wouk Almino, Hibaq Osman, Fred D’Aguiar, Roseanne Watt and Douglas Kearney. This is a “pay as you feel” event, where even the smallest amount is accepted. Book tickets here.
London Online Book Fair
21 June to 1 July
London Book Fair has organised two weeks of free digital events from 21 June. On Tuesday 22 June, there will be a full day of Industry Insights sessions. This is a great opportunity for hopefuls to hear about the latest ideas surrounding the book industry. The Tuesday line-up also includes brilliant ‘How To’ Masterclasses. Wednesday will explore the question, “What’s Next for Publishing?” and consider the publishing industry within the digital realm. Meanwhile, on Thursday, there is the chance to look at Children’s Edutainment as well as The Scholarly Stream. Book your free ticket here.
Wimbledon Bookfest
9–13 June
Wimbledon Bookfest’s festival is a live in-person event on Wimbledon Common, so if you are excited to get back out there and be part of a socially distanced and book-loving audience, buy tickets here! Notable events include a conversation with Esther Freud, on her latest book, I Couldn’t Love You More, and a discussion with Jane Thynne, author of Widowland and Aliya Ali-Afzal, author of Would I Lie To You?, as they discuss how to navigate the world of publishing.
Open Book Public Creative Writing on Zoom
18 June, 11:30–1:00 p.m.
Calling all creative writers! Open Book is hosting this fantastic Zoom event, where creative writers will come together to look at poems and stories on a monthly theme and work on writing together. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills! Select a date here.
Bird & Blend Book Club Summer Showcase
18 June, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
If you're a tea-loving bookworm who loves staying connected with other readers then we have just the event for you! This Bird & Blend book club event combines tea and great bookish conversation! With authors like the wonderful Charlie Corbett, author of 12 Birds to Save Your Life: Nature’s Lessons in Happiness and CJ Carey, author or Widowland, this event is sure to brighten up your evening! Pick up your tickets here!
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