By Sabeehah Saleq, Rosie Burgoyne and Michaela O’Callaghan
Indie Presses: An Independent Bookshop Week Conversation
22 June, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
To mark Independent Bookshop Week, The Portobello Bookshop have organised a special online event shining a light on the work of indie presses within the publishing industry – featuring guest speakers from Fitzcarraldo Editions, Tilted Axis Press, And Other Stories and Charco Press, in conversation with Jules Danskin, Publishing Director at Extra Teeth magazine. Tickets cost just £3 and are available directly from the bookshop here.
Quick, Quick, Slow: What have been the technological changes in publishing this year?
23 June, 1.30 p.m.
Whether it was to keep businesses functioning or to stay connected with loved ones, so many of us have relied on technology this past year to keep us afloat during the pandemic. This is also true for publishers, who have continued to add to our bookshelves throughout the year, with the help of technology. How did they do it? Join this panel discussion to find out! Sign up here.
SYP Oxford Everything But Editorial: Series Production & Design
23 June, 6:00–7.30 p.m.
The first event in this series explores literary agents. This time round, the Society of Young Publisher’s (SYP) focus is on production and design. We are excited to see what SYP Oxford have in store. Find out more on twitter @SYP_Oxford.
Let Us Look Elsewhere Book Launch
24 June, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Join Leicester-based independent publisher, Dahlia Books, for a night of informal readings and book chat to celebrate the launch of Mona Dash’s Let Us Look Elsewhere: and Other Stories. A fearless collection of short stories exploring themes such as disconnection, desire, identity and belonging. Register for your free ticket here.
At Home With AJ Pearce
24 June, 7:30 p.m.
AtHomeWith4Indies and Picador have teamed up to host a virtual evening celebrating AJ Pearce’s heartwarming new book, Yours Cheerfully. The hotly anticipated follow-up to her previous Sunday Times Bestseller, Dear Mrs Bird. Book and ticket package and access only tickets are available via Eventbrite here.
Okha, the Queer + Black Book Club
25 June, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
For its June meeting, Okha, the Queer + Black Book Club will be meeting virtually to discuss their latest monthly read, Roxanne Gay’s Hunger. For more details on the event as they are announced, follow their Instagram account for updates here and to grab your free ticket via their Eventbrite page, here.
Bradford Literature Festival
25 June – 4 July
Taking place across ten days, the festival contains a mix of COVID-19 safe live and digital events. If you are a lover of children’s fiction, listen to Jacqueline Wilson as she discusses her book, The Runaway Girls. If you are an aspiring author, why not attend a panel featuring Women’s Prize for Fiction founder Kate Mosse, novelist Abi Daré and Curtis Brown Literary Agent Felicity Blunt. Find out more here.
The Black British Book Festival 2021
26 June, 11:00 a.m.
Hosted by Legacy Centre of Excellence, the largest Black-owned business and arts centre in Europe, this incredible online event sets out to champion Black authors across a wide spectrum of genres. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate some amazing Black authors and diversify your bookshelf! Get tickets here.
Barnes Children's Literature Festival Public weekend
26–27 June
Southwest London’s biggest volunteer-run children’s literature festival is back for another year with a packed programme of literary events for all the family. Head down to Barnes village for events with big names such as Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Sir Michael Morpurgo and Lauren Child MBE, with plenty of fun to be had at LEGO workshops, 'Roald Dahl's Marvellous Medicine Science Show' and more. All of the events will be taking place across a host of socially distanced and COVID-19 compliant venues across Barnes. To browse the full line-up and to get hold of your tickets before they sell out, visit the festival’s website here.
In Conversation with...Matt Haig
29 June
Matt Haig is the 'Author of the London Book Fair' and will take part in an exclusive 'In Conversation…' event. What’s more, from Friday 2–16 July, all online book fair content will be available on-demand. Find out more and book your tickets here.
Talking Audio (BookMachine Unplugged 2021)
30 June, 6 p.m.
This one is for all the audiobook enthusiasts! Audio publishing has grown exponentially over the past decade as audiobooks increasingly become the go-to form for many readers. But what will happen to the digital storytelling form in 2021 and beyond? Join BookMachine as their panellists explore consumer insights, tech trends and how this impacts the future of audiobooks! Get tickets here.
Leeds Virtual LGBT+ Lit Fest
5–11 July
This festival will include some blogs, readings and interviews with individuals such as James from the Gender Community Lending Library. Make some Queer Zines and attend Louis Glazzard’s Poetry Workshop. To find out more, check out their twitter @LGBTLitFest.