Upcoming Publishing Events (15 - 31 October)

By Raeva Waqiah-Malik, Laiba Khan, Silvia Vangelova and Fernanda de Madariaga

October brings a lineup of literary festivals celebrating diverse voices and storytelling. Whether you're a reader or writer, these events offer a chance to connect with authors, attend a spooky panel discussion and dive into new ideas. Here's a quick look at some upcoming highlights.

The DESIblitz Literature Festival 

Saturday 19 October - 2 November, various times at Spaces Crossway, Birmingham

This wonderful event celebrates South Asian literary voices with a diverse range of events, from book readings and writing workshops to panel discussions featuring award-winning authors. Spanning ten days, the festival explores key themes like identity, culture, migration and social justice. Notable guests include Meera Syal, Sathnam Sanghera and Nikesh Shukla, offering insights into South Asian experiences. With a blend of in-person and virtual events, the festival fosters inclusivity, aiming to inspire budding writers and avid readers alike. It's a vibrant celebration of storytelling, creativity and cultural heritage, drawing in audiences from around the world.

The event is free. Find more about registering for some talks here.

London Literature Festival

Tuesday 22 October, various times at Southbank Centre, London

Another event you won’t want to miss is taking place at the Southbank Centre, promising an exciting array of events celebrating literature and storytelling. This year, the festival features a diverse lineup of authors, poets and thinkers, including Keanu Reeves, whose participation is highly anticipated. Attendees can look forward to engaging in panel discussions, readings and workshops that explore contemporary themes and issues. The festival encourages a sense of community, inviting literature enthusiasts to connect with both established and emerging voices. With its dynamic atmosphere and rich programme, the London Literature Festival is a highlight for anyone passionate about the written word.

There are events that require a fee and some that are free. Click here to find out more! 

Black Book Festival

Saturday 19 October, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Goldsmiths, University of London

Get ready for this exciting event celebrating the global Black book industry. During this seven-hour event, many Black writers and publishers will provide insight into their experience, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the book industry. There is free entry to experience the Cy Grant exhibition, with numerous stalls, as well as The Art of the Oware game. Those paying for tickets for the event will be able to attend seminars with many different Black writers, including EastEnders star Rudolph Walker. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to attend Family and Children’s Workshops for parents who would like to do something fun with their children and even spark an interest in writing. This festival focuses on Black empowerment and the community’s role in the book industry across the world.

There are events that require a fee, and some that are free. Click here to find out more.

Spooky Fiction Panel with C.J. Tudor, Carly Raegon and Liz Hyder

Thursday 26 October, 6:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Swansea

This spooky panel features a thrilling discussion with acclaimed authors C.J. Tudor, Carly Reagon and Liz Hyder. Known for their spine-chilling stories, the panelists will explore the craft of writing suspenseful, eerie fiction, just in time for Halloween. Attendees can expect to hear about the inspiration behind their books, the art of creating tension and what it takes to master the horror and thriller genres. This event is perfect for fans of spooky tales and aspiring writers looking for tips on writing gripping, unsettling fiction.

The event is £3 – you can book here.

Black Authors on the Rise: A Celebration of Black Authors

Sunday 27 October, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Caius House, London

Join this inspiring event hosted by Conscious Dreams Publishing to celebrate the incredible talent of over 150 Black authors who are reshaping the literary world. From powerful author talks and storytelling workshops to vibrant cultural celebrations, Black Authors on the Rise offers a unique opportunity to support and uplift Black voices in literature. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a book lover, or simply passionate about representation, this is an event you won't want to miss.

General admission is free, but if you’d like to support the publisher or participate in a workshop, it will cost you £5. Book a ticket here. 

Margaret Atwood & Sarah Howe: Paper Boat

Tuesday 22 October, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Conway Hall, London

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the legendary Margaret Atwood sits down with poet Sarah Howe to discuss her new and selected poetry collection, Paper Boat. Hosted by London Review Bookshop, the event will dive into Atwood's incredible 60-year journey as a poet, from her earliest award-winning pieces to her latest work. Don’t miss the chance to hear Atwood read her poetry and share insights into her enduring creativity. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, this is a rare opportunity to witness one of literature’s greatest talents in person.

The ticket price is £20 and you can book here.

In Conversation with T.M. Logan and Victoria Selman

Tuesday 29th October, 7:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Reading - Broad Street

It’s almost Halloween, so we couldn’t miss out on Waterstones’ celebration of the thriller releases The Dream Home and All the Little Liars. In this panel discussion, authors T.M. Logan and Victoria Selman will be presenting their latest publications alongside a conversation on their writing journeys and debates on how to write a page-turner. 

In The Dream Home, Adam and his family move into an entrancing Victorian house, yet when Adam discovers a secret room behind a wardrobe, he sets in motion a series of events that will put his family in terrible danger. All the Little Liars follows three teenage girls who attend a party – by the end of the night, one of them has disappeared, and the other two confess to having murdered her. Whether this is true or a cover-up – and if so, why – is narrated in this horrific thriller set across two timelines.

For more information and tickets for the event, click here.