Upcoming Publishing Events (16–30 September)

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

For the rest of September, you get to crunch down on crispy leaves as you go on your merry way to these wonderful events within our publishing world. Explore a book launch, a speed date, panel talks and more.

Ben Aaronovitch in conversation

Monday, 16 September, 7:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Norwich

Bestselling author Ben Aaronovitch returns with The Masquerades of Spring, a new novella in his Rivers of London series. Set in 1920s New York City, the story follows Augustus Berrycloth-Young, an Englishman chronicling the Jazz Age until his friend Thomas Nightingale arrives with a mysterious mission involving an old saxophone. Their adventure takes them from Manhattan to Long Island, uncovering magic and madness. Join Aaronovitch at Waterstones Norwich to hear more about this captivating new tale.

General admission costs £5, so book your tickets here.

SYP London Career Speed Dating at Hachette

Wednesday, 18 September, 7:00–10:00 p.m. at Carmelite House, London

Now, this is an opportunity you cannot miss. The Society of Young Publishers is hosting this event at one of the big five publishing houses – Hachette. For all our publishing hopefuls, this is a wonderful way to meet professionals within the industry and ask questions to your heart’s content about the field. If you’re interested in a particular department as a student, perhaps you are already in the industry and looking to switch, or if you simply want to socialise and create connections, that’s completely fine, too.

Tickets for members are £7 and for non-members, £10. There are limited spaces available so book your ticket here.

An Evening with Rizzle Kicks' Jordan Stephens

Thursday, 19 September, 6:30–7:00 p.m. at Christ Church, Bath

Set in the intimate surroundings of Christ Church in Bath, writer and performer Jordan Stephens delves into his powerful new memoir, Avoidance: Drugs, Heartbreak & Dogs. Join an unforgettable evening and hear Jordan’s brutally honest reflections and insights about his journey from the heights of fame to the depths of personal struggle in person.

Diagnosed twice with ADHD, he explores themes of self-discovery, mental health and what it means to be a modern man.

Tickets are £17 and include a copy of the book, with early bird ticket options available at £10. Book your spot here for a night of candid conversation and poetic storytelling.

ReadFest 2024: Introduction to Write On! – What Makes a Magazine?

Saturday, 21 September, 2:00–3:00 p.m. at Dagenham Library, London

Curious about the world of magazine publishing? Join this special session at ReadFest 2024, where Madeleine White, Editor of Write On! magazine will offer an inside look into the process of creating a magazine. Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply passionate about the publishing world, this event at Dagenham Library is your chance to learn how to contribute to Write On! magazine, a platform that welcomes writers from all backgrounds.

Now in its thirteenth year, the annual ReadFest event (14–21 September 2024) celebrates readers, writers and books with a diverse lineup of acclaimed authors, workshops and events in Barking and Dagenham Libraries. Other popular events include their creative writing and poetry classes.

Admission is free, but booking is essential and available here. Can’t make it in person? Join online and be part of this vibrant literary community.

In Conversation with Elle Machray and L. R. Lam

Thursday, 26 September, 6:00 p.m. at Waterstones, Edinburgh – West End

Join Waterstones for a magical evening where they will be celebrating Elle Machray’s novel Remember, Remember. Set in London in the late 18th century, Remember, Remember narrates the story of Delphine, who has recently escaped enslavement and now has to help her brother do the same. This quest brings her into contact with an explosive plot to dismantle the transatlantic slave trade, in a tale that is sure to take you on a courageous and memorable journey.

Elle will be joined in conversation by L. R. Lam, writer of the fantasy novel Dragonfall. A Sunday Times bestseller, Dragonfall drags you into a world of mythical creatures, where humans once stole the dragons’ magic and banished them to an unforgiving and dying world. But now a thief and the last male dragon in existence are brought together in romance by a prophecy and an ancient artefact bound to destroy the world. Be sure not to miss this event where fantasy, love and tragedy come to life. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.