Upcoming Publishing Events (23rd September to 14 October)

By Raeva Waqiah-Malik and Silvia Vangelova 

As autumn gradually adds vibrant colours to the trees before stripping them bare, the publishing industry remains focused on its busiest event of the year – the Frankfurt Book Fair. With publishing professionals from all corners of the industry gearing up for this major occasion, there's a buzz of anticipation around future trends and industry insights. For publishing hopefuls, this means plenty of inspiring events on the horizon. Here’s a curated selection to help shape you into a well-rounded candidate.

Celebrating 100 Years of James Baldwin with Kadija George Sesay

Wednesday 25 September, 7:00–8:30 p.m. at Conway Hall, London

Marking a century since the birth of literary giant James Baldwin, this event brings together readers, writers and cultural enthusiasts to reflect on Baldwin’s lasting influence. The evening features Kadija George Sesay, editor, writer and literary activist, who will delve into Baldwin’s profound contributions to literature, civil rights and queer identity. Attendees can look forwards to an engaging discussion about Baldwin’s relevance in contemporary discourse, followed by a Q&A session. Ideal for Baldwin fans and those curious about his role in shaping 20th century thought.

General tickets cost £4.99 – click here to book your place!

Northern Publishers’ Fair

Saturday 5 October, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Manchester Central Library, Manchester

At this Northern celebration, we’re spoiled with the opportunity to discover new writers, meet authors and set sail in a sea full of fiction, poetry and regional tales! We’re graced with authors from different backgrounds, such as Laura Fish, an award-winning writer of Caribbean heritage; Nicholas Royle, a senior creative writing lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan; and Tawseef Khan, author of the recent publication Determination, among others. Book lovers will definitely enjoy adding to their collections, as books from independent publishers like Salt, Bluemoose and more will be available for purchase. There’s something for every book lover!

Tickets are free, but it is recommended to book in advance. Click here.

Demystifying the Publishing Process by Indie Novella

Saturday 5 October, 10:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Islington Central Library, London

If you’re a writer waiting for your big break, an established author or just a budding beginner, this charitable workshop will teach you all about the publishing industry and how to get your finished work to a publisher. Independent publisher Indie Novella, in collaboration with Arts Council England and Islington Library, is hosting a one-day workshop that gives tips and tricks on how to approach literary agents and more! There are three stages they’ll cover, so don’t worry – everything you need to know will be addressed. Don’t be shy to ask questions and create connections!

This is a wonderful opportunity, and best of all, it’s free! Book your place here.

Redefining Audio Production: Insights, Tools and Trends for the Future of Publishing

Friday 11 October, 3:00–4:00 p.m. online on Zoom as part of the Frankfurt Book Fair

This masterclass offers a unique opportunity to stay up to date with the latest developments in the ever-evolving audiobook industry. Whether you’re looking to start your career in this exciting area, or you are a professional wanting to stay ahead of the trends, this talk – brought to you by the industry-leading Frankfurt Book Fair – is not to be missed. As part of a week-long series of masterclasses, it’s the perfect chance to deepen your knowledge and connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. Explore the full lineup of sessions on this link.  

Attending all masterclasses is free of charge, but you have to register in advance here.

Hounded Out: Does Publishing Have a Freedom of Expression Problem?

Monday 14 October, 7:30–9:30 p.m. at the Hippodrome Casino, London and online

Join award-winning poet and essayist Jenny Lindsay for a thought-provoking evening as she launches her powerful new book, Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars. In a riveting discussion with literary agent Matthew Hamilton and Orwell Prize-winning author Kate Clanchy, the panel will explore the growing issues of censorship, sensitivity readers and no-platforming in publishing. From controversial boycotts to the challenges of free speech, this event hosted by the Free Speech Union will delve into the heart of today's literary world. The evening will include an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing and social.

In-person tickets for non-FSU members cost £15, and online tickets are available here for £5.