First Day at The London Book Fair

There is plenty to look forward to at this year’s Fair with three days of expert panels, author talks and inspiring seminar sessions. Tomorrow’s (Tuesday 5 April) highlights include:

· International Press Briefing with Andy Ventris, Director of The London Book Fair.

10:00 – 10:20, Main Stage

· Why does the publishing industry not better recognise the merits and importance of commercial fiction?

Louise Moore, Managing Director Penguin Michael Joseph, in conversation with Sarah Shaffi.

10:30 – 11:15, Main Stage

· COVID-19: What's next for publishing?

Representatives from Nosy Crow, HarperCollins, Bookouture, Amazon Publishing and the Booksellers Association explore how the pandemic has impacted the publishing industry and how it may shape the future of the book world.

11:45-12:30, Main Stage

· Trending on TikTok= book sales: the perfect equation?

Social media experts from across the industry including Naomi Bacon from Tandem Collective, author Fiona Lucas, Zaahida Nabagereka head of social impact at Penguin Random House UK and Ashley Baugh, associate director at Midas will discuss the key role of TikTok in the book world and what trends are here to stay.

12:10-12:55, Author HQ

· Happy Here: Centering Traditionally Marginalised Narratives in Children’s Publishing

A thought-provoking panel conversation chaired by Darren Chetty, featuring representatives from the London Book Fair charity of the year, the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), trailblazing independent publisher Knights Of and renowned national charity BookTrust. The discussion will focus on why the three organisations came together to publish and champion Happy Here.

13:00-13:45, Olympia Theatre

· Author of the Day: Maggie O’Farrell

Maggie O’Farrell, Sunday Times bestselling author and winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, appears in discussion with journalist Jo Finney.

13:30-14:15, English PEN Literary Salon

· Market Focus Sharjah Opening Ceremony

14:00–14:30, Sharjah Book Authority Stand (7J11)

· The Role of Publishing and Culture During Global Conflict

In a session led by the Publishers Association, representatives from the British Council, International Publishers Association and Cambridge University Press consider the role of publishers and wider cultural institutions during global conflict, and debate how culture can play a role during difficult times around the world.

15:15-16:00, Main Stage

· Spotlight: Books in Catalan Reception

The Institut Ramon Llull and ICEC invite you to a reception to celebrate Spotlight: Books in Catalan.

15:30 – 16:00, Stand 6F74

· Announcement of This Year’s Selfie Book Awards Winners

This year three categories are in contention: adult fiction, adult memoir/autobiography and children’s books.

16:30 -17:15, Author HQ