Elle McNicoll • AA Dhand • Dorothy Koomson • Manni & Reuben Coe • T.M. Logan • Caley Routledge • T L Swan • Nathanael Lessore • Natasha Poliszczuk • Ben O’Donnell • Emma Gannon • Zubs Covered • Stephen Dumughn • Sarah Emsley • Amanda Harris • Hennah Sandhu • Simon Woolf • Caroline Carpenter • Zoe Griffiths • Vicki Shenkin Kerr • Sarah Gristwood • Michael R Miller • Chris Aggett • A.P. Beswick
We’re thrilled to share the first speakers and programme highlights for two of our most popular events: the one-day Writers’ Summit and the three-day Author HQ stage. Across both programmes, you’ll hear from acclaimed authors, industry experts, and publishing innovators offering practical guidance, fresh perspectives, and inspiration for every kind of writer.
The one-day Writers’ Summit conference will take place the day before the Fair on Monday 9th March at Novotel West London. The conference is targeted at writers who are interested in understanding more about the book industry.
Speakers include Abiola Bello, Michael R Miller, Tory Lyne-Pirkis, Samar Habib, Eve Wersocki Morris, Melanie Crawford and leading experts from Curtis Brown Creative Writing School, BookBrunch, The Alliance of Independent Authors, Writing Show Podcast, among others.
Topics discussed on the day will include indie publishing versus traditional, the journey of a book, tips from self-published authors, creating a standout book brand, audiobooks and much more. The audience will leave with more knowledge of the book industry, top tips from leading experts, an opportunity to network with other industry peers and knowledge about how to make the most of LBF.
During LBF, the much-loved Author HQ programme returns with another exciting line-up of talks and panels featuring: Emma Gannon, Dorothy Koomson, AA Dhand, T L Swan, T. M. Logan, Elle McNicoll, Natasha Poliszczuk, Caley Routledge, Zubs, Nathanael Lessore, Simon Woolf, Sarah Gristwood, alongside key industry experts from Orion, Harper Collins, BBC National Short Story Award, Nosy Crow, The Bookseller, Bard Books, Women’s Prize and many more.
Featuring a variety of expert panel discussions, talks at Author HQ will cover a wide range of topics, including: a behind-the-scenes look into the writing lives of acclaimed authors, how to hold your space in the literary world, Substack’s growing influence, the children’s book market, routes into non-fiction publishing and whether short stories are on the rise. Author HQ will be sponsored by Kindle Direct Publishing, with sessions featuring bestselling self-published authors and KDP experts providing advice and guidance for authors.
On Wednesday 11th March, the Illustrators’ Afternoon, programmed by the Association of Illustrators will return, featuring essential panels for anyone interested in cover designs, illustrated books, or working with illustrators.
Emma Lowe, Director of The London Book Fair, said: “We are excited to announce a fantastic line-up of events including the highly-anticipated Author HQ, the Writers’ Summit and the popular Illustrators’ Afternoon. We have impressive speakers from the Big Five, well-known and self-published authors alike, and a wealth of industry professionals and influencers. From expert panels on how to get into the literary world to networking opportunities and award ceremonies, there’s something for everyone in the industry. We’re thrilled to welcome so many brilliant voices and look forward to seeing these events take place at LBF26 .”
WRITERS’ SUMMIT | MONDAY 9TH MARCH | NOVOTEL WEST LONDON
Highlights from the Writers’ Summit programme include:
Indie publishing versus traditional: what does it look like today and what do authors need to know: Writer and editor of industry trade publication BookBrunch, Natasha Poliszczuk, will discuss what the statistics and numbers tell us about self-publishing versus traditional: profit, audience, the reality of the self-pub process.
Journey of a book from writing to publication: everything you wanted to know but we’re afraid to ask: Discussion of all the working parts of publishing from agents, acquisition, editing, design, marketing. Panellists include: Orna Ross, from The Alliance of Independent Authors; Tory Lyne-Pirkis, self-publishing marketeer; and Abiola Bello, author.
Interview with two top self-published authors by Chris Aggett (The Writing Community Chat Show Podcast): Interview with authors Michael R Miller and T L Swan about their journey to publication, their missteps and how they came to be where they are.
Cover to cover: Creating a standout book brand: How do you approach the look and feel of your book and your promotion. What does a standout cover need, and what else do you need to consider when creating the branding around your book? With Samar Habib, Ascetic Studios, Eva Wersocki Morris, author and owner of EWM.PR, Kishan Rajani, freelancer and Bookseller designer of the year and Michaela Alcaino, designer.
Roundtables: Each table will have an active discussion on a different topic to enable personalisation and encourage questions, interaction and networking. Each table will have a host or two who are experts in that area of publishing. With Tory Lyne-Pirkis and Eva Wersocki Morris.
Creating a quality audiobook: The audiobook market has been the fastest growing part of the publishing industry for a few years and growth is continuing. Not having an audio version of your book can seriously limit your audience and reduce your opportunities for promoting yourself and your other titles online. With Michael R Miller, bestselling independent author on audiobook bestseller lists and Samantha Norbury, Indie Narrator, Producer and member of BeHear Awards Committee.
Contracts: What to look out for when negotiating contracts within publishing. Common pitfalls and watchouts. This will be run by The Society of Authors.
Make your book stand out: Top tips from agents on how to pitch to literary agents. With Anna Davis, Founder and Director of Curtis Brown Creative Writing School and Sile Edwards, agent at Andrew Nurberg Assocaites.
AUTHOR HQ | TUESDAY 10TH MARCH – THURSDAY 12TH MARCH | The London Book Fair
Highlights from the Author HQ line-up include:
Holding your space as an author: Publishing experts and established authors – Stephen Dumughn, Amanda Harris, Hennah Sandhu and T.M. Logan – come together to explore what it truly means to hold your space in the literary world. They discuss how authors can confidently navigate the industry from finding their voice and building a personal brand, marketing their work effectively and developing an authentic author identity that resonates with readers. Panellists will share practical advice on standing out in a crowded industry, making connections with readers and developing an authentic author identity that reflects their values and visions.
Ecosystem of social media for an author: Social media is one of the most powerful tools for connecting readers and book buyers, but how far should authors keep up with it when new platforms keep emerging? This exciting panel – Natasha Poliszczuk, Emma Gannon, Zubs Covered and Caley Routledge – explores how authors can navigate today’s evolving digital landscape, with a particular focus on Substack’s growing influence and whether TikTok is still the best tool for selling books. The panel shares insights on which platforms matter most, how to use them effectively, and how community building on platforms like Substack and Patreon is important in the publishing industry.
How I Write: Join us for a behind-the-scenes look into the writing lives of three acclaimed authors — Dorothy Koomson, AA Dhand, and T L Swan — as they reveal the creative sparks, the setbacks, and the secret alchemy behind their most celebrated works. From building propulsive novel structures and crafting unforgettable characters, to research and finding inspiration, this panel unpacks the best-kept secrets of these successful authors.
Spotlight on: Children (aged 6-12): Is there a secret to creating book heroes for kids? In this lively and heartwarming session, the panel – Caroline Carpenter, Elle McNicoll, Nathanael Lessore and Zoe Griffiths – will explore what it takes to capture the imagination of readers aged 6-12 at a time when stories can help shape their confidence and resilience. The panel share their experiences of forming connections with their young audiences. They share their knowledge on making stronger, more confident children, especially when establishing diverse ‘book hero’ characters to help children relate to different situations.
A look into non-fiction: This fantastic panel – Simon Woolf, Sarah Gristwood, Mannie and Reuben Coe, and Sarah Emsley – focuses on the many routes into non-fiction publishing, from emerging new imprints to non-fiction focused prizes, to finding factual content online and on social media rather than in books. Hear from industry experts and authors to discover new pathways into the industry, examine how readers are discovering real stories in new places beyond the bookshop and explain what publishers are looking for.
Growth of short format: In a world fighting for our attention, shorter form content – whether short stories or on social media – is enjoying an increased popularity, and is sometimes a springboard for authors to move on to writing longer form works, such as novels and other creative projects. From short story sales figures to winning short story awards, this panel with Vicki Shenkin Kerr, Ben O’Donnell, Alicia Liu and A.P. Beswick, looks at the growing genre and how to break through.
The full programme for The London Book Fair 2026 will be announced early next year.
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