Book Talk: Perspectives in Publishing

Wed 21 Aug 12:30 - 18:30
EFI Venue A

Attend in person

EFI Venue A
Day Pass £40.00 [concession £25]

Edinburgh International Book Festival presents an afternoon of panels and networking for publishing professionals, delving into some of the big talking points in the industry this year, from rethinking accessibility to the continued rise of AI.

Today’s event is open to anyone with an interest in what goes on ‘behind the book’ – come along and join the conversation. Hosted by Lilidh Kendrick.

A one-day Industry Pass is £40 [Concessions £25]. Passes provide access to all three panels and networking drinks.

The Creativity in an Inflexible World panel (13:00-14:00) is available to livestream and on demand with a ‘Pay What You Can’ ticket.

12:30: Registration and Welcome Coffee

Kick off the day with registration and a welcome coffee, providing a chance to meet fellow attendees and start networking early.

13:00-14:00 Panel 1: Creativity in an Inflexible World

This panel will tackle the topic of accessibility and flexibility in publishing and how they can impact creativity and the quality of books published. Today's panelists invite us to think creatively about how we can all be more flexible in the way we engage with new audiences, treat our staff, and do our daily business of selling books.

This panel will also be livestreamed and available to watch remotely. Please reserve your space here.

Participants:
Vidisha Biswas, Managing Director, Footnote Press
Christina Demosthenous, Publisher, Renegade Books (appearing remotely)
Hannah Knowles, Publishing Director, Faber & Faber (appearing remotely)
Chaired by Caro Clarke, Portobello Literary
More to be announced.

14:30-15:30: Panel 2: Plot Twist: How is AI Transforming Publishing?

How can we champion the agency of the human author in the age of AI and work with emerging technologies ‘responsibly’ as publishers?

This panel explores how publishing is responding to the rise and rise of generative AI technologies – from those embracing its commercial and creative potential to those dreaming up radical interventions.

Participants:
Catriona Stevenson, Deputy CEO of Publishers Association
Dr Pip Thornton, Chancellor’s Fellow in Edinburgh University’s School of GeoSciences and leader of the Writing the Wrongs of AI project.
Chaired by Gordon Johnstone, Scottish AI Alliance
More to be announced.

16:00-17:00 Panel 3: Shifting the Dial: Prizes with Purpose

Far from a cog in the publicity machine, literary prizes make a vital contribution to a more representative publishing landscape, bringing sidelined voices into the mainstream and transforming reading habits over time.This panel explores the role and value of prizes in the wider publishing ecosystem.

Today’s speakers invite us to rethink the ways publishers can engage with Prizes – and their charitable arms – to deepen their impact and secure their future.

Participants:
Christina Neuwirth, Prize Administrator, Bread & Roses Award for Radical Publishing, and Researcher, Women of Words
Claire Shanahan, Executive Director, Women’s Prize Trust
Hana Sandhu, Programme Manager, New Writing North
More to be announced.