25 Publishing Events Not to Miss in 2018
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For most people, writers have often been considered a solitary species (rather bookish, if you’ll excuse the pun!), that prefer to keep to themselves. But this has rather changed in the past few decades, with the ability to create an image around yourself in order to sell your books a much bigger deal.
Publishing events are often the best places to go to if you’re looking to reach out to fellow writers, literary agents and people in the know. Below is a list of some of the top literary events going on in 2018.
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Location: New York (USA)
Date: 2-4 February 2018
Join a whole list of the biggest children’s authors and illustrators, as well as many agents and editors in this not-to-be-missed conference. There’s an optional intensive day on Friday.
Website: scbwi.org
International Publishers Association (IPA) Biennial Conference
Location: New Delhi (India)
Date: 10-14 February 2018
With a focus on bringing together experience and taking the publishing industry forward, the IPA’s biennial conference is a great opportunity to take part in creating change and momentum.
Website: internationalpublishers.org
San Miguel Writers Conference and Literary Festival
Location: San Miguel (Mexico)
Date: 14-18 February 2018
A bilingual 4-day event, you’ll get to interact with almost 800 participants, and choose from a range of workshops, master classes, and other events.
Website: sanmiguelwritersconference.org
Digiday Publishing, Summit Europe
Location: Monaco
Date: 19-21 February 2018
Focusing on taking back control away from online search engines and social media, this conference will discuss sustainable business models and creating effective e-commerce models.
Website: digiday.com
International Conference on e-Learning and Innovative Pedagogies
Location: New York (USA)
Date: 2-3 March 2018
This is a great conference to see how learning takes place online. Covering technologies used, and how this affects social transformation amongst other topics.
Website: ubi-learn.com
PubTech Connect
Location: New York (USA)
Date: 6 March 2018
A short event this may be, but you’ll get to learn tactics to meld technology and publishing together. There are also plenty of industry leaders and experts attending this event, so there’s opportunity to create discussions and network.
Website: publishersweekly.com
Oxford Literary Festival
Location: Oxford (UK)
Date: 17-25 March 2018
Featuring a range of authors and journalists, you’ll have access to a range of discussions, lectures, media personalities (who’ve also authored books), and other events. Focusing on the joys of reading!
Website: oxfordliteraryfestival.org
Digital Innovators’ Summit
Location: Berlin (Germany)
Date: 18-20 March 2018
Considered the essential meeting for content-focused businesses, you’ll pick up the latest insights and innovations. Add Berlin’s frenetic buzz, this makes for a must-attend summit.
Website: innovators-summit.com
Tech Forum and E-bookcraft
Location: Toronto (Canada)
Date: 21-23 March 2018
Aimed specifically at the ebook community, this conference is a great way to learn new tips on how to make things work in the epublishing industry. Featuring a range of sessions and speakers involved in the industry.
Website: techforum.booknetcanada.ca
Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Location: Los Angeles (USA)
Date: 21-22 April 2018
Featuring readings, lectures, discussions and everything else in-between, you’ll get to mingle with all the major names in the writing industry. All genres of writing are included in this festival.
Website: events.latimes.com
The Mystery Writers of America’s Edgars Awards
Location: New York (USA)
Date: 26 April 2018
If mystery writing is your thing, this is the kind of event for you. Claimed as one of the most prestigious awards for its genre (and taking inspiration from none other than Edgar Allen Poe), you can also take part in a concurrent symposium.
Website: theedgars.com
The Self-Publishing Conference
Location: Leicester (UK)
Date: 28 April 2018
If you’re looking to self-publish your book, this is the perfect opportunity to gain some tips and network with the right people. The UK’s only dedicated event for self-publishing, you can take part in Q&A sessions, take part in discussions and the like.
Website: selfpublishingconference.org.uk
Sydney Writer’s Festival
Location: Sydney (Australia)
Date: 30 April-6 May 2018
Claiming the title of Australia’s “biggest celebration of writing and ideas”, this is a fantastic chance to learn more about the literary scene in the country.
Website: swf.org.au
Nonfiction Writers Conference
Location: Online
Date: 2-4 May 2018
This is a unique conference, in that it takes place online – so if you can’t travel, this is the perfect alternative. You’ll have the same access to industry-leading speakers, as well as gain access to consultations with publishing pros and literary agents.
Website: nonfictionwritersconference.com
Hay Festival
Location: Hay-on-Wye (Wales)
Date: 24 May-3 June 2018
One of the biggest literary festivals in the UK, the Hay Festival brings together the biggest names in publishing. And it’s set in the beautiful scenery of Wales (so you can combine literature and nature!)
Website: hayfestival.com
Pepcon: The Print & Epublishing Conference
Location: New Orleans (USA)
Date: 6-8 June 2018
Focusing on bridging the gap between traditional publishing and working with modern technology, you’ll pick up tips and skills on all things digital publishing. You can also watch sessions via videos.
Website: pepcon.com
Man Booker Prize 50th Anniversary Celebration
Location: London (UK)
Date: 6-8 July 2018
Located in the heart of London, the Man Booker Prize’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will be conducted as a festival.
Website: themanbookerprize.com
Romance Writers of America Annual Conference
Location: Denver (USA)
Date: 18-21 July 2018
Claiming itself to be “the place where career-focused romance writers gather”, you’ll have the opportunity to meet 2,000 romance writers and industry professionals. There are also plenty of workshops and other events as part of the conference.
Website: rwa.org
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Location: Los Angeles (USA)
Date: 3-6 August 2018
Join a whole list of the biggest children’s authors and illustrators, as well as many agents and editors in this not-to-be-missed conference. There’s an optional intensive day on the Monday.
Website: scbwi.org
Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Location: Corte Madera, California (USA)
Date: 9-12 August 2018
Just the thing if you’re a travel writer (and/or photographer)! Many who have attended have gone on to great success – and you’ll have the right access to workshops, panels, and other activities. Plus you’ll get to network and interact with fellow writers and industry leaders.
Website: bookpassage.com
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Location: Edinburgh (Scotland)
Date: 11-27 August 2018
Combine history, culture and books, all in one go! Bringing together a vibrant collection of writers, you’ll find readings, performances and all things eclectic. There are also over 1,000 authors in attendance, taking part in as many as 800 events.
Website: edbookfest.co.uk
Open Book Cape Town
Location: Cape Town (South Africa)
Date: 5-9 September 2018
It’s not just about spreading the love of books – this event also aims to create a sustainable contribution to the future of writing. You’ll get to take part in events such as performances, readings, as well as have access to the best of South African writing.
Website: openbookfestival.co.za
Digital Book World
Location: Nashville (USA)
Date: 2-4 October 2018
Featuring Walt Mossberg as the keynote speaker, there’s plenty on the program, including discussions, lectures, and tips on social media advertising. Definitely an event not to be missed!
Website: digitalbookworld.com
European Conference on E-Learning (ECEL 2018)
Location: Athens (Greece)
Date: 1-2 November
If elearning’s your thing, this is the place to be. Tapping into uses of technology in education, this meet-up helps academics and professionals catch up and network.
Website: academic-conferences.org
YALLFest
Location: Charleston (USA)
Date: 9-10 November 2018
One of the largest Young Adults genre festivals in the southern US, YALLFest focuses specifically on celebrating books aimed at a younger audience. Not much info has been released as yet, but take a peek at their website.
Website: yallfest.org
With such a rich variety of events going on throughout the year, you’ll be able to network your way to getting your writing career on the road. There are now so many options available to you as an author, that you’re pretty spoiled for choice about what you do!
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