The Society of Authors at London Book Fair 2025

Defining the future of creative content

Come and meet the team, chat to our advisors and Management Committee, and find out what we’re campaigning for this year.

You’ll find us at the Writers’ Summit, Novotel West

• Mon 10 March 2025

During London Book Fair, you’ll find us in the Authors’ Lounge with the Black British Book Festival, situated in the Club Room – located just along from the Author HQ stage, in the National Hall, Level 1, room/stand no. 3F30. Check out our Exhibitor page. 

• Tue 11 March 2025: 09:00 -15:30
• Wed 12 March 2025: 09:00 – 17:00
• Thu 13 March 2025: 09:00 – 16:30

Exclusive offer code for SoA members

We have a limited number of discounted visitor tickets available to SoA members. These are either for one day or all three days of the fair. Please note that this code is only valid for the main book fair from Tuesday 11 – Thursday 13 March. Use offer code SOA25. Register here.

Updated: We also have a limited availability of discounted tickets available for the Writers’ Summit taking place on Monday 10 March, which you can use the offer code SOAWS25. Register here.

Meet the SoA advisors

We’d love to meet you, whether you’re an SoA member, just starting out as a writer, or been in the industry for years. Our advisors will be on hand each day so you can talk to them in person.

Meet the SoA team

Members of the SoA team will be on the stand each day. Come and say hello, grab a snack and pick up one of our lovely pencils. You can meet staff from our different departments –from Prizes and Communications to Events and Membership.

SoA talks at London Book Fair

The Society of Authors have curated a number of talks at this year’s London Book Fair and the team are going to be part of several sessions. Find out more below. See the full seminar programme.

The Writers’ Summit

We will be at The Writers’ Summit on Monday 10 March 2025 | Novotel West
View the programme | Society of Authors are taking part in the following session:

What Does a Publisher Actually Do?

What can you expect from a traditional publisher and where do they add value? A session to help authors spot the worthwhile publishing deals and run for the hills from a dodgy one. We’ll offer insider tips and pinpoint what a traditional publisher will offer (if it’s a good one, a lot); share best practice and guidance so you can avoid being scammed.
Speakers: Philip Womack, Penny Batchelor, Mark Edwards. Chaired by: Sarah Burton.

The Writers’ Summit conference is a fantastic opportunity for members of the Society of Authors to take their writing careers to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out, self-published, or aiming for a book deal, this one-day event offers expert tips, industry insights, and inspiration to help get your writing noticed by agents, publishers, and readers. Hear from experienced authors as they share their journeys to publication and gain practical advice to set you up for success. As a member, you can take advantage of a 30% discount on your booking. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today and make the most of your exclusive offer!

Updated: We have a limited availability of 30% off tickets for the Writers’ Summit which you can buy via this link using code: SOAWS25. Tickets for the Writers’ Summit also include entry to London Book Fair (11-13 March).

Author HQ

Thursday 13 March at 12.10-12.55
Author Care – Managing Expectations and Feeling Empowered Throughout Your Publishing Journey, organised by the Society of Authors
An in-conversation with an editor, agent, and author sharing their perspectives on the publication process and offering advice and insight regarding the importance of author care.
Speakers: Alexa von Hirschberg, Publishing Director at W&N Fiction, , Sareeta Domingo, author (& editor) Nelle Andrew, agent at Rachel Mills Literary. Chaired by Harriet Evans.

Tech Theatre

Tuesday 11 March at 16.15-16.45
Strengthening Partnerships for a Greener Publishing Industry
The ‘strengthen partnerships’ pledge point commits signatories to “collaborate with our peers, authors, illustrators, supply chain partners and business partners to translate our climate aspirations and commitments into tangible actions to safeguard our planet for future generations”.
Jude Gates, Operations Director at Faber and chair of the Publishers Association’s Sustainability Taskforce, brings together industry experts across the publishing supply chain to discuss how to work together for a greener industry.
Speakers: Sarah Burton, SoA

Literary Translation Centre and the Translators Association

As in previous years the TA has programmed two events at the Literary Translation Centre, the hub for everyone interested in translation and translators.   Entry is free to everyone attending the LBF _ you don’t have to be a translator – so come along and say hello.  Read the full Literary Translation Centre programme here.

Wednesday 12 March at 10.00-10.45
The Benefits of Specialist Networks
Translators are often told to specialise, but what happens when they use that approach in how they organise, network and collaborate? What are the benefits of networks that focus on the specific characteristics, location or language pairs. This session will showcase valuable existing networks and provide inspiration for the cultivation of new ones.
Speakers: Paul Russell Garrett, Anita Barton-Williams, Emma Goldsmith, Nichola Smalley

Thursday 13 March at 10.00-10.45
The Prestige Paradox: Prizes in Translation
The prominence o literary awards recognising translated books and the work of translators  in anglophone markets has never been greater. But apart from topping up bank balances and providing a surplus of warm fuzzy feelings, do prizes matter in translation? This session will explore how prizes and funding shape the translated book market and how translators can make the best use of this use market knowledge.
Speakers: Ian Giles, Jamie Bulloch, Morgan Giles, Stefan Tobler

 #SoAatHome catch up | Industry Insider – Making the most of London Book Fair (2024)
Join SoA’s Head of Events, Sophia A Jackson, who chairs this #SoAatHome industry insider on how writers can make the most of London Book Fair. Panellists include LBF director Gareth Rapley and Authors Joseph Coelho, Margaret Skea and Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, who is also the SoA’s new Management Committee Chair. Get valuable tips and insights on how writers can use their time effectively whilst at London Book Fair.