Islington Central Library, London • March 5 – 8th, 2025

London’s most inclusive book fair.

Coinciding with the start of London Book Fair 2025, the Alternative Book Fair is a week of publishing and author events to bring the world of publishing and literature to a wider audience, especially aspiring authors, emerging writers and avid readers. With author panels featuring Granta's Best of Young British Novelists Camilla Grudova, Santanu Bhattacharya, Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Catherine Mayer and many more.

All events are free, including access to the Indie Press Fair, all day, Saturday 8th, thanks to Islington Libraries, Arts Council England, Watson, Little Literary Agency, Indie Novella and The Diversity in Publishing Partnership.

WEDNESDAY

5/March 6.30pm

The Art of Romance: Editing, Writing and Reading

A Jacaranda Books Takeover! To kick off The Alternative Book Fair’s programme, Jacaranda Books are bringing together three of their most exciting and experienced authors to discuss the art of romance.

Romance authors Sareeta Domingo, Rasheda Ashanti Malcolm and Lisa Bent will talk through the journey of debuting in the industry versus now, and take us on a journey to help us to understand where the genre has come from, what development takes and where they see it going.

THURSDAY

6/March 6.30pm

International Women’s Day Panel - Exploring Who We Are

Acclaimed authors Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, Catherine Mayer and Kelly Frost talk with journalist, Emily Rhodes, about examining and challenging societal norms and expectations on womanhood, identity and choice. The writers will also discuss the craft of writing, and their journeys to publication.

In partnership with local charity Book Banks.

SATURDAY

8/March 10.00am-5pm

The Indie Press Fair & Children’s Press Fair

Meet some of the UK’s most inspirational independent publishers, with a day of stalls and events from the publishers of the world’s most innovative fiction and non-fiction. Stall holders include Influx Press, Cipher Press, Weather Glass Books, Renard Press, Indie Novella, Heloise Press, Jacaranda Books, Scorpius Books, Istros Books, Jantar Books, époque press, Goat Star Books & Prototype Publishing. We will additionally have a Children’s Press Fair featuring wonderful children’s publishers Lantana Publishing, Little Tiger and Guppy Books putting on talks and interactive events for children of all ages.

Throughout the day there will be opportunities for readers and writers to meet leading independent publishers, experience their books, meet authors, and ask questions about publishing.

The Children’s Press Fair includes two events for young audiences (no sign up required):

A Card for Mum - 8th March, 10:30 am

Lantana Publishing are excited to present an early Mother's Day themed storytelling and art activity led by celebrated author and poet Bashabi Fraser, based on her book A Card for My Mum, which will be out in bookshops on 6th March! 

Dragons From Around The World - 8th March, 1:00 pm

Author of children’s fantasy fiction series, the Nkara Chronicles, Davina Tijani will read from her new book Yomi and the Clash of the Abadas, give a presentation on dragons from around the world, then lead you all on some dragon-themed activities including creating your own dragons!

SATURDAY

8/March 11am

Lifting the Lid on Literary Prizes

Founder of the Republic of Consciousness Prize, Neil Griffiths (Weatherglass Books), publicist of The Booker Prize Truda Spruyt and James Tookey, organiser of the Orwell Prize, tell us what goes on behind the scenes of the biggest literary prizes and what goes into picking a winner.

SATURDAY

8/March 12.30pm

Debut Authors Panel - Eva Wyles, Alice Chadwick & Anne Hawk

Some of the most exciting debut authors of 2025 talk to us about their journeys in publishing and their upcoming novels, and offer advice to aspiring authors. Featuring Eva Wyles whose debut collection of stories Deliverywoman is due to be published by Booker Shortlisted publisher, Influx Press, Alice Chadwick whose debut novel Dark Like Under will be published by Booker Longlisted publisher Daunt in February 2025 and Anne Hawk whose debut novel The Pages of the Sea (published by Weatherglass Books) was on the Guardian: Best Novels of the Year list in 2024.

SATURDAY

8/March 2pm

Publishing Panel - Influx Press, Prototype Publishing and Cipher Press

In 2022 Influx Press’s The Trees was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 2024 Jess Chandler at Prototype Publishing was named a Rising Star by The Bookseller. In 2020 Cipher Press became a game changer in championing LGBTQIA+ writers in the UK and beyond.

Get an insight into the world of independent publishing, how to submit your work to them, and what it is like to work with a publisher.

SATURDAY

8/March 3.30pm

Headline Panel - Camilla Grudova & Santanu Bhattacharya

Two stellar headliners, Camilla Grudova, recently named one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists 2023, and Santanu Bhattacharya, selected as The Observer's Debut Novelist of the Year 2022, will discuss how our identity and experiences shape our writing, and their approaches to craft and publication. They’ll talk about what it has meant for their careers to be named on their respective lists and offer advice and inspiration for the writers in the audience.

Free Tickets ➡