Six of the biggest writers in the world today are set to be spotlighted at The London Book Fair (12-14 April 2016) this year, following the unveiling of an extra special Authors of the Day line-up including global bestsellers Professor Nick Bostrom, Judith Kerr, and Marian Keyes.
Departing from tradition in the fair’s 45th year, one day will be dedicated to one of the greatest writers of all time, William Shakespeare, commemorating the 400 year anniversary with a trio of leading authors behind Hogarth’s recent Tales from Shakespeare: Tracy Chevalier, Howard Jacobson and Jeanette Winterson.
The annual Author of the Day programme showcases one author each day of the fair, in a schedule that includes events, book signings, photo calls and meetings with international publishing contacts, plus a headline slot in the London Book & Screen Week (11-17 April) event series.
The London Book Fair 2016 Authors of the Day are:
Mon 11 April – Professor Nick Bostrom, Quantum Conference Author of the Day
Tue 12 April – Marian Keyes, General Trade Author of the Day
Wed 13 April – Shakespeare, led by Tracy Chevalier, Howard Jacobson and Jeanette Winterson
Thu 14 April – Judith Kerr, Children’s Author of the Day
Jacks Thomas, Director, The London Book Fair, said:
“The London Book Fair’s Author of the Day programme is an integral part of the fair, which every year spotlights some of the biggest contemporary writers whose works inspire readers all over the world. From page to screen, this year’s Authors of the Day – Professor Nick Bostrom, Judith Kerr, and Marian Keyes – boast versatility and immense talent, which we look forward to giving a global stage.
“With this year’s Fair coming on the eve of the 400 year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, we couldn’t resist merging past and present, with the man himself as one such honouree. We’re thrilled to have Tracy Chevalier, Howard Jacobson and Jeanette Winterson joining us in this unique celebration – three fantastic authors for one, if you will.”
Every year, the Author of the Day programme brings a range of the greatest writers today to the world’s creative capital, celebrating their work and spotlighting its impact. One of the fair’s key strands, this year’s programme is set to be bigger than ever before, with authors benefitting from broad marketing support and a headline slot on the London Book & Screen Week programme. Since its inaugural year in 2006, participants have included: Boris Akunin, Malorie Blackman OBE, William Boyd, Anthony Browne, Julia Donaldson, Bi Feiyu, Sun-mi Hwang, Peter James, Elif Shafak, Valeria Luiselli, Deborah Moggach, Neil Gaiman, Patrick Ness, David Nicholls, Liz Pichon, Sir Terry Prachett, Axel Scheffler, and Claire Tomalin.
Celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2016, The London Book Fair remains the leading global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Taking over Olympia London from Tuesday 12-Thursday 14 April 2016, the fair is a unique opportunity to explore, understand and capitalise on the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future.
For more information, visit www.londonbookfair.co.uk.