Press photos available to download here
LONDON, 11 March 2025: The London Book Fair, the largest spring gathering of the international books industry, welcomed publishing professionals from across the globe back to Olympia today for the second day of programming. Thousands of exhibitors and visitors gathered to continue making deals, sharing knowledge and experiences, building new partnerships and exploring the ideas shaping the future of publishing.
Emma Lowe, Director of The London Book Fair, said: “The second day of The London Book Fair has been just as exciting as the first. It’s been brilliant to see such a wide range of genres represented across the programme, with conversations spanning crime, romance, literary fiction, commercial fiction and so much more. There have also been fascinating discussions around book-to-screen adaptations and the huge global success they can achieve, with Jo Nesbo’s new Harry Hole series on Netflix as a great example of how stories can reach entirely new audiences. It’s been incredibly energising to see the industry come together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, and rounding off the day with a celebration of Andrew Franklin’s work was the perfect way to end another fantastic day. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back for a fascinating final day tomorrow.”
From left to right: Joanna Prior, CEO Pan MacMillan, Mike Gayle, Author of the Day, Jo Nesbo, International Author of the Day
Highlights from Day Two of The London Book Fair (Weds 11 March):
Joanna Prior, Chief Executive Officer of Pan Macmillan, delivered the day’s keynote speech on the Main Stage, reflecting on the opportunities and challenges facing the publishing industry today. Speaking during the UK’s National Year of Reading, Prior explored the importance of building stronger reading cultures, reaching new audiences and ensuring the industry continues to nurture the next generation of readers.
International Author of the Day, Jo Nesbo appeared on the Main Stage in conversation with The Daily Telegraph’s Jake Kerridge, sharing insights into his global writing career and the enduring popularity of crime fiction. Nesbo discussed the craft behind his bestselling thrillers, the international success of the Harry Hole series and the continued appetite for gripping storytelling across global markets. There was also an exclusive clip of Nesbo’s Detective Hole Netflix adaptation which will stream on the platform from 26th March.
Mary Bekhait, Chief Executive Officer of YMU Group, took to the Main Stage to discuss how talent agencies, publishers and entertainment companies are discovering and nurturing the next generation of storytellers. The session explored the changing routes into publishing and how new voices are emerging across multiple platforms including books, television and digital media.
Over at Author HQ, bestselling novelist Mike Gayle appeared as Author of the Day, speaking to Prima’s Nina Pottell candidly about his career as a writer and the enduring power of character-driven storytelling. Gayle reflected on the themes that run through his novels, the importance of connecting with readers and how uplifting fiction continues to resonate with audiences. On Author HQ, there were also a range of creative talks from The Association ofIllustrators, offering illustration professionals a wealth of insights into the creative world.
Key figures from across the trade gathered together at midday to celebrate and honour the life and work of the late Porter Anderson, editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives.
A protest style stunt also took place across the fair in the afternoon in support of Wet Ink by Abigail Avis - due in 2027 via Hodder & Stoughton. Challenging the norms with an empowering, timeless story about self-discovery, embracing ambition and friendship - themed placards were paraded across the ground floor with messages including “who decides what’s highbrow?” and “women need to feel represented by what they read.”
Later in the afternoon, bestselling thriller writer Lucy Foley joined readers and publishing professionals at the HarperCollins stand to celebrate the news of her upcoming novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel - the first official full-length Miss Marple continuation novel as supported by the Christie Estate. The novel has already been sold in 27 languages to date with simultaneous global publication planned for Autumn 2026*.
The second day concluded with the presentation of the Fair’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Profile Books’s Andrew Franklin. The Lifetime Achievement Award committee, composed of the independent LBF Advisory Board, selected Andrew Franklin from a shortlist of leading international figures in the book industry – with both Emma Lowe and Peter Straus of RWC Literary Agency honouring his incredible work in building Profile with introductions ahead of his award being presented.
Apply for your media pass now to join the global publishing community at The London Book Fair 2026 in London (10-12 March 2026). To apply for a media pass, please click here.
- Ends -
For further information, please contact Tom Neilson and Madison Sotos at Midas:
tom.neilson@midas-group.com / madison.sotos@midas-group.com / +44 (0)20 7361 7860
Notes to editors:
* Foreign language rights are managed by Agatha Christie Limited. For foreign language rights enquiries please contact Christina Macphail christinamacphail@agathachristie.com
About The London Book Fair (LBF)
The London Book Fair (LBF) is the global marketplace for rights negotiation and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. The London Book Fair is a unique opportunity to explore, understand and capitalise on the innovations shaping the publishing world of the future. LBF brings you direct access to customers, content and emerging markets. The London Book Fair 2026 will take place 10-12 March 2026 at Olympia London. Find out more at www.londonbookfair.co.uk
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices dispersed around 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.
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