The Edinburgh International Book Festival has announced its comprehensive industry program for 2024, spotlighting publishing in its new venue, the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
Commencing on August 14, the festival will kick off with Global Ink, a dedicated international industry day. This event will bring together professionals from Scotland, the UK, and beyond to explore emerging trends in global literature. Panels and discussions, in collaboration with the Global Association of Literary Festivals, will feature prominent figures like Literary Curator Zoe Xie from China, Rosemarie Milson from Australia, Anja Bengelstdorff from Kenya, and Douglas Resende from Brazil.
A highlight of the day, “From Page to Global Stage,” moderated by writer and translator Daniel Hahn, will delve into the intricacies of literature translation. It will feature insights from Anton Hur, Andrea Joyce, and Sam McDowell, focusing on overcoming challenges and expanding the reach of translated literature. Attendees can also explore the Translation Pavilion, a collaboration with Waterstones and Publishing Scotland, showcasing translated works alongside English versions.
On August 19, the festival will host “Book Talk: Industry Insights for Writers,” offering early-career writers valuable perspectives on publishing and career sustainability. “Anatomy of an Industry” will provide an overview of publishing roles with contributions from industry leaders like Anna Frame and Emma Paterson.
The festival aims to highlight the people behind the books, fostering creative connections and addressing industry issues. The industry strand concludes on August 21 with “Book Talk: Perspectives in Publishing,” featuring discussions on accessibility and AI in the publishing world. Livestreamed sessions, available on a pay-what-you-can basis, will cover the impact of AI technologies on publishing, featuring insights from Catriona Stevenson and Dr. Pip Thornton.
Overall, the 2024 Edinburgh International Book Festival promises to be an engaging platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike, focusing on current trends, challenges, and innovations in the global book market.
