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What does the publishing industry need
right now?
That’s the question we ask ourselves (and a whole lot of other
people) each year when we begin planning FutureBook, and this time
round, the answer came back loud and clear. If we’re to get stronger,
smarter and more sustainable, and feel better while we’re doing it,
we need to find more common ground.
In many ways - from record sales to the return of festivals - 2021
has been brilliant for books. But it’s also seen a bunch of cracks
turn into gaping chasms. Staff refusing to work for authors they
disagree with while their leaders fly the flag for freedom of speech.
Assistants struggling to make ends meet while their employers
announce record sales. Marketers pouring money into debuts while
Booktokers go nuts for their backlists. On a tough day, publishing
can feel more divided than it’s ever been; between generations,
ideologies and regions; between our history and the changes we
urgently need to make.
That’s why we’re designing FutureBook 2022 to be a day when people
from all across the publishing spectrum can come together in a spirit
of curiosity, openness and respect. Join us on Friday 18th November
and you’ll find opportunities for deep listening, the space for
nuanced dialogue and the inspiration for creative collaborations in
which our differences can become our greatest asset.
As ever, we’re working hard on the details of our programme so that
everyone can get involved, from interns to c.e.o.s. Our hybrid format
will offer multiple ways to engage; we’re introducing new session
formats, such as moderated debates; and we’re doubling down on the
festival feel, with lots of ways to have fun, celebrate the good
stuff, and make new connections. So put the date in the diary, shout
if there are any speakers or sessions you’d really love to see, drop polly.smith@thebookseller.com
a line if you have any questions, and start to get just a bit
excited.
Ready to find some common ground? We’ll meet you there.
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