The Alternative Book Fair is running at Islington Central Library until Saturday.
The fair, set by publishers Indie Novella, has been put on to reach a wider audience of people who may not typically be able to interact with those inside the literary sphere and publishing industry. Revered crime writer Ajay Chowdhury will be talking at the event, along with other esteemed authors such as Chloe Ashby and Marieke Bigg.
Damien Mosley, who founded Indie Novella and works with local communities to try and make publishing more accessible to aspiring authors from underprivileged backgrounds, says that the fair is intended to “really break down the barriers to publishing.”
“Unfortunately, while there have been improvements in the last couple of years, it’s still noticeable how wide the margins actually are,” said Mr Mosley. “There are a lot of people who grow up not believing they can be authors, and that’s mostly because of the school they go to. It is only when they are older that they realise they have a strong story to tell.”
There will be around 25 authors coming to the fair, including prestigious journalists who have authored books. The fair is also running in conjunction with the London Book Fair at Kensington Olympia, a decision which was made to ensure that publishers and authors based outside of London can convene at two of the year’s most important literary events in the same week.
However, Mr Mosley said the Alternative Book Fair offers opportunities to the public that the London Book Fair in Kensington cannot. “London Book Fair is more of a trade fair, and you don’t really get much if you are a member of the public. Our alternative fair is intended for the public, so they can meet publishers and agents without booking an appointment.”
Tickets for the event have sold well so far and can be bought on Eventbrite or onsite at Islington Central Library.
