London Book Fair 2025

Ola’s Substack

London Book Fair 2025

3 busy days at Olympia

Mar 17, 2025

Three days at the London Book Fair was a whirlwind of inspiration and connection.

Day 1: Diving into the Buzz The sprawling halls of Olympia London were alive with energy as we arrived, carrying the vibrant hum of conversations, the rustle of paper, and the faint clink of coffee cups. Rows upon rows of booths showcased publishers, literary agencies, and digital innovators, each vying for attention with colourful displays and enticing banners. The air was filled with the scent of freshly printed books mingling with the aroma of brewing coffee and fresh (but pricey) sandwiches’ from nearby stalls. I brought my own!

I attended a engaging conferences, where industry experts shared insights about the future of publishing, trends in storytelling, and the impact of technology on readers’ habits. The author talks were a particular highlight, as you listened to seasoned writers share their journeys and anecdotes, leaving you inspired and eager to put pen to paper. I went to the talks with Adele Parks, Elif Shafak and Beth O’ Leary to mention a few.

Day 2: Networking and New Possibilities The second day I navigated the fair, introducing connecting fellow writers and business cards were exchanged, each one sparking the possibility of a new collaboration or opportunity. In the middle of this I managed to get as many workshops as I could especially the ones on self publishing, finding an agent and absorbing tips and tricks to better connect with readers. By mid-afternoon, I had jotted down new ideas, scribbled notes, and contact details.

Day 3: Reflecting and Strategizing By the final day, I had finally managed to find my way around the venue without getting lost and seasoned to the fair’s rhythm, expertly selecting which booths and talks to revisit. As well as looking for swag bags to pick up before I left.

I left the fair with renewed energy, a head full of ideas for future books. If you can get to go to next years do.