The Indie Author Fair 2015

Nick Stephenson, Rachel Abbott, Mark McGuiness, Steena Holmes, CJ Lyons, Joanna (JF) Penn

Things have been in a constant whirl since the London Book Fair, but such an important event took place on the Friday immediately afterwards as part of the fringe that I have been feeling enormously guilty at not posting about it. But, er, I’ve got a book coming out, y’know?

Porter Anderson

The Alliance of Independent Authors, the professional association for authors who self-publish, opened its doors in conjunction with Triskele Books to a lively, rockstar-featuring, and extraordinary day at Foyles, Charing Cross Road.

Part of the IndieReCon – a free online and worldwide conference jammed with advice, education and best practice over three days – this ‘indie’ day left me more energised and informed than anything during the LBF days.

With C J Lyons

Talks were aimed at those beyond beginner, giving higher level advice and insight for the dedicated independent publisher. I had the opportunity to meet not only stars of the indie world, but also colleagues I had only known virtually before. CJ Lyons, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, inspired us with the catchphrase, ‘The reader is god’.

Debbie Young and Piers Alexander

Crammed into the rest of the day, we heard about public funding, selling books and rights, indie literary fiction and poetry, library opportunities, how self-publishing is changing trade publishing, and future evolution of ALLi and of indie. Guest speakers included Nicola Solomons of the Society of Authors, agent Toby Munday, commentator Porter Anderson of The Bookseller, Alison Baverstock and representatives from Ingram Spark and ebook lister BookBub. Debbie Young and Piers Alexander launched the latest ALLi campaign #Authors4Bookstores.

Then 50 indie authors plied their wares. My goodness, there were some wonderful books there along with enthusiastic and successful authors. A heady, exhilarating but empowering day. Looking forward to next year’s one already…