An interview session on the Main Stage at the 2024 London Book Fair. Image: LBFBy Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
A Newcomer to the Keynote List at LBF
As a friend in the United Kingdom has put it today (March 4), things are “hotting up” around London Book Fair (March 11 to 13), which opens a week from today (March 4).
Today’s news comes in an announcement that Dan Houser will be the Day Two keynote speaker on the Main Stage, where he’ll be in conversation with television presenter Elle Osili-Wood in a session called Storytelling and World Building From Video Games to Audio Fiction to Novels.
Dan HouserHouser is a writer of video games and the founder of an entertainment-media company, Absurd Ventures—headquartered in California, with its base in Santa Monica and studio offices in Marin. Absurd Ventures is to publish Houser’s forthcoming book, A Better Paradise, Volume 1, “An Aftermath.”
The book is said to be adapted from Houser’s audio fiction show, and is expected to be developed not only as a book but as a television series and video-game set.
Elle Osili-WoodHouser is to discuss with Osili-Wood his love of books, creative process, and understanding of interactive and linear formats.
Houser was the lead writer and creative director of the Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto video games. His book, to be released in the autumn, is described as the first story in a new universe he’s developing.
In a comment on his upcoming appearance, he says, “London Book Fair has been a globally important event for writers for more than half-a-century now, and it’s a real honor to make my first appearance there and speak a bit about my career writing and world-building for open world video games, audio fiction, and now my first novel.”
(“Open world” in video games means that the player has the ability to move around settings and contexts that may be able to react to her or him with characters and/or design elements, to enhance a sense of realism.)
Adam RidgwayAnd Adam Ridgway, London Book Fair’s director, says, “A renowned storyteller and creative mind, we can’t wait to learn how Dan will bring his unique experience of universe building to the literary world.
“The LBF audience will be the first to hear him discuss how he applied this to his newly announced novel, A Better Paradise.”
The Houser presentation is on March 12 on the Main Stage, from 10:15 to 10:45. More on the Main Stage events at London Book Fair is here.
A Programming Note
During London Book Fair, Publishing Perspectives has several Main Stage events to suggest for your consideration. We’re especially pleased with the caliber of speakers who will be with us, and we hope you’ll join us. Descriptive copy here is from the London Book Fair team’s listings.
Tuesday, March 11
1:45 to 2:30 p.m., Main Stage
The Future of Book Licensing and Distribution
Mark Searle, left, and José Manuel AntaLicensing strategies can play a crucial role in the financial success of publishing ventures, and in the digital age, licensing and distribution have transformed, allowing for more seamless and widespread access to content. But challenges persist, as do opportunities, amid evolving consumer preferences and tech advances. By effectively navigating these changes, publishers can maximize their financial outcomes and remain competitive.
Speakers:
Tuesday, March 11
3 to 3:45 p.m., Main Stage
AI and Copyright: Policy Developments in the United Kingdom and United States
Maria A. Pallante and Dan ConwayAI is here to stay and so are the policy debates that will shape its development and deployment for years to come. In particular, many publishers around the world are watching developments in the UK and US, where regulators, legislators, and courts are weighing legal disputes that could have global ramifications for copyright laws: A British, American, and decidedly human discussion on the most important issue of the day.
Conway’s call from the creative industries of the UK that “The Great Copyright Heist Cannot Go Unchallenged” and Pallante’s background as a copyright attorney make them two of the most aptly positioned publishers’ association leaders for this moment.
Speakers:
Thursday, March 13
11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., Main Stage
Turning the Page: Publishing’s Role in Keeping the Focus on Sustainability
Gvantsa Jobava and Mary GlennWhile the industry has embraced a wide range of initiatives such as expanding the list of titles that explore sustainability, engaging new voices and audiences, promoting diversity, advancing accessible publishing, supporting literacy, and adopting greener production methods, it can be difficult to gauge the true impact of these efforts.
This session explores the challenges of staying committed to sustainability in all aspects from acquisitions and marketing to distribution, measuring progress effectively, and making tangible strides on complex global issues—while showcasing what publishers have already accomplished and what more can be done.
Speakers:
See also:
Richard Charkin: Approaching London Book Fair
The Publishers Association’s Gloria Bailey Wins LBF’s Lifetime Achieevement Award
London Book air’s International Rights Center
London Book Fair 2025: Seminar Series Highlights
London Book Fair: Daunt and Shelley Headline Keynotes
London Book Fair Announces a Three-Day Academic Conference
London Book Fair 2025 Announces Its Quartet of ‘Authors of the Day’
More from Publishing Perspectives on London Book Fair is here, more on book fairs and trade shows in the world publishing industry is here, and more on the United Kingdom’s publishing market is here.
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