The second day of the London Book Fair (LBF) brought fresh energy to Olympia as thousands of publishing professionals gathered for another packed programme of keynotes, author conversations and industry debate. The day concluded with a landmark moment: the presentation of the Fair’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Andrew Franklin, founder and publisher of Profile Books.
Joanna Prior, Chief Executive Officer of Pan Macmillan, delivered the day’s keynote on the Main Stage, addressing the opportunities and pressures facing the publishing industry. Speaking during the UK’s National Year of Reading, she emphasised the importance of nurturing reading habits among new audiences and cultivating the next generation of readers.
International Author of the Day Jo Nesbo took to the Main Stage in conversation with Jake Kerridge of The Daily Telegraph, offering a candid account of his writing career and the enduring global appeal of crime fiction. Nesbo reflected on the craft behind his bestselling Harry Hole thrillers and the sustained international appetite for gripping narrative. The session also featured an exclusive clip from the forthcoming Detective Hole Netflix adaptation, which streams from March 26.
Mary Bekhait, Chief Executive Officer of YMU Group, spoke on the Main Stage about how talent agencies, publishers and entertainment companies are identifying and developing the next generation of storytellers. The session examined the shifting pathways into publishing and the emergence of new voices across books, television and digital media.
Bestselling novelist Mike Gayle appeared as Author of the Day at Author HQ, speaking openly with Prima’s Nina Pottell about his career and the enduring power of character-driven storytelling. Gayle reflected on the recurring themes in his fiction, his relationship with readers and why uplifting stories continue to find wide audiences. The Association of Illustrators also hosted a series of creative talks at Author HQ, offering illustration professionals practical insights into the industry.
At midday, key figures from across the trade gathered to honour the life and work of the late Porter Anderson, editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives, in a moment of collective remembrance at the Fair.
A playful protest-style activation unfolded across the Fair floor in support of Wet Ink by Abigail Avis, due to be published in 2027 by Hodder & Stoughton. Themed placards bearing messages such as “who decides what’s highbrow?” and “women need to feel represented by what they read” were paraded through the ground floor, drawing attention to the forthcoming novel’s themes of self-discovery, ambition and friendship.
Bestselling thriller writer Lucy Foley joined readers and publishing professionals at the HarperCollins stand to celebrate the announcement of her upcoming novel, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, the first official full-length Miss Marple continuation novel, supported by the Christie Estate. Rights to the book have already been sold in 27 languages, with simultaneous global publication planned for autumn 2026.
The day’s proceedings closed with the presentation of the London Book Fair’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Andrew Franklin, founder of Profile Books. Selected from a shortlist of leading international publishing figures by the independent LBF Advisory Board, Franklin was honoured for his extraordinary contribution to the industry. Tributes were paid by Fair Director Emma Lowe and Peter Straus of RWC Literary Agency ahead of the award presentation.
“The second day of the London Book Fair has been just as exciting as the first,” said Emma Lowe, Director of the London Book Fair. “It’s been incredibly energising to see the industry come together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms.”
The London Book Fair 2026 takes place March 10–12, 2026 at Olympia London.
