Brookes Chancellor Paterson Joseph to open Oxford Indie Book Fair this Sunday
The event, which will be opened by actor, author and Oxford Brookes Chancellor Paterson Joseph, will exhibit the work of over 100 well-known and independent authors at the Oxford Examination Schools.
Alongside Paterson Joseph, who will also be showcasing his book Sancho, historian Janina Ramirez will give a talk about her book Femina and children’s author Korky Paul will be hosting a Father Christmas portrait painting workshop.
Running from 11am to 4:30pm, the book fair will feature illustration workshops, poetry readings, and offer visitors a chance to browse hundreds of books and buy signed copies or books at a reduced price.
First held in April 2021, this Sunday marks the sixth edition of the book fair, which will double in size this year to become the biggest book festival of its kind in the UK.
“We offer the opportunity for new and established talent to showcase their work”, say the event’s organisers, “Oxford is a major city of arts and letters and renowned for writing and publishing it is not before time that the ever-growing Indie sector is to have its voice.”
A spotlight on self-publication
The Oxford Indie Book Fair offers an opportunity to independent and self-published authors to exhibit their work, as well as helping local independent publishers promote their business.
With the highly-competitive publishing industry providing difficult to break into, the there is a “steady interest” from authors in self-publication according to James Harrison of Oxford Folio, a local self-publishing company.
With several services offering free online publication, Harrison says that authors and readers still prefer print copies of their books.
“People still want the physical object”, says Harrison, “I think this is true for the younger generations whose parents are leaving them libraries of books, albums, CDs etc - what will they leave their children: downloads?”
The book fair schedule and a full list of exhibitors is available on the Oxford Indie Book Fair website. Tickets are free and can be booked online.