Culture Ireland Call for participation by Irish independent publishers
Through its annual grant to Literature Ireland, Culture Ireland has supported the presence of an Ireland stand and delegation at the London Book Fair over many years.
Following an initial pilot to support publishers to attend the London Book Fair in 2025, Culture Ireland is once again offering a limited number of travel bursaries to the Irish independent publishing sector to assist with the costs of attendance at the event.
Founded in 1971, the London Book Fair is one of the primary global marketplaces for rights negotiations for the publishing industry and attracts over 25,000 publishing professionals.
During the event, publishers will meet literary agents, international colleagues, and translators to develop potential further opportunities for Irish writers to reach an international readership.
For 2026 the London Book Fair will run at the Olympia London Exhibition Centre from 10 to 12 March 2026.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- An established track record as an independent publisher from across the island of Ireland with a list of potential titles to be promoted during the Book Fair
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
- evidence that they are in a position to capitalise on this opportunity including availability of promotional materials
- evidence of track record within the industry
- completeness and quality of their application
Selected delegates will participate in the Ireland stand to promote their work as agreed with Literature Ireland in line with previous editions. Publishers will make a contribution to the costs of the stand commensurate with the agreed area on the stand.
The award (€750 per person for a maximum of two people per organisation) is towards the costs of return flights, registration and a contribution towards accommodation and subsistence. Click here to apply.
The deadline for submission of completed applications for a delegate bursary is 5pm on Friday 30th January 2026 at 5pm.
