Selina Brown: ‘I want the Black British Book Festival to continue long after me’

You launched the Black British Book Festival in 2021. How has the event grown since then?

When I started the Black British Book Festival in 2021, I had a simple mission: to create a space where Black British authors were celebrated, not sidelined. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly the festival would take on a life of its own. What began as a small, intimate event has transformed into Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature, attracting thousands of attendees and securing partnerships with some of the biggest names in publishing. The festival has grown beyond just one weekend – it’s now a movement that’s shaking up the industry. We’ve gone from one event a year to a year-round programme of workshops, school tours and pop-up literary events. Publishers, booksellers and agents now see the festival as a pipeline for fresh talent and authors tell us it’s become a major platform for increasing their visibility.

Most excitingly, we’re not just a London-based event anymore. We’re taking the festival on the road, ensuring that Black British literature is celebrated across the UK. Manchester embraced us with open arms last year and now we’re heading back in March. And in October 2024, we hosted our biggest festival yet at the Barbican, welcoming 5,500 attendees – our largest audience to date. Our reach extends beyond our own festival. In 2023, we embarked on a seven-city UK tour, bringing Black British authors to new audiences nationwide. We’ve also been invited to curate literature programmes at major festivals, including Hay Festival, Glastonbury, We Out Here and other literary and cultural events. We’ve also developed long-term community initiatives, including a new community library in Croydon that provides access to Black literature for local families. And in 2025, we will launch our first-ever Children’s Festival in partnership with World Book Day, ensuring that the next generation grows up with diverse stories at their fingertips.

Our growth has been made possible by strong partnerships with major brands and publishers, including Pan Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins, Penguin, TikTok, Audible, Dell, Simon & Schuster, National Express and even Glastonbury. These collaborations have allowed us to expand our reach, provide more opportunities for authors, and ensure that Black British literature has a permanent place in mainstream publishing. I’m also incredibly proud that Pan Macmillan has supported us as our headline sponsor every year. Its continued backing has been instrumental in helping us scale the festival and sustain its impact.

You’ve said that the festival is “more than just an event – it’s a movement dedicated to uplifting and celebrating Black British literature”. What has the response from authors and attendees been?

The response has been overwhelming – and I mean that in the best possible way. Authors often tell us that walking into the festival feels like coming home. For many, this is the first time they’ve been in a space where they are the main event, not an afterthought or a diversity checkbox. There’s an energy at the festival that you just don’t get anywhere else – a mix of joy, empowerment, and the sheer excitement of seeing Black British literature take centre stage. Attendees have been just as passionate. People of all ages—families, students, aspiring writers, lifelong book lovers – come up to us and say: “I’ve never seen anything like this before”. They tell us how powerful it is to be surrounded by books that reflect their experiences, written by people who look like them. That’s why we do this. Winning the FutureBook Leader of the Year award was also a huge moment. It reinforced that the work we’re doing isn’t just important, it’s essential. It showed that the festival isn’t just a passion project but a force for real industry change.

There’s a growing appetite for diverse storytelling worldwide and I want to ensure that Black British authors are part of that conversation

The festival is returning to Manchester’s Central Library at the end of March. What can attendees expect?

On 29th March 2025, Manchester Central Library will be transformed into a hub of storytelling, creativity and inspiration. Expect live author panels, interactive workshops, book signings and a buzzing atmosphere filled with people who love books just as much as you do. For the aspiring writers, there will be practical sessions on breaking into publishing, securing book deals and mastering the art of storytelling. For families, there will be engaging activities for children, because we want the next generation to grow up seeing themselves in books.

And, of course, there will be books everywhere. Whether you’re a fan of literary fiction, poetry, sci-fi or romance, you’ll find something to add to your reading list. And the best part? You can meet the authors behind the words and hear the stories behind the stories. Expect a celebration, a networking opportunity and a literary festival like no other.

You’re speaking at this year’s London Book Fair on a panel about how authors can maximise opportunities with bookshops and festivals. What’s your top tip for this?

My number one tip is to think long-term. Too many authors focus on promoting their book only when it’s just been released but bookshops and festivals want ongoing, engaging events. If you want your book to stay relevant, you need to build relationships with booksellers and festival organisers. For bookshops, approach them with an idea, not just a request. Instead of saying, “Can I do a signing?”, say: “I’d love to host an event that brings people into your shop – maybe a writing workshop or a panel discussion?” Give them a reason to say yes. For festivals, know your audience. Every festival has a unique vibe. Some focus on industry networking, some on readers, and some – like the Black British Book Festival– on amplifying voices. Tailor your pitch to what the festival is looking for. Make it impossible for them to say no. And most importantly, be proactive. Don’t wait for an invitation – put yourself out there.

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