OpenBooks, the new virtual initiative to connect young people with potential careers within the books industry, launches today.

Demystifying career options, identifying routes in, and positioning the books industry alongside other inspirational creative industries such as film, TV and music, OpenBooks is a series of free, accessible online events targeting 14-19 year olds, and especially those from under-represented backgrounds.

The collaboration by the Publishers Association, Booksellers Association and The Association of Authors’ Agents, has support from across the books industry and public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

The programme will go live on the 22 and 23 February and will remain online after the initial launch. All events will be available virtually via free to view platforms and will be supported by social media activity from across the books industry.

Accessibility will also be enhanced with transcripts for every panel session.

OpenBooks will be promoted into schools and colleges with targeted advertising reaching over 5000 UK secondary schools and colleges, via local bookshops and with amplification from across the books industry and beyond.

All activity will be shared from the hub. The series of short virtual events will introduce young people to the books industry, including publishing, bookselling, agenting and much more, making connections with young viewers’ interests, creative skills, and passions.

These events will feature industry speakers including Becky Thomas (Literary Agent, Lewinsohn Literary Agency), Daphne Lao Tonge (founder, Illumicrate and Daphne Press) , Zain Mahmood (Head of Ecommerce, Waterstones), and Amy Mae Baxter (Senior Editor, Dialogue Books), and will be hosted by authors including Juno Dawson, Cerrie Burnell and Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.

Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022 – 2024 and award-winning performance poet, playwright, and children’s author, said of OpenBooks:

“OpenBooks is a vital initiative in ensuring that the future of the books industry is healthy, progressive and more clearly identifiable as an exciting and achievable career option to a diverse range of young people. I hope that showing the wealth of opportunity and creativity across the industry - from publishing, agenting, bookselling and far beyond - will prove inspiring, and I'm delighted to support it.”

Also launching will be short form video content, including 5 Minutes With videos, giving an insight into inspiring careers options and real life journeys, and Come to Work with Me videos, which will provide a look behind-the-scenes in real jobs.

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