A community coming together: The London Book Fair 2026
The London Book Fair 2026 was, once again, a highlight in the publishing calendar, and this year felt particularly vibrant.
Across all three days, there was a real sense of energy and momentum throughout Olympia. The halls were busy, the conversations constant, and there was a real sense of excitement shared by both exhibitors and visitors.
It felt like a community coming together, something that came through in many of the conversations we had at the CIEP stand.
A community-led experience
This was my first time attending The London Book Fair. I’d been to other events at Olympia in the past, but this one felt different. Despite the scale and pace, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. What could easily have felt overwhelming instead felt open, welcoming and genuinely community led.
We spoke to a wide range of people, from members and publishing students to authors, freelancers, in-house editorial teams and publishers.
Some were discovering the CIEP for the first time, while others already knew us well and came to say hello, share their experiences, or explore how we could support them further.
More people knew who we are and what we do
One thing that stood out this year was how many people already recognised the CIEP and understood what we do.
Whether they were looking to find a trusted editor, develop their skills, or connect with others in the profession, there was a clear awareness of the role we play in supporting editorial standards and professional development.
Our location also played its part in that experience. Amid the activity, our stand offered a small moment of calm, a place where visitors could take the weight off their feet, have a conversation, and then head back into the energy of the fair.
A space for conversation and connection building
We spoke with many authors keen to understand how editorial professionals can support them, from the different stages of editing to what to expect from the process and how to find the right fit.
Also prominent were conversations with editorial professionals – or those thinking about entering the field – about training, career development and building sustainable freelance businesses.
We also made valuable connections and had discussions about potential collaboration, reflecting the growing visibility of the CIEP across the wider publishing and creative industries.
What’s next
Looking ahead, the organisers told us that, next year, the Fair will be moving to Excel London.
This reflects the event’s continued growth, with a larger venue allowing more exhibitors to take part, creating more opportunities for connection, and providing additional space for talks, events and conversations.
Overall, the Fair continues to be an important space, not just for showcasing work, but also for building relationships, sharing knowledge and strengthening the sense of community across the publishing world, something we’re proud to be part of.