Annual Irish Publishers Conference 2024: Review by Catherine Hickey, MA in Literature & Publishing Student
Review by Catherine Hickey, MA in Literature & Publishing Student at University of Galway
Opening Remarks:
On Friday, 8th November, Publishing Ireland’s annual Trade Day kicked off with opening remarks from President Peter McKay, as industry veterans and aspiring professionals gathered at Printworks located in Dublin Castle to explore emerging trends and the future of the publishing industry.
Skein Press: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is not an Add-On – Gráinne O’Toole
Gráinne O’Toole of Skein Press opened the conference with an insightful presentation on advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion within contemporary publishing models. Established in 2017, Skein Press prides itself on curating and publishing thought-provoking works often overlooked by mainstream Irish literary magazines. Comprising three pillars – Cultural Care, Community Engagement, and Organisational Change – O’Toole emphasised Skein Press’s ethical obligation to inclusivity, announcing the launch of the Skein Press’s organisation-wide Code of Care. Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and diverse literary market in Ireland, Skein Press primarily works with underrepresented communities and has made all books accessible through Braille and audio partnerships. As the session concluded, O’Toole encouraged publishing professionals to view equality and diversity in literature as a necessity, not an add-on.
Panel ‘The European Accessibility Act: Is Your Organisation Compliant?’ – Simon Mellins, Stacy Scott, Lina Kouzi and Will Awad
In the next segment, Simon Mellins took the stage alongside panel members Stacy Scott, Lina Kouzi and Will Awad for a riveting discussion on the European Accessibility Act. As eBooks continue to gain popularity, publishers now have a myriad of tools to increase accessibility. However, the biggest challenge to date has been the varying interpretations of the act and what it means for publishers. Expanding on the topic of accessibility, Mellins then discussed the current state of the EAA, stimulating a powerful discourse amongst panellists regarding the impact that accessible resources have on disabled people and the ongoing steps needed to create a fully inclusive book market. While converting books to Braille or audio used to be time-consuming, today, books are available instantly to all, empowering those with disabilities and promoting equity in access to the printed word.
Doing the Right Thing: Nosy Crow’s Sustainability Journey – Karina Stevens
As humanity’s footprint continues to take a toll on the planet, Karina Stevens spoke to delegates about sustainability and Nosy Crow’s efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Nosy Crow has mapped out their carbon footprint and plans to publish their findings next year. However, carbon mapping and target-setting alone will not be enough. Publishers must be proactive in their journey towards carbon offsetting. Nosy Crow has taken several proactive steps in its sustainability journey, including working closely with suppliers, maintaining open conversations, and switching to alternative paper types to reduce its environmental footprint. Stevens says that doing the right thing is at the core of what Nosy Crow does. She acknowledged that while everyone may have good intentions, putting them into action is the most important thing.
Nielsen BookScan, Irish Market Review – Sara Mulryan & Market Analysis of Publishing in Ireland – Jim Power
After a brief break, Sara Mulryan and her colleague Adrienne Wolfenden presented an insightful analysis of the 2023 Irish book market, drawing on data from their Metadata services. According to the findings, 2023 proved to be a standout year for Irish authors, a trend reflected in market figures. Nielsen’s book research, powered by programs like BooksScan and Books and Consumers, provided a comprehensive analysis comparing the global book market with those of Ireland and the UK. Today, clients in over 87 countries rely on Nielsen BookData’s disseminated metadata services. Nielsen’s BookData will remain an indispensable resource in tracking consumer trends as the Irish book market grows.
Continuing the discussion on Irish market figures, Jim Power, one of Ireland’s leading economists, presented an in-depth analysis of the Irish market to audience members using data from his survey. Power’s survey covered key areas, including online sales, outsourcing, the use of AI, and challenges currently faced in the publishing industry. An engaging Q&A followed at the end of the session, allowing publishing professionals to ask questions and exchange ideas with one another.
Artificial Intelligence – Opportunities & Challenges, Sara Lloyd
As we delve further into the digital age, artificial intelligence stands on the brink of profoundly shaping our future. While AI often triggers negative reactions, there is no reason to panic – rather, AI is poised to become the new publishing frontier. Publishers are already embarking on their own journeys with AI. Despite a general apprehension in the industry, humans have successfully navigated the technological advances of the past century and will continue to do so as technology further integrates into society. Lloyd recommends viewing AI as a collection of smart tools rather than a complete crutch. When combined with human emotional intelligence, AI has the potential to revolutionise the publishing industry as we know it.
Final Segment
In the final segment of the evening, Publishing Ireland members had the opportunity to pitch their titles to representatives from the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland, with hopes that some may eventually be adapted on Screen. Ireland’s leading publishers, including Little Island Books, O’Brien Press, and Lilliput, were each given five minutes to pitch their titles to the Guild, providing screen comparisons and outlining why each book would make a compelling film. Books for Screen was an imaginative exploration of both established novels and new emerging stories.
The O’Brien Press 50th Anniversary Book Launch
Publishing Ireland’s Trade Day 2024 concluded with a celebration of 50 years of The O’Brien Press. The anniversary marked the launch of two special books – a reprint of The O’Brien Press’s first novel, Me Jewel and Darlin’ Dublin, written by long-time family friend Eamonn MacThomáis and The Accidental Publisher, written by the late Michael O’Brien. After several heartfelt speeches from family and friends, guests received a copy of The Accidental Publisher before enjoying complimentary wine and cake in the lobby, bringing the Friday of Dublin Book Festival 2024 to a close.
