Every year, the Australian Book Industry Awards brings together and celebrates the talents of not only authors and illustrators, but also the hardworking publishers that go out of their way to support such fine work.  Without publishers, such talent might go undiscovered and the world of literature as we know it, would be a lesser place.  

We look forward to seeing the humble newcomer make it big in children's literature; cheer when we experience the playful colours of unseen illustrators; marvel at the penmanship of seasoned writers and give thanks to the never-ending support, encouragement and belief of editors and their publishing houses. 

The ABIA – Australian Book Industry Awards are set to hit the publishing world with a bang, on April 29th, 2020.  The shortlist will be released on Thursday April 9th, 2020 - with more than 250 publishing industry representatives from booksellers and agents, to publishing houses and media – all who have selected and voted for books published in 2019, across 12 categories. 
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This is a night-of-nights to remember in the publishing world because it is not just about the authors, having written awesome tales; it is about all the other people who work tirelessly to bring a book to fruition and ultimately to market, for you - the reader.  We are talking about the extra-ordinary efforts of illustrators, designers, editors, marketers, publishers and of course, authors.  

The art of book publishing is one of the oldest, most valuable and well-respected processes on the planet.  It guides our learners,  assists our educators and inspires our readers. 
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On this famous night, we show our appreciation for a job well done, a creation well-created and a year well spent, in delivering some of the best and most memorable books in history. 

Of course, there will be pomp and circumstance for this red carpet event. The Sydney International Convention Centre will be packed out by guests, entrants and awesome entertainment.  Casey Bennetto will do the honours this year, as our host, and Claire Bowditch will delight us with a guest performance.  

If ever you wanted to know what was happening in the publishing world or learn about the people who make it all possible – then you need to put this on your calendar; and if you are a member of the Australian Publishers Association – then, this is your night to be celebrated and appreciated.

Book your tickets at The Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA).
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Where: Grand Ballroom, International Convention Centre, Sydney
When: 29th April, 2020
Cost: $220 for members | $300 for non members
Registrations Open: 6th February, 2020 - 6:00 am
Registrations Close: 29th April, 2020 – 3:00 pm

The International Publishers Association has called for a Presidential Pardon to free Khaled Lotfy - publisher of the Egyptian edition of Uri Bar-Joseph's - 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel'. 

Chair of the IPA Freedom to Publish Committee stated, "It is incomprehensible that Khaled Lotfy can be imprisoned, not only for publishing a book, but for publishing a new version of a book that was already available.  His only chance of freedom is a Presidential Pardon, and we implore President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to release Khaled so that he can be reunited with his family."

Although, 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel' was turned into a successful Netflix film titled - 'The Angel'; and Khaled Lotfy received the IPA' Prix Voltaire Award in May 2019, it appears nothing short of a Presidential Pardon will save this diligent publisher from prison.

Lofty has been detained in Egypt for the past two years unable to leave, meet or communicate with family. His publishing serves to spread knowledge and create awareness of different cultures.

• To read more about, 'The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel' click the link.
• To find out more about the IPA - The International Publishers Association, established in 1896, is the world's largest federation of publishers associations with 83 members in 69 countries.
• Learn more about the Prix Voltaire Award

The IPA - International Publisher's Association has just signed an exclusive contract with Emirates Airline to become its Exclusive Global Transport Partner for its international programme of events such as the 33rd International Publishers Congress, which will be underway in Lillehammer, May 2020. 
Read the full article

The 2020 FT Weekend Oxford Literary Festival will take place Friday 27th March to Sunday 5th of April in Oxford, United Kingdom.  The line up this year is massive and it is well worth your while making an effort to join in this annual event.  

Everything from creative writing courses that work through plot and character development, biography and memoir to discussions on Jewish and Hebrew literature.  

Best selling authors will be there to answer your questions, talk about their newly published works and to take you through an epic journey about what it's like to be an author.  Over the next few weeks, the line up of presenters will increase so keep an eye on the news.

​More than 80 events are scheduled and the festival is now open for bookings.   Of course, now is the time you'll need to start booking your accommodation for the event as hotels quickly fill up in the area.  

To book your tickets visit: oxfordliteraryfestival.org

Photos Courtesy - Oxford Literary Festival