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HarperCollins has launched BookGig, a "publisher agnostic" online events platform that aims to connect authors with new and existing readers following the growth in live author events.
The website features author events across the UK, giving details of talks, signings, Q&A sessions, readings and hands-on workshops. It showcases events from all "major" booksellers, over 500 independent retailers, all publishing houses and over 250 literary festivals, as well as libraries, museums and other venues.
Each event has its own page featuring full details and a link through to purchase tickets. It also provides links to bookshops which have e-commerce sites to allow readers to buy the books related to the events they are attending.
Jo Surman, digital business director at HarperCollins, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching BookGig to a legion of readers that love live book events, giving them the chance to meet their favourite authors and join discussions with fellow book-lovers. Live events are a hugely important and vibrant part of our industry, and I can’t wait to see BookGig support them in going from strength to strength.”
The site is divided into adult and children’s sections, and features authors from all genres. Events are searchable by location and users are able to filter by time, category, event type and price, with children’s events also filtered by age. Curated filters such as Fantastical Fiction, Evening Tipples and Weekend Readings give users another avenue to find the ideal author event for them.
Organisers can add their own events to BookGig by completing an online form at or via email, with all requests are submitted to the site editors for review.
The platform is supported by a monthly email newsletter and on Twitter at @bookgig.