Shining an international spotlight on the Maltese book sector at London Book Fair 2026 

As part of its ongoing efforts to aid in the internationalisation of the Maltese book sector, the National Book Council (NBC) will once again be participating at the London Book Fair, where it will advocate for all literary stakeholders through a variety of instruments and initiatives. 

This year taking place between 10–12 March at London Olympia in Kensington, the LBF continues to serve as a crucial meeting point for industry professionals from all over the globe, with the NBC being perfectly poised to help increase the visibility of Maltese literature. It does this through its consistent presence on a stand at the Fair, while also distributing the new edition of Literature from Malta, the Foreign Rights Catalogue, during meetings with key international stakeholders. 

Like every year, the NBC will also be organising a seminar at the LBF, exploring the realities, opportunities and ambitions of Maltese publishing, both locally and overseas. ‘Micro-markets, Major Voices: Strengthening Malta’s Small Island Publishing’ will take place on the 10 March at the The International Stage between 12:30 to 13:15, and will bring together a group of speakers whose experiences first-hand as key stakeholders will shape the discussion. The panel, moderated by Kat Storace (literary translator and publisher – Praspar Press) will be made up of Mark Camilleri (Executive Chairperson, NBC), Glen Calleja (Author, bookbinder and publisher – Kotba Calleja), Loranne Vella (author and publisher – Aphroconfuso) and George Forster of Comma Press, who will later this year be releasing the prose anthology volume The Book of Valletta, in collaboration with the NBC. 

The seminar will focus on how small-island nations like Malta often face unique challenges within the global publishing ecosystem – limited domestic market, resource constraints, linguistic particularity, and geographic distance from major industry centres, through the first-hand experiences of some of its key stakeholders. Yet micro-markets, like the Maltese one, consistently produce powerful literary voices, innovative publishing models, and distinctive cultural outputs that enrich the international book landscape. 

This seminar moreover offers an opportunity for collaboration, inspiration, and actionable insights to secure a stronger global presence for Malta and will be a stepping-stone for the first-ever Annual Book Conference which will be held in May 2026. The panel will also showcase initiatives spearheaded by the NBC, such as its role as a foreign rights mediator, the Literature from Malta catalogue, and the Malta Book Fund, which have played key roles in elevating Maltese literature internationally. 

In collaboration with Visit Malta (Malta Tourism Authority), the NBC will once again be flying the flag of ‘Authentic Malta’ at the LBF, which positions Maltese literature as a key segment of the island’s culture, history and heritage that can be actively enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Having debuted last year at the NBC stall at the LBF, the collaboration will be extended to additional fairs and events, with both NBC and Visit Malta collaborating to maximise its reach across their respective stakeholders. Also forming part of the Authentic Malta initiative will be Gutenberg Press, thus further strengthening Malta’s reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability while championing Maltese craftsmanship on a global stage.

Local illustrators will also be given a chance to participate at the LBF, thanks to a collaboration between the NBC and Arts Council Malta. Through this initiative, four selected participants will receive a travel and accommodation subsidy and an exhibitor pass to attend the LBF. This initiative seeks to provide a platform for artists to network and participate in the global book market. The deadline for submissions is 5 February 2026 at noon. More information and full submission guidelines may be found here. 

Authors and publishers who booked for a guest pass for the London Book Fair will be able to attend events organised by the London Book Fair, as well as use the stand space by booking one or more slots for meetings. As in the past, the NBC will once again be offering guest passes to all stakeholders on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for applications is 6 February via Submittable. Find out more here. 

The National Book Council looks forward to participating at this year’s edition of the London Book Fair, and to welcoming a varied array of stakeholders who are keen to develop their skills and hone their work for an international market.