Acclaimed US editor Ann VanderMeer to deliver workshop at the Malta Book Festival ‘25

Acclaimed American editor, anthologist and publisher Ann VanderMeer will be among the special guests at the Malta Book Festival ’25, organised by the National Book Council and taking place at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali from 5-9 November. 

Her participation at the largest book-based event on the island further highlights the Festival’s central role is providing unique opportunities for local writers to hone their craft. Aligned with the theme of this year’s Festival – celebrating change and renewal – it is truly a chance to experience ‘Writing Anew’. 

Currently serving as acquiring editor for Reactormag.com, Ann VanderMeer won the prestigious Hugo Award for her stint as the second-ever female editor of Weird Tales – a genre magazine with significant historical pedigree, having first published the likes of HP Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and many others, and which under her purview from 2007 to 2011 moved to represent a modernised scope of this expansive genre. 

Notably, she has also co-edited a number of groundbreaking genre anthologies with her husband Jeff – also a guest at this year’s festival. These include The Weird: A Compendium of Strange and Dark Stories, for which the VanderMeers took home the World Fantasy Award, the Locus Award and a British Fantasy Award; The Big Book of Science Fiction, The Big Book of Classic Fantasy and The Big Book of Modern Fantasy, among others. 

Ann VanderMeer has also taught many writing workshops, including Yale University Writers Conference, Clarion, Odyssey and Shared Worlds (teen writing camp) as well conducting creativity seminars for such varied audiences as the librarians of the state of Arizona and Blizzard Entertainment. 

At the Malta Book Festival, she will be leading a workshop entitled ‘How to Work With Professional Editors’, during which she will encourage participants to deepen their understanding of editing and revision through a series of short lectures and fun, dynamic exercises. 

“We are extremely lucky to have an editor of Ann VanderMeer’s caliber among the guests at this year’s festival – not least because she will be generously sharing her expertise with the public,” National Book Council Executive Chairperson Mark Camilleri said. 

“Anyone involved in the world of publishing at whichever stage of their development will appreciate the importance of editing to ensure that polished manuscripts reach the market – manuscripts where a writer’s full potential is on display. I encourage all aspiring writers to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn precious skills that will take their writing to the next level,” Camilleri added. 

Attendance to ‘How to Work With Professional Editors’, at the Malta Book Festival ‘25 is free of charge, against registration on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested may register here. Kindly note that creating an account with Submittable is mandatory prior to registration.