64th edition 5 - 8 April 2027 | Bologna - Italy
64th edition 5 - 8 April 2027 | Bologna - Italy
The publishing world is undergoing a period of profound transformation and, with it, the role of the author is also changing. Today, writing means dealing with new publishing methods, a more complex market, digital tools, and issues such as visibility, rights and the financial sustainability of creative work.
Now in its second edition, WritersLab reaffirms its position as the international forum at BolognaBookPlus entirely dedicated to authors of fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, specialist books and self-published works. The project was inspired by a clear vision: to recognize writing as a profession in all its forms, offering authors practical opportunities to navigate the contemporary publishing system.
Following the success of the first edition, which marked an important milestone in the dialogue between authors and the publishing industry — with a round-table discussion that brought together publishers, distributors, booksellers and platforms for the first time in a structured debate on the future of the profession — WritersLab returns with an even richer and more diversified programme.
During BolognaBookPlus, WritersLab is hosting:
The events are designed to offer practical content and useful tools, focusing on the real-world experience of those working in the industry and the actual needs of authors.
Highlights of WritersLab are the Indie Authors Book Jacket Awards, two prestigious prizes that celebrate the exceptional quality and creativity of independent authors.
Self-publishing has now established itself as a vital component of the publishing landscape: by 2025, the United States had surpassed 3.5 million self-published titles, whilst in Italy, self-publishing accounts for 16.1 per cent of total output, with over 26,700 titles. In such a competitive market, the cover is the first point of recognition: it must captivate, communicate and represent.
The awards ceremony will take place during the fair, with coverage on the official channels of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair and the opportunity for winners to exhibit and sell their works at the Self-Publishers’ Bookshop at the Turin International Book Fair.
Taking part in WritersLab means coming into direct contact with the publishing industry: publishers, agents, distributors, booksellers and platforms are all waiting to meet you and exchange ideas with you. The workshops and meetings are designed to provide you with practical tools and skills that you can put to immediate use in your professional career, whilst the Indie Authors Book Jacket Awards offer an international showcase for your work and creativity. You’ll have the opportunity to join a community, sharing experiences with other authors and professionals and building relationships that can make a real difference to your career. Above all, you’ll experience the fair not simply as a visitor, but as a key player at one of the most important international publishing events.
WritersLab is the hub for writers and publishers, the ideal place to meet authors of all genres, discover new talent and build lasting relationships. Associating your brand with this innovative project means positioning yourself at the forefront of a shift that is redefining the relationship between authors and the publishing industry. In a constantly evolving market, understanding the needs and potential of writers — regardless of their chosen publishing model — is a competitive advantage you cannot afford to ignore. And all this takes place within a global showcase such as BolognaBookPlus, where your company can be seen by thousands of industry professionals.
If you write, BolognaBookPlus is the place to be.
And WritersLab is the space where authors’ voices are heard.
In partnership with Argentovivo and FUIS, Federazione Unitaria Italiana Scrittori
