PublisHer - Women in Publishing

If publishing were built from scratch today, what would we keep and what would we change? This fast-paced panel convenes women from across the global publishing ecosystem to examine outdated structures, challenge assumptions and share practical ideas for a more inclusive, resilient and future-focused industry that continues to champion the enduring value of books.

This interactive workshop explores how burnout shows up in publishing’s unique work culture and equips participants with practical tools to protect their well-being while maintaining professional excellence.

As global readership declines, women leaders in publishing are at the forefront of protecting and reimagining reading cultures. This panel convenes women from across the global publishing ecosystem to explore how women-led initiatives expand access, shape inclusive narratives and position books as powerful tools for education, equality and long-term social progress.

Book discoverability is harder than ever, in a content-laden world. We'll show you how to use reader behaviour data to build positionings, descriptions and metadata that will boost your book's reach across markets and formats.

Women publishers from the Middle East and South Asia are creating direct publishing corridors through translation, rights exchange, and cross-regional partnerships. This panel explores how women-led initiatives are reshaping literary flows, reducing reliance on traditional hubs, and fostering sustainable cultural and commercial exchange between the regions.

This panel brings together women in publishing taking their first leadership steps. Speakers share candid insights on transitioning from contributor to manager, navigating new responsibilities, building confidence and credibility, and leading effectively. A practical, relatable discussion designed to support women shaping their leadership identity in the industry.

This session presents Herstory , curated by Grazia Gotti for the OFF Fair programme. The exhibition and publishing collection celebrate women who have shaped children’s publishing worldwide, highlighting diverse careers, achievements, and leadership. Attendees will discover the stories and contributions of women driving innovation and excellence in the industry.

An accessible introduction to publishing rights and the fundamentals every publisher should understand. This session explores how collective management works in practice and how it supports publishers in protecting and maximizing the value of their rights.