Bellos and Shukla amongst international literature showcase line-up

Authors including Alex Bellos, Frances Hardinge and Nikesh Shukla will take part in this year’s International Literature Showcase (ILS).

Run by Writers’ Centre Norwich and the British Council, ILS promotes UK writers and organisations around the world through events, special commissions and an online platform over a period of 10 months. The platform will host editorials, podcasts and talks from literary festivals featuring writers such as Benjamin Zephaniah and Malorie Blackman.

ILS selected 80 authors and 50 literary organisations to take part out of 369 applicants. As well as Bellos, Hardinge and Shukla other participants include Sarah Howe, Liz Berry, Max Porter and Malika Booker.

The full list of those taking part will be announced at the London Book Fair in March.

Chris Gribble, chief executive of Writers’ Centre Norwich, said: “We are thrilled to unveil the first selection of writers and organisations to benefit from this year’s International Literature Showcase – a group so packed with talent it underscores yet again the vibrancy of our national creative output.”

The organisers claim that 92% of the writers who took part last year are now considering new international work because of their involvement. More than three-quarters (76.9%) are developing active plans.