Sophie Hannah and Kiera Newmark join speakers at FutureBook Live

Bestselling author Sophie Hannah and Kiera Newmark, deputy director at the STEM & Digital Skills Unit within the Department for Education, are the latest speakers to be announced for FutureBook Live.

Hannah joins the AudioBook stream, where she will talk on a panel about creating original audio content alongside Rachel Mallender, group audio director at HarperCollins, Kate Jones, audio publisher for the English language at audiobooks retailer and publisher Storytel, and Nick Briggs, executive producer of Big Finish Productions.

Earlier this year the bestselling crime author contributed to an Audible-published audio collection, with the short story "Bully The Blue Bear". She has also recently launched her first podcast, "How To Hold a Grudge". She told FutureBook.net this week that: "After books, podcasts are now my main source of information and entertainment. I think it’s a superb genre!"

Newmark will deliver a keynote speech within the EdTech stream on using education technology in schools, colleges and Higher Education institutions. She joins Sir Anthony Seldon, vice-chancellor, The University of Buckingham, and Rose Luckin, professor of learner-centred design, UCL Knowledge Lab.

Newmark is responsible for the Department’s policy on using Education Technology in schools, colleges and Higher Education institutions. Before her current role, she worked on setting up the new regulatory framework for English Higher Education, and was one of the architects of creating the Teaching Excellence Framework—the first assessment framework to assess the quality of University level teaching in the world. She has previously worked in multiple Government Departments, including Cabinet Office and the Department for Business. She has also worked in the private and charitable sectors.

Other speakers announced this week include Joffe Books founder Jasper Joffe, subscriptions specialist John Philips, and Ali Albazaz, founder and chief executive of reader-powered publisher Inkitt,

The full programme can be accessed here, and tickets can be bought here. FutureBook Live takes place on 30th November in London, at 155 Bishopsgate.