Tandem Collective to host inaugural showcase of independent presses

Marketing agency Tandem Collective is set to host its first live virtual showcase to support independent presses and their authors.

Chaired by the YouTuber Leena Norms on the evening of Thursday 4th May via Zoom, the 90-minute event will showcase a range of authors in discussion with one another on a specific theme, in 10-minute panels. As part of the evening, there will be a short introduction from each publisher.

Presses and authors taking part in showcase include: Oneworld Publications, with Josh Silver, Pim Wangtechawat and Onyi Nwabineli; SRL Publishing, with Tom Lloyd, Robert Welbourn and Nicky Shearsby; Scribe UK, with Matilda Leyser and Viola Di Grado; And Other Stories, with Hanne Ørstavik; Canelo, with Amanda Cassidy; Granta, with Sandra Newman; and Guppy Books with Louisa Reid.

Tandem will be supporting the event with a VIP mailing to creators to drive ticket sales, and with community outreach via Instagram and TikTok. The showcase will also be promoted via Tandem’s blog and newsletter. Trackable links will be shared throughout the event to drive on-the-spot sales, either directly with the publisher or via www.bookshop.org. Tandem is also offering all the participating publishers one of their trademark "Readalongs" on a complimentary trial basis.

Naomi Bacon, founder of Tandem Collective, said: “Since starting Tandem, it was always my aim to provide the same services to the small and indie presses as to the Big Five publishers. Over the course of the past few years we have been offering affordable marketing solutions to the indies who are working with smaller budgets. In the spirit of Tandem’s togetherness, and in line with our values, we are bringing the indies together in one big showcase event. Our wonderful community is fully behind us in celebrating these publishers, which are hugely important to the industry.”

Nicola Piggot from Canelo added: "We’re delighted to be collaborating with Tandem Collective on this event and have the chance to engage with the reading community to showcase the importance of indie publishers and raise awareness for our authors and imprints. Book lovers are in for a treat with the fantastic line-up of author panels that Tandem Collective have curated and it’s great to see our breakthrough author Amanda Cassidy on the crime panel." More information can be found here.