Having recently enrolled in an MSc in Publishing, at Edinburgh Napier University, attending my first Edinburgh Literary Salon felt like stepping into a new chapter of my professional, and academic career. The September salon, the first of the academic year, had a focus on literary events in the near future, such as the Radical Book Festival, by Lighthouse Books. This provided a fantastic opportunity to see the industry, beyond the lectures, in practice and in a room full of authors, publishers, and booksellers. Having not attending an event like this prior to starting this degree, to be so warmly welcomed and encouraged to attend felt both inspiring and reassuring. The event was a vital reminder that the publishing industry is more than the production of books, but its a reminder that having such spaces to celebrate work, create connections and share information is what keeps it functioning.
The salon focussed on book festivals local to Edinburgh, including the Portobello Book festival. It was incredibly motivating to hear speakers from Lighthouse Books, and the Portobello Book festival, speak about their events with such passion and enthusiasm. Our tables were filled with informational leaflets, bookmarks, and pamphlets about other upcoming events, promoting women’s fiction, Palestinian solidarity, local talent, queer authors, and many others. The diversity of Edinburgh’s literary scene solidified the importance of having such spaces to celebrate such events.
The Outhouse, a bar just down an alley off Broughton Street hosted the event in their upstairs function room. As the celebration of different identities and experiences were discussed following the speaker’s introduction to their events, I could not help but wonder about accessibility. The function room was up a set of windy stairs, and if there was a way for a wheelchair user to get access to this room, I did not find it very obvious. By promoting such an inclusive, and accessibly industry, I believe events like these should factor in the spaces they are hosted in, and whether they are suitable for people who may struggle with or are unable to use a set of windy stairs. As an able-bodied person, I recognise that as I praise the event for platforming such a diverse range of authors, identities, backgrounds and events, I must not ignore the fact the choice of location does not ensure that the Salon is accessible for everybody. The Salon should consider this and continue its literary community, in a way that ensures everyone has the opportunity to participate.
The hosts mentioned titles that were published by previous cohorts, through Merchiston Publishing, which I found to be incredibly encouraging. To see the work of previous students celebrated at an event like the Edinburgh Literary Salon, made me realise how the industry relies heavily on community. Alongside the warm welcome we received from the minute we arrived, I left the event ready to find my place within the industry. I look forward to attending the Edinburgh Literary Salon again for their October event, however, would urge the concerns over accessibility to be considered. This would ensure the Salon continues their welcoming community and prevents anybody from missing out on such a lovely, inspiring evening.
