Founder Selina Brown Expands Black British Book Festival After Indie Roots

The Reader Times desk 28 October 2026 Based on Alliance of Independent Authors reporting

Engraved illustration of a library room with a study desk, shelves and warm light. — Editorial illustration for The Reader Times.

Selina Brown, founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival, says the event has grown from an indie‑author launch in 2021 to a Europe‑wide celebration backed by a Penguin deal.

Selina Brown founded the Black British Book Festival (BBBF) in 2021 while she was still publishing independently.

Since its debut, the festival has become Europe’s largest showcase of Black literature, drawing authors, readers and industry professionals from across the continent.

Brown, who now serves as CEO, recently secured a publishing partnership with Penguin, a move she says will help broaden the festival’s reach.

She also highlighted ongoing challenges with data collection on sales and audience demographics, noting that current figures remain insufficient for fully understanding the market.

The festival continues to emphasize direct sales to readers, a strategy Brown pioneered during the event’s early years.