I am currently available to chair both in-person and online author events. If you’d like to chat about a potential chairing opportunity, please get in touch. 

I spend a lot of time at book events and know how inspiring, entertaining and insightful they can be. 

As an event chair, I love getting the chance to dig a bit deeper into a book, its characters and the writing process with writers and their readers.  

Chairing experience 

I have chaired a variety of book events including the YA Book Prize shortlist panel for Edinburgh International Book Festival, Lighthouse Bookshop’s First Date Festival, Edinburgh International Science Festival, StAnza Poetry Festival, the EU Writers Series, Scotland House, Brussels and several individual author launches. I’ve chaired both individual writer events and panel discussions with multiple authors. Some of my previous book events have embraced unusual formats, including an outdoor afternoon tea and a whisky tasting, so I’m always up for a creative challenge!

I take my preparation seriously and always make sure everyone feels comfortable and happy with the shape of the discussion. But I also know that the best events are fueled by warmth and responding to the moment, giving space for conversation to take flight. I bring valuable insight as a reader, writer and from my work in writer development. I will also embrace every opportunity to fangirl and talk about characters like they’re real people! 

Areas of interest and expertise

I love coming-of-age narratives and I am particularly interested in queer and/or disabled characters. The more queer and chaotic the better! I read a lot of Young Adult and Middle Grade fiction, contemporary fiction (especially romance) and historical fiction, memoir and theatre (scripts or non-fiction). I champion inclusive women’s history and neglected writers (think Persephone Books and Virago). I’m also a huge fan of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters.  

Testimonials

Lynsey was an excellent and enthusiastic chair who asked engaging questions and was able to pivot effortlessly in response to my answers—even my unexpected ones. We had an incredibly meaningful discussion about the historical context of my book, which I think all our attendees appreciated. I had such a wonderful time at my event and would be absolutely delighted if she would host me again! 

Lindz MacLeod, author of The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet  

‘Lynsey chaired the launch event for my novel brilliantly: in a cramped, unusual space, she set the pace and tone with expert questions and effortless charm. Her communication beforehand was excellent, her preparation extensive, and everyone who commented on the evening said how critical she had been to its success — I couldn’t recommend her highly enough.’ 

Martin Stewart, author of Double Proof 

‘Lynsey expertly chaired my children’s book launch. Her research, preparation and excellent communication prior to the event meant her introduction and questions were insightful and perfectly matched the fun tone. She was calming, supportive and encouraging on the day, kept the whole event running to time and was happy to help wherever she was needed. I’ve no doubt Lynsey’s chairing skills contributed to the launch being such a success.‘

Hazel Knox, author of The Night Pixie 

‘It was such a delight to talk to Lynsey about my work. I don’t envy anyone who chairs the author of a series, but she’d really done her homework!  I realised very quickly that I was being chaired by someone who’s passionate about reading, supportive of authors, and who really wanted to make sure the audience got a great introduction to my novels. I felt like I was in really safe hands.’

Claire Askew, author of All The Hidden Truths