BLE at the 2025 Franschhoek Literary Festival

Banner for the Franschhoek Literary Festival

For those whose lives revolve around books in some way, the Franschhoek Literary Festival (FLF) is a big event each year. Set in the historic town of Franschhoek, South Africa, the fest ran from 16 to 18 May 2025. Although the Saturday morning started off foggy (almost good enough for a horror movie), the sun eventually greeted us as we made the one-hour drive from Cape Town.

This is our second year attending the fest. We were lucky enough to tag along with our friends and colleagues, Kelly Hendrickse and Caitlin Hancocks. This was also Heinrich’s (our designer and videographer for the day) first time. So, expectations were high.

Table of Contents

    First Impressions

    If you watched the video, you know what we mean when we say “picturesque”. Nestled between the mountains with blue skies, green vineyards, and autumn trees…what more could you want?

    A big sign welcomed us to the fest and, just like last time, the Porcupine Ridge signs were on display everywhere and delighted with their quotes.

    A row of posters displaying quotes about wine
    Porcupine Ridge reminding us of the important things in life.

    Our first stop was the Town Hall/Festival Hub. Although we had digital copies on our phones, we still wanted printed programmes as souvenirs. And since it was almost an hour until our first panel, a browse in Exclusive Books’s pop-up was a must. We picked up copies of Book People by Paige Nick and Unsolicited by Andrea Shaw (hoping for signatures later) and some Richard Scarry’s for donation to the Franschhoek Reading programme.

    Just a takeaway coffee from Woolies’s mobile-scooter-tuk-tuk-coffee-station-thing (as Caitlin commented: “I need one in my life right now.”), and our first panel was about to start.

    A barista making coffee out of a mobile coffee station for customers
    Woolworths getting a lot of attention with their mobile coffee station.

    Thoughts on the Sessions We Attended

    Panel 1: What Publishers Really Want

    Panellists: Marius du Plessis (Mirari Press), Sibongile Machika (Jonathan Ball Publishers), and Robert Plummer (Penguin Random House)

    Facilitator: Mbali Sikakana (NB Publishers)

    Four speakers sitting on a stage, discussing a topic in front of an audience
    FLF panel in the Congregational Church. From left to right: Mbali Sikakana, Marius du Plessis, Sibongile Machika, and Robert Plummer.

    As ex-publishers, how could we resist visiting the world again?

    Mbali did an excellent job of keeping the conversation going and condensing so much information in just an hour. The panel covered the whole publishing process and gave really honest insights into how publishing decisions were made. Points that stood out to us:

    Timing Is Everything

    The average publishing timeline is 9-12 months. Why? Because it involves many, many steps to produce a quality book. So, while a manuscript might be topical when submitted, it’s only going to hit the shelves a year later. Will that hot topic have cooled off by then?

    Sometimes, publishing teams can perform miracles. Robert used In Black and White: The Jake White Story as an example. Commissioned to coincide with the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the final 25,000 words (after the Boks won) were written, edited, and typeset within a week. The championship match was celebrated in October. The book was available in stores in November – and sold 209,000 copies. 

    In comparison, political books have reached saturation. While still important, publishers note that South Africans are fatigued. There’s a stark difference between sales of early books and ones released in the last three years. Plus, media like The Daily Maverick are filling the gap with easier access and constantly updated information.

    Publishing Is Still a Business

    The industry is often described as ‘cultural’. Publishers have a ‘social responsibility’ and strive to give a ‘voice to authors’. All true points. However, this reality also depends on funding and shareholders. A bottom line. This means that manuscripts are sometimes turned away because they’re too niche or the costs don’t justify it.

    One man and two women sitting in a row in an audience, smiling at the camera
    Our team in the audience. From left to right: Heinrich Joubert, Michelle Meyer, and Caitlin Hancocks.

    Editing Still Matters

    The absolute best, most important part? How much publishers still value editors. Whether it’s for developmental editing, language editing, proofreading, or fact-checking, editors still firmly hold their place in the process. One of the panellists even stated that if there is one thing self-published authors should spend good money on, it’s an editor. It took all of our self-control to remain seated instead of giving a standing ovation.

    This comment led us to chat with the panellists afterwards about freelance editing. Absolute gold:

      • Most traditional publishing houses work with freelance editors. And they’re always looking for more. The workload and deadlines make it very challenging to do everything in-house. 
      • Publishing houses have freelance databases. However, just being on the database isn’t enough. You’re one name among many. So, what will make a publisher stop and contact you?
      • Reach out to commissioning editors with your experience and services. If you connect, the publisher may advocate for you to get the job. 
      • Demonstrate your skills by reviewing one of the publisher’s books and writing a report. Point out what you think the book did right and wrong (obviously in a professional way). This shows you’re knowledgeable and can offer value to the process. 
      • Be consistent. Repeatedly proving that you’re skilled, reliable, and willing to learn builds a solid relationship with the publisher. They’ll consider you first for future projects.

    Panel 2: Paper Cuts

    Panellists: Paige Nick (Book People) and Andrea Shaw (Unsolicited)

    Facilitator: Pippa Hudson (CapeTalk)

    Three authors sitting on a stage discussing a topic in front of an audience
    FLF panel in the Old School Hall. From left to right: Paige Nick, Andrea Shaw, and Pippa Hudson. 

    As it turns out, the two panels were great complements to each other. Two sides of the same publishing conversation.

    Paige is a household name, whether for her novels, columns, or The Good Book Appreciation Society. Andrea is a debut author, dipping her toes into the writing and publishing world. Pippa kept up the pace with intriguing questions and funny comments.

    What drew us to the panel in the first place was Book People’s and Unsolicited’s respective premises: 

    “A savagely funny satire about online media and cancel culture, for everyone who thinks books are harmless.” [from Pan Macmillan’s website]

    “Normally quick witted and sharp eyed, Detective Fatima Matthews is being sucker punched by menopause, and that’s not even the half of it. Someone is playing deadly games with a local publisher, there’s a reader found dead with melted eyes and just when she could really use the career boost, her internal polygraph has decided to flatline.” [from Janaca’s website]

    Books about books and publishing? Yes, please!

    However, the authors themselves cemented it. Their passion and absolute love for what they do were inspiring. Also, their honesty. Just as the publishers laid out the challenges, so did Paige and Andrea. Getting your manuscript picked up is difficult. Publishers are inundated with them (though the slush pile room may just be a fable). Not all publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts and some only accept them for a brief window. 

    If you want to succeed:

      • Consistency. Don’t give up and do the best you can.
      • Take constructive feedback on board and do even better next time.
      • Don’t worry about negative reviews. You can’t please everyone.
      • There’s nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it.
    Book signing after the panel.
    Our new prized possessions.

    Meeting of Minds

    If you don’t strike up a conversation with someone at the fest, you’re missing out. Whether you’re bonding over a book, awkwardly gushing to your favourite author, or formally networking, the atmosphere is open for all kinds of interactions.

    In addition to networking with panellists and chatting with authors during signings, we met up with former colleagues and industry professionals Muneebah Osman and Ruby Oldroyd. 

    Two female colleagues posing together for a photo.
    Michelle Meyer and Muneebah Osman

    Reflecting on Our Day at the FLF

    Attending the FLF is almost like being in a dream. The last bits of summer, a romantic setting, literature everywhere, good wine, laughing, and many conversations about books. There’s something so idyllic about it all.

    But when you really look, all of those elements are a veneer, just a coating. Because the actual FLF is more than that. It’s about community. Going to a place where you can interact with like-minded people who know what you’re talking about and can contribute to the conversation.

    Funny as it may sound, many people don’t understand what we do and why we do it. Editor, writer, publisher, reviewer, bookseller, librarian, it doesn’t matter. Literature is a passion that’s unfortunately not on everyone’s radar. So, we come together at literary events to catch up, swap ideas, meet new people, learn something. Because it’s our passion. It’s what we do.

    Will we go again next year? We think you know the answer to that already.

    Tips for Future FLF Attendees

    Based on the two trips under our belts now, we recommend:

      • Sign up for the FLF newsletter to get updates directly. No spam – just everything you need to know to navigate the fest successfully.
      • Buy your tickets early. The workshops especially sell out lightning fast. The FLF releases the programme a few days before tickets go on sale, so you have time to debate and choose. 
      • Arrive early. The fest gets a lot of visitors each day and parking fills up almost instantly. 
      • If you’re hoping to network, research panellists beforehand. You’ll follow discussions better and make a good impression when asking questions. Most panellists stick around for a few minutes afterwards, so you can shake hands, make eye contact, and introduce yourself.
      • Stay hydrated. Despite it being autumn, Franschhoek is still hot (28 degrees this year). So, while walking a lot and taking in the sights, make sure you have water with you. 

    The Franschhoek Literary Festival 2025 Is Another One for the Books

    There’s something about the FLF that sticks with you long after the final panel wraps. Maybe it’s the autumn air, the backdrop of golden vineyards, or the thrill of hearing an author speak the very words you underlined in their book. But more than that, it’s the reminder that while publishing is a tough business, there’s still a deep well of passion driving it all – whether you’re pitching a novel, designing a cover, editing a manuscript, or recommending a favourite read. These moments of connection are what give events like the FLF their real meaning.

    And honestly, that’s why we’ll keep going back. Not for the Instagram-worthy scenery (though we’re not complaining), but because it’s one of the few places where the full spectrum of literary life is on display. It’s messy, inspiring, demanding, and deeply human. 

    If you work with books in any way or just love them enough to wake up early for a panel, this festival is worth the trip. Bring your curiosity, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t be shy to introduce yourself. You never know where a good book (or a good conversation) might lead.

    Blue Leaf Team

    The Blue Leaf Editing team has over 15 years of combined editing, publishing, and book industry experience. We’re passionate about content and storytelling, and sharing our knowledge with others.