EIBF Introduces New Accommodation Cost Policy for Authors
The Edinburgh International Book Festival (EIBF) has announced that it will, for the first time, ask publishers to cover half of the accommodation costs for participating authors. The decision comes in response to rising operational expenses and the introduction of a new visitor levy in the city.
According to an email viewed by The Bookseller, festival director and CEO Jenny Niven explained that accommodation has become one of the festival’s most significant financial burdens. She noted that EIBF spent roughly £200,000 on lodging in 2025. A figure she believes sets the festival apart from comparable events across England and Wales, where organisers typically do not shoulder such costs.
Niven expressed concern that the continual rise in expenses makes it increasingly difficult to maintain both. The quality and financial sustainability of the annual festival. She also highlighted Edinburgh City Council’s planned 5% visitor levy, set to take effect in July 2026, which the festival is not currently exempt from. EIBF is actively lobbying for relief, she said, which would benefit all parties involved.
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Under the new arrangement, publishers—or imprints, where relevant. It will be asked to contribute 50% of accommodation costs, invoiced after the 2026 festival concludes. With lodging averaging around £330 per night during festival season, the publisher’s share would amount to £165 per night.
Regarding travel, Niven requested continued support in transporting authors from within Great Britain. It preferably by train—and financial contributions for those travelling from overseas. She noted that EIBF collaborates with nearly 20 consulates and cultural organisations and frequently pursues external funding to assist international writers.
Despite the change, the festival will continue to offer a range of services. It including booking authors into partner hotels at the most favourable rates. It ensuring fair and consistent fees for all speakers and chairs, providing hot meals, managing book sales, and issuing complimentary tickets.
The Bookseller reached out to EIBF for further comment.
EIBF has been adapting to financial pressures since ending its long-standing sponsorship arrangement with Baillie Gifford in May 2024. It following concerns over the firm’s fossil fuel investments. Niven acknowledged that while the festival has retained loyal sponsors and attracted new supporters. The additional time and resources required to secure funding present a significant challenge.
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