February 3
Oslo, Norway

Welcome to an event in Oslo with Norwegian and German authors: "You Have a New Friend Request!"

In late summer 2024, three Norwegian and three German authors were paired together. Since the autumn, they have exchanged letters about writing, daily life, the world, and life itself.
They met in person for the first time in Leipzig in October, where they shared their thoughts and letters with an attentive and inspired audience. Now, they are bringing this unique literary exchange to Oslo and readers in Norway are invited to meet the authors and hear their perspectives on the world and the future.

Meet the three Norwegian authors Peter F. Strassegger, Kristin Vego, and Helene Imislund in conversation with Matthias Jügler, Kristina Schilke, and Janin Wölke.
Moderators: Andrine Pollen and Oliver Møystad (NORLA).

Location: Cappelen Damm, Akersgata 47/49, Oslo
Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 18:00–19:30
Admission: Free

See the Facebook event (in Norwegian only)

The event is organized by NORLA in collaboration with Sächsischer Literaturrat, Goethe-Institut, and the two publishing houses Gyldendal Norsk Forlag and Cappelen Damm.

This concept was originally created by the Netherlands and Flanders when they were Guest of Honour at the Leipziger Buchmesse in 2024. It is now being carried forward as Norway takes on the Guest of Honour role in March 2025.

Upcoming activities

October 23
Krakow, Poland

New Voices Authors at a book trade meeting in Krakow

The participants in NORLA’s New Voices program will this autumn put into practice what they have learned during the workshops, and meet publishers and/or readers in real life. The goal is to support the sale and dissemination of their books into more languages – on the way to Bologna.

During the International Book Fair in Krakow, NORLA is hosting a book trade meeting featuring presentations by New Voices authors Arne Lindmo, Gøril Sæther, and Pernille Radeid. In addition, Norwegian agents will meet with representatives from the Polish publishing industry.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Warsaw.
November 14-November 16
Shanghai, China

Norwegian Participation at the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair

NORLA is taking part in the Shanghai Children’s Book Fair with a stand designed for meetings and professional networking. The two illustrators/authors Øyvind Torseter and Marianne Gretteberg Engedal (Skinkeape) will participate in the fair’s professional program and panel discussions. Both also serve on the jury for the Norwegian illustration exhibition at Bologna 2026.
In addition, several Norwegian publishers/agents will take part.

The initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Consulate in Shanghai.
December 2-December 5
Rome, Italy

Networking Event and Launch of the Guest of Honour Program during the Rome Book Fair Più libri più liberi

The book fair Più libri più liberi is dedicated to small and medium-sized publishers, and NORLA is looking forward to participating for the second time – focusing on Norway’s Guest of Honour initiative at Bologna 2026 and on Norwegian children’s literature in general.

And just like last year, we are hosting a networking event and gearing up for Bologna 2026 by launching the Guest of Honour concept and program. Also, Norwegian agents will take part in the fair’s fellowship and/or be present in the rights centre.

The program is organized in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Rome.