IMC 2025 Interview: Bookfair Exhibitor Clare Litt

As IMC 2025 draws closer, and the administrative team pull together the nuts and bolts of the conference, we would like to take a moment to share and celebrate the IMC voices of those who make valuable contributions to the congress. We know that IMC would not be the incredible, immersive experience that it is without the contributions and efforts of every delegate, bookseller, artist, craftsperson, performer, and events/excursions leader at the conference.

In our latest interview feature, we had a conversation with the lovely Clare Litt, who is the Senior Commissioning Editor for Classics & Medieval Studies at Liverpool University Press (LUP), and one of our staple Bookfair Exhibitors. Clare is always seen smiling and chatting to delegates at the famous IMC Bookfair in Parkinson Court.

How did you first learn about the IMC?

"LUP has attended the IMC for many years; many moons ago we would have heard about it from authors and other publishers."

How many International Medieval Congresses have you attended?

"At least 10 (the press)."

What has been your best purchase or sale?

"The Translated Texts for Historians new in paperbacks always sell very well."

What do you wish you had known before your first IMC?

"How busy the Monday and Tuesday always are."

What is your favourite thing about the IMC?

"The mix of people from all over the world and the genuine enthusiasm people have to see the books."

What was the best interaction you’ve had at the IMC?

"Too many to count! From a commissioning viewpoint, lots of fruitful author meetings. From a sales standpoint, seeing the genuine pleasure people gain from buying the books they want."

Most surprising thing you’ve learnt at the IMC?

"We’ve been surprised (and pleased) at the growth in attendance of historians of late antiquity in recent years."

How has the IMC helped you?

"It has helped us grow our profile as a publisher in medieval studies and to commission books."

What keeps you coming back to the IMC?

"As mentioned above!"

Describe the IMC in 3 words

"Vibrant, productive, fascinating."