JK Rowling and Mantel jump in at Bath

Book2Book Monday 19 Nov 2012

Two stars of the literary world - JK Rowling and Hilary Mantel - have signed up to attend The Independent Bath Literature Festival in March.

'All the authors have to muck in and drink the same lukewarm white wine,' says artistic director James Runcie. 'Whether they are first-time novelists or world famous writers, [they] get £150, which is the Society of Authors' recommended rate. We are a democracy here, but at some festivals authors speak to 11 people in exchange for a pack of biscuits. We try to treat all our novelists well'

Independent