According to the Association of American Publishers, book sales in 2009 have been up 1.9 percent compared to last year. That’s good news for retailers and authors alike. But what does the future of publishing look like?

A distinguished panel of nonfiction writers sets out to explore “The Next Page in Book Publishing” on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Kelly Writers House, part of the writing hub’s slate of Homecoming events. Several prominent alumni will be on hand to read from their work and then debate the future of the book business: Vanity Fair contributing editor and author of “Friday Night Lights” Buzz Bissinger (C'77); author and The Washington Post Book World contributing editor and mysteries editor Dennis Drabelle (G'66, L'69); Matthew Algeo, (C'88), a radio reporter and author of “Last Team Standing”; David Borgenicht (C'90), a publisher and editor; and moderator Stephen Fried (C'79) a five-time author.

Advance registration is not required for the event, but seats will fill up quickly. The time is TBA. RSVP to whhomecoming@writing.upenn.edu or call (215) 746-POEM. For more information, visit the KWH website: www.writing.upenn.edu/wh/.