Book Fairs Update
Written by Gloria Bailey (International Book Fairs Manager).
It has been a busy start to the year for book fairs—we took publishers to Taipai in February, Bologna in March and, finally, to London in April. If you are thinking about venturing into international markets, there are plenty of opportunities coming up, from fellowship programmes in Frankfurt and Shanghai to big news for the US market as BookExpo and New York Rights Fair join forces…
Why attend Bologna Children’s Book Fair?
This year, the Publishers Association’s collective stand at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair included four of our members: Old Barn Books, Bramble Kids, Button Books and WordUnited. BCBF is the premier world marketplace for children’s books and associated rights. Publishers choose to exhibit with us as we take care of their stand organisation and coordination of their TAP grants. Bologna is the largest children’s book fair in the world and the ideal place to sell rights and meet new creative talent. Unlike some book fairs, Bologna is more relaxed, providing opportunities for passers-by to stop and chat—many publishers have recruited new illustrators, authors and gained new overseas customers through exhibiting at this fair. Our members had some very nice things to say about our service:
“I use the Publishers Association’s service because it takes all the extraneous worry out of exhibiting, allowing me to concentrate on my business. Specifically, I hand all my problems over to Gloria” — Ruth Huddleston, publisher, Old Barn Books.
“Being part of the Publishers Association’s stand takes away so many headaches—Gloria provides advice and support throughout the whole process, liaising with the stand builders, dealing and advising with all manner of problems, helping with applications for those all-important government grants and providing us with refreshments and snacks (which are vital if you don’t have time to stand in a long queue), a fridge, somewhere to hang your cat (and coat) and store your boxes. Her knowledge and support network is invaluable” — Jenny Rosson, International Rights representative for Bramble Kids.
“Exhibiting at the Publishers Association collective stand makes it easy and hassle free, especially for an international fair, as we receive excellent support from the Publishers Association team.” — Dr Hoda Bettley, Director of WordUnited.
2018 Frankfurt Book Fair Fellowship programme open for applications
The Frankfurt Book Fair is once again accepting applications for their Frankfurt Fellowship Programme. The programme focuses on information exchange, professional dialogue, and the creation of networks between young international publishers. Fellows will visit publishing houses and booksellers in three German cities, see market presentations, have match-making events and dinners, and enjoy many networking opportunities.
Call for applications to Shanghai Visiting International Publishers Programme
Applications are now open for China Children’s Book Fair’s exchange programme Shanghai Visiting International Publishers Programme (5 – 10 November 2018, Shanghai)—Asia’s first fellowship project dedicated exclusively to children’s publishing. The programme offers a small group of children’s book specialists (publishing managers, publishers, editors, foreign rights people, literary agents, scouts and other specialists in children’s literature with a strong interest in the Chinese market) the opportunity to gain detailed insight into China’s publishing landscape and visit CCBF. Submit the application form to Carolina Ballester, International Programme Manager.
NYRF and BookExpo joining forces
BookExpo and New York Rights Fair (NYRF) have announced a joint marketing agreement whereby NYRF will become the official Rights Fair of BookExpo starting in 2018. The agreement will allow BookExpo and NYRF to work together to offer the entire publishing industry the perfect gateway to the US publishing market, including increased access to resurgent US bookstores, and more opportunities for rights professionals to embrace the explosion in new media and rights opportunities.
If you’d like more information on the PA’s Book Fair Services, including whether you qualify for TAP funding, visit our website or email Gloria Bailey: gbaily@publishers.org.uk.