The London Book Fair was last week and it was my first time attending the publishing trade fair.
As a bookworm, I'm interested in the publishing industry. I have always found it fascinating how a story can go from the idea to the polished, published book.
Publishing is a competitive industry, much like that of motorsport, and so, when I found out about The London Book Fair, I knew I had to attend.
Fortunately for me, I was able to buy a student ticket for a discounted price, which allowed me to go for all three days of the event.
But what is The London Book Fair?
The London Book Fair, held at the Olympia in West Kensington, is an international publishing trade event. It hosts some of the biggest names in publishing, such as Simon and Schuster, Hachette and HarperCollins, but also smaller, more independent publishers like Boldwood Books.
In attendance, there are also some literary agencies, authors, translators, illustrators and so many other people all involved in publishing. You could attend either as an exhibitor, visitor or student.
I think the fair is predominantly for those in the industry to have meetings, organise contracts, that sort of thing. However, that isn't to say that for a publishing hopeful, it isn't worth it.
If you've read my blog posts before, you will know that I am a writer, currently working on my own novel. Therefore, I attended The London Book Fair in two capacities.
Across the three days, there were seminars hosted by those involved in publishing and those who are an author. I attended some of the Author HQ talks, learning more about different areas of writing, such as Young Adult fiction, and the processes of other authors.
But I also went around the fair and made contacts with fellow publishing hopefuls as well as those who work in the publishing industry.
It was an incredible experience because my knowledge of publishing has grown, I've developed contacts through networking, handed out business cards, was recognised for my motorsport work and most of all, I was able to get an insight into the industry.
Attending the fair did mean that I had to commute for about two and a half hours there and then back each day. But, I travelled with my dad and completing six car journeys, six bus journeys, six train journeys, 18 tube journeys and then six walks over the three days was actually fun.
I was able to get a sense of what commuting to London would be like, and whilst the tubes were heaving - and the Victoria line was so hot - I still had fun.
What did I get up to?
As I mentioned above, I also attended some seminars whilst at the fair. The seminars gave me an opportunity to talk to new people and also expand my knowledge.
In addition to the talks by industry personnel, each day there was an 'Author of the Day'. Unfortunately, I didn't get to attend the first day's talk with Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I did attend the Author of the Day talk on day two, which was Richard Osman.
Now, I have yet to read Osman's books, The Thursday Murder Club series, but those at my book club have. And the series causes some division.
However, listening to Osman discuss his creative process, experience as an author and what to expect from his upcoming novel, We Solve Murders, was utterly fascinating.
Hearing Osman talk about his books was a highlight of the fair as well as meeting new people and attending the careers clinic.
Suzanne Collier, founder of Bookcareers.com, is a formidable woman. Listening to her advice about getting into publishing and attending her careers clinic are two aspects of the fair that stand out to me. I wasn't expecting to be able to receive as much advice on working in publishing and getting into the industry, but the clinic was something that motivated me even more.
When I came home, I made a spreadsheet of all the contacts I'd created and of people I spoke to and exchanged details with. Also, I made a copy of all my notes and began researching the publishing industry in more depth.
I was buzzing each evening when I got home because I couldn't wait to go back the next day. The London Book Fair is the perfect event to go to if you're a publishing hopeful because it gives you great exposure in the industry.
So if you ever have the opportunity to go to The London Book Fair, I highly recommend it.
Until next time...
It sounds like a great event! As a translator with an interest in literary translation, I would have loved to have gone myself, but as I'm no longer a student it would have been rather expensive for me! I'm glad you managed to get so much out of it. 😊
It’s great the book fair proved to be useful in so many ways, and really beneficial too. It sounds like you really made the most of it and didn’t shy from interacting with everyone – whether it be exhibitors or other visitors. It’s opened opportunities up, given you so much help and guidance on understanding the publishing world and assisting you on pursuing a potential career too. Well done, it was a big challenge for you given where it was located and the need to travel so far on so many different levels of transport – but you did it and it most certainly didn’t phase you one bit! And of course, I have to say you made my week…
It sounds like it was an amazing event for you and well worth going! I love Richard Osman books and can’t wait to read the latest one 👍 Hopefully, you’ll have got more out of it than just contacts and insight 🤭 Maybe a possible in the near future 🙏🤞🙏