London Book Fair

The London Book Fair is one of the world’s most significant book-publishing events. Unlike many other book fairs around the world which are open to the general public, the London Book Fair is an event specifically designed for professionals working in or associated to the publishing industry.

The history of the London Book Fair began in 1971, when British publisher Lionel Leventhal organized the Specialist Publishers Exhibition for Librarians in order to give small publishers a platform to showcase their titles to librarians. The first event was a success and Leventhal decided to make it a regular affair. As the exhibition grew in scope and importance, it was officially renamed the London Book Fair.

What started as a modest event for small publishers has grown to become a mecca for publishers of all sizes, booksellers, literary agents, librarians, and other professionals from over 100 countries. The fair features over 1,700 international exhibitors and attracts about 25,000 attendees, all of whom are somehow related to the publishing industry.

As we’ve already mentioned above, the London Book Fair is an industry only event. Its main goal is to provide a platform for rights negotiation and the sale or distribution of content. Publishing professionals come to London to network, learn, publicize their upcoming titles, sell and purchase subsidiary and translation rights.

The program of the London Book Fair includes a wide range of events and activities including business meetings, presentations of new titles, award ceremonies, and an assortment of seminars and workshops dedicated to current trends and issues in the publishing industry.

The fair hosts two award ceremonies. The International Excellence Awards are held in partnership with The Publishers Association. They celebrate achievements in publishing and related activities outside the United Kingdom. The Trailblazer awards are held in partnership with the Society of Young Publishers. They celebrate publishing professionals from the UK under the age of 30 who are demonstrating innovation in the book industry.

One of the main highlights of the London Book Fair is the Market Focus Program that showcases one particular country or region, putting the spotlight on its publishing industry. Past Market Focus countries and regions have included Poland, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, China, Turkey, South Africa, India, and the Arab world.