Imagine a huge empty space. No, imagine two huge empty spaces connected by a wide corridor. Then fill the space with colourful banners hanging from the ceiling, a Manhattanesque grid of row upon row of “stalls”, each with it’s own colourful banners, walls of books, little round tables and wooden chairs for those all-important tete-a-tetes. Then fill the space with the widest range of people imaginable, all languages, all modes of dress, some meandering around lost in a blur, some striding purposefully talking on their mobiles. Got it? Then place me smack in the middle, turning around and around and wondering what am I doing here? That, in essence, is the London Book Fair. Make no mistake, this is a trade fair, THE trade fair for the publishing industry, and although they have made room for organizations like the British Council, PEN, Authors House where anyone can go and listen to lectures on everything from cooking demonstrations to publishing in the digital age, the real reason to go is to do deals. Agents meet with publishers. Publishers meet with book sellers. And the role of the author is minimal, unless you are the intrepid type who endeavors to sell your own wares. So, it would have been very easy for me to walk in, ramble up and down the aisles for an hour never talking to anyone, and then walk out again.
Yet it was more than that for me, but for a reason that had little to do with the fair itself. The fair, actually, turned out just to be an excuse to meet up with some people I have come to know through blogging. And THAT was fantastic. The London Book Fair gave me the chance to spend a few hours with
DJ ( a fellow bluechromer), and the “Novel Racers,”
JJ,
Helen and
Leigh. We wandered around getting lost. We descended upon the Moleskine booth only to be told we absolutely could not buy anything — a huge disappointment, and a crazy missed opportunity for the Moleskine people. We ate very mediocre sandwiches and drank too much coffee. One of us had a beer 🙂 But it was great fun, and for me, a real thrill to meet some of these people whom I feel I have come to know a bit through their blogs. We are all either taller or shorter than we had imagined, but otherwise I felt like I was among friends, real friends, and that in itself is the greatest advert for the Fair. I suppose we all could have met in a museum or a pub, but it is the Fair that brought us all together and gave us the chance to talk nonsense and talk shop.
Oh, and there was one more thing….One of the exhibits there was the “New Title Showcase.” A huge wall of books, all prominently displayed face forward, all listed in a catalogue complete with a blurb about the book, the author, the publisher, contact details etc. When I found out that it was being organized I had to decide whether I would want to take part. I knew it would be down to me to arrange for it and to pay for it, and it wasn’t at all clear whether it would drum up any business for
Tangled Roots or do any good at all. But I knew myself well enough to know that if my little book wasn’t there, I’d kick myself. So I filled out the form, sent my check
and a copy of the book and wondered what would happen. Well, it was a thrill (maybe I’m easily thrilled) and you can see me there, standing in front of my book prominently displayed on it’s shelf (the helpful man even brought it down a shelf so it would be easier to photograph). JJ herself took the picture, and then later I forced everyone else to go take a look. So, yes, that was exciting, as was the fact that I spent the day walking around with a badge clipped to my chest that said
“Sue Guiney: Author.” Like I said, I’m easily thrilled.
So I suppose, like so many other things, the London Book Fair was terrific but for different reasons than I would have thought. And you know, there really was no need for me, or any of us, ever to feel intimidated by it. If you’re interested in writing and you happen to be in London, by all means go. But arrange to meet up with your friends, and don’t go hungry!
and a copy of the book and wondered what would happen. Well, it was a thrill (maybe I’m easily thrilled) and you can see me there, standing in front of my book prominently displayed on it’s shelf (the helpful man even brought it down a shelf so it would be easier to photograph). JJ herself took the picture, and then later I forced everyone else to go take a look. So, yes, that was exciting, as was the fact that I spent the day walking around with a badge clipped to my chest that said “Sue Guiney: Author.” Like I said, I’m easily thrilled.
Fancy not being able to buy Moleskine there. Madness:-)
Glad you had a lovely time meeting up with the gals and I love the photo:-)
This puts me in the right frame of frame of mind for Book Expo America, where I will be authorial plankton in a sea of deal-making sharks and whales.
Sounds like you all had fun.
Just wish tickets were cheaper, then I would have joined you.
Cx
Sounds good.
Like you I’d be easily thrilled.
Tell me, what’s Moleskine?
Glyn
Lane: Not only couldn’t you buy any, but the woman at the booth, when we pushed her, said – well, it’s not all about making money. I don’t know if that makes me happy or sad…
JD: You’ll have to blog about that experience, too. I think the best thing to do is pretend you’re going to Disneyland – no one cares that you’re there, they’re too busy dealing with their own sensory overload.
Cathy: Yea, I thought the price was pretty steep. If you were to be there all day every day, that would be one thing. But just to drop in for a few hours was a lot. Maybe it shows that they assume businesses and not individuals are buying them.
Glyn: OMG, where have you been? they are gorgeous notebooks in all sizes and permutations, with leather covers and black elastics to hold them closed. check out http://www.moleskines.com (actually, I always thought they were called “moleskins” and always worried about what little animal they were killing off…
Never be afraid to ask if you don’t know. My wife and daughter went into hysterics when I asked what pilates were, pronounced as in the judge of Jesus. This year is a glut of moles in our garden and you don’t see many moleskines for sale at the local boulangerie!
love Glyn
I had such a great time yesterday. An enourmous room filled with all things bookish…my idea of heaven! Shall we go to the Dubai book fair next time 😉
Easily thrilled? But why? It sounds totally and wonderfully thrilling! Lovely pic… so cool.
DJ: Dubai? Yes. New York? Yes! Today, london. Tomorrow, the world!
Tania:Thanks, but I am a bit silly — I’ve kept my “Sue Guiney-Author” badge and it’s on my office book shelf! A bit sad, i think 🙂
Not at all! Its fab, and I have one too, Vanessa Gebbie, Writer and Teacher it says, and that was the first time I’d had a badge that said so. It is on a red ribbon and hangs in my study. twit, arent I?!