Breakout Sessions: Bookfairs 101 with Lionel Bender

Editorial Director of book packager Bender Richardson White that for 30+ years produced 1,400+ illustrated nonfiction for publishers in North America. Initiator and Co-chair of the 21st Century Children's Nonfiction Conference that was held annually in NY State. Author, Editor, Publishing Consultant. Gives talks and workshop on aspects of publishing mostly related to illustrated nonfiction and to visiting bookfairs and conference.

 

Lionel Bender presenting Bookfairs 101

Calling book fairs "the driving force of the whole industry," Lionel explains that by book fairs he means "any major event where publishers and other publishing-related businesses and organizations exhibit and sell their products and services." (Not book festivals.)

He's attended one or two book fairs a year for the past 40 years - and thinks it's the best way for us to get ahead and drive our author and illustrator careers forward. While acknowledging that the fairs aren't designed for authors and illustrators to attend, Lionel assures us we can attend with grace.

Top Tip: Speak to everyone you can, at all times, get their business card, and record what was said. Something may just happen!

Lionel shares the international book fairs to consider:

London Book Fair (England, in March)
Bologna Book Fair (Italy, in April) - mainly children's
Livre Paris/Salon du Livres (France, April)
Beijing Book Fair (China, in June)
Frankfurt Book Fair (Germany, in October)
Shanghai Book Fair (China, in November) - mainly children's
Montreuil Book Fair (Paris, France in Nov/Dec) - mainly children's

And the other fairs where publishers and publishing industry organizations exhibit:

Toy Fair (New York, in March)
Comic-Con (moves around, changes month)
National Science Teaching Association (moves around, changes month)
International Literacy Association (National and regional conferences year-round)
American Library Association (National and regional conferences year-round. Not Texas Library Association conference.
American Association of School Librarians (national conference every other year)
Quebec Book Fair (April)
National Council for the Social Studies (Nov, moves around)
National Council for Teachers of English (June, moves around)

While not primarily for authors and illustrators, there's opportunity there. Just one example: Lionel's own book packaging company commissioned more than 150 writers, editors, and illustrators—all of whom he met at book fairs!

One of Lionel's slides, listing things authors, illustrators, and translators can do at these book fairs.

Walk the floor, see what publishers are doing, and talk to everyone you can. For those who are already published, let your publisher know in advance that you'll be at the show--you never know what opportunity might come up!

There's so much more detailed information in this session that's packed—packed—with information!