First Visit To The London Book Fair – What To Expect

First Visit To The London Book Fair – What To Expect 

My visit to the London Book Fair on Tuesday 17th April was interesting. It was my first visit, so I was not quite certain what to expect. Despite my train arriving 45 minutes late, I had a pleasant time wandering around the Fair. 

As a newbie I was somewhat shocked, by the number of stallholders/employees more interested in looking at their mobile phones than attempting to talk with me, and this was prevalent throughout small and large stalls. What a wasted opportunity and demonstrated a lack of commitment from people who clearly would have preferred to be elsewhere. Owners had invested substantial funds in the stall, books and promotional materials. 

When I asked what a firm did and offered authors, some employees were unable to answer basic questions and had to refer to colleagues and told me that I should have made an appointment three months ago. 

I spoke to one author who had taken a stall to promote her series of books, it was also her first time and she said that that she had wished that she hadn't, as it had tied her to one locations with little opportunity to promote her books to others who were there. 

I then asked at the enquiries desk where would I find literary agents and was directed upstairs. This was a closed area for those that had pre-arranged interviews. All I wanted was a general chat about what they do and what services they offer. A lady did helpfully explain the system, however as this was my first time made me realise that I needed to have planned my visit.

It had been my intention just to have a general look around and talk with people. There were also many talks being given and as my time was limited, decided to explore and would in future use it as a learning opportunity. 

Before going, I had considered putting my titles in the new title section. The stand was located at the farthest point from the main entrance. Save for an Author who was promoting and signing her books, there was no-one in sight, either to answer questions, or to monitor the shelves. I may have picked the wrong ten minutes to view. No-one was looking at these books either.

There were some really helpful people and I picked up a lot of information leaflets, which I read on the four hour journey home. 

One such booklet was the "My Fair Planner" for the Frankfurter Buchmesse Fair in Frankfurt in October (www.book-fair.com) 

It outlines that you will meet the entire industry in one place (when they are not on their phones) and will introduce you to new trends and business fields and there is "no better place" for learning and networking. 

They suggest a seven step plan to: 

1. Find out what is on offer and what is of interest to you. To do this you need to check out the catalogue in advance of attending (www.book-fair.com/exhibitorscatalogue ). Use it as a meeting place and attend forums. (Forum Education ) 

2. Register for training offers through the Frankfurt Academy's knowledge and networking opportunities.(www.book-fair.com/academy) 

3. Register as a trade visitor to gain access on all days. 

4. Arrange appointments with targets well in advance for a 15 minute or 30 minute appointment. 

5. Create your own personal plan for the Fair in advance (if I had only known!) 

6. Buy an advance ticket to save on costs and issue time. 

7. Organise travel and accommodation. 

This is all good advice and I would in future takes such steps, now that I have a much better idea what is on offer.