All the Fun of the (Book) Fair
As we head into London Book Fair week I thought it might be useful to say a little bit about what the fair is and who it’s for – especially as I’ve seen a few as yet un-agented authors asking on twitter and in writers’ groups whether it’s worth going.
I absolutely think there are benefits to authors in being at a book fair. It’s a great way to see how big, busy and varied the publishing industry is – walking the main halls you’ll get an amazing overview of the various houses (from the giants like Hachette and PRH to the smaller indies and niche specialists). There’s also a brilliant programme of talks and seminars to help you learn more about the publishing process. These cover a wide range of topics, from marketing and promotion to digital publishing and self-publishing. Plus, attending these events can provide valuable insights into the current trends and issues in the industry, and can help you to better understand how to position yourself and your work. And, it can be a great chance to meet up with other authors – either those you know from social media or new contacts you make at these events to broaden your support network as you work towards publication.
What a book fair really isn’t is an opportunity to find an agent.
Primarily, the book fair is for industry professionals to meet with each other to discuss ongoing business as well as maintain relationships and make new contacts. We are, in general, fully booked with appointments well ahead of the start of the fair and don’t have any space in our schedule (sometimes, not even for lunch – I only have myself to blame!).
Personally, and I say this with a little apprehension, sometimes it feels like we’re not meant to admit this stuff…the book fairs (London, Bologna and Frankfurt are the big three for UK publishing) fill me with anxiety. I’m an introvert (as are a lot of industry professionals – a lot of us were the bookish kids who sat quietly and read books…). I don’t do well without a bit of alone time and the book fairs are the absolute opposite of that. Agents and editors will be on a speed dating on, well, speed, schedule – back to back meetings of 30 minutes each from first thing in the morning to the end of the day… and then it’s likely they’ll be on to some sort of evening function or networking meal. There is no down time and by the end of the fair I am usually a broken husk of a person in need of a quiet room and absolutely no conversation.
Every year an author or two will find their way into the International Rights Centre, where agents sit in lines of tables waiting for editors to join them, and try to pitch their book.
I beg you, please don’t do this.
If you do happen to find an agent at their table without someone sat opposite them it’s likely that will be the only spare minute or two they have for most of the day (in which they also need to nip to the loo, grab a coffee, respond to a client email, follow up on something from an earlier meeting etc etc). This is not the way to start a positive relationship with an agent. Look out for initiatives from agents and other organisations that are specifically designed to help you meet agents.
I don’t want to discourage anyone from visiting the book fair – it’s an exciting, buzzy and energetic place for a book lover to be. But, It’s important to manage your expectations. While there may be some author-focused talks and events, the fair is not the place to network with agents or editors. Instead, focus on learning and gaining experience.