The bustling hub of London recently played host to the 40th annual Book Fair, from 10 to 14 April.

A leading business, cultural and culinary centre, London donned its best feathers to welcome the best in the food and wine publishing industry. Among more than 1,672 exhibitors were some of the biggest international publishers (Hachette, Macmillan, Penguin and Random House) as well as several big international distributors and printers. The show kicked off with several workshops for the public on how to get published as well as industry events on digital publishing and rights selling.

It was four very busy days with more than 23,000 visitors attending the event. Fortunately, the long hours of serious business transactions were balanced by a myriad of entertainment. While the digital area showcased the latest in tech toys such as iPads and e-readers, various Russian and Chinese publishers entertained us with their vibrant cultures.

We are very excited about our new business connections and look forward to report on exploring new territories!

                                         Wiley’s stall set up for rights negotiations.
 
Charity
 
At the end of book fair, there are always hundreds of books left over. What to do with them?? UK based Book Trade Charity assist people from the publishing trade, who are currently unemployed or have been made redundant to regain access to the jobs market.

Their stand at the LBF 2011 collected all the remainder books from authors, publishers and distributors, shipping it to their warehouse for re-distribution. All funds collected by the sale of these books go towards the funding of the reintegration process.

We wish them well and will continue our support of this very important work at London Book Fair 2012.

Publisher Elmari Swart with CEO David Hicks of the Book Trade Charity in London.