With the New Delhi Book Fair 2013 concluding in the month of August, this is a rundown on the biggest book fairs of the world. This years major international book fairs will see publishers focusing upon readership for both digital and print media. They will primarily focus upon new e-reading devices and greater importance would be given to releasing titles as e-books as well. Book fairs are not just a celebration of literature, but also movies, video games etc.
1. Frankfurt Book Fair, Germany
With its legacy being 500 years old (it started around the same time as the invention of the printing press), Frankfurt book fair is one of the largest gatherings of publishers and authors. It will be held in the month of October from 9-13. The 2012 fair hosted over 7,300 exhibitors from around 100 countries, attracting 281,753 visitors. Unlike BookExpo America (BEA), the Frankfurt book fair also opens its door to the general public. This years guest of honour is Brazil.
2. London Book Fair, UK
The London Book Fair is the leading spring book event in Europe, with the Frankfurt Fair dominating the second half of the year. While the event spotlights the UK publishing industry — the second-largest in the world for English-language books — it also attracts up to 25,000 visitors from 130 countries around the world.The guest of honour for 2013 is Turkey.
3. Beijing International Book Fair, China
BIBF has been held 18 times since its inception in 1986. It is now a major international publishing event incorporating copyright trade, book trade, cultural events, displays, consultation services and professional networking. The fourth day of the event is traditionally open for the general public. This years guest of honour was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
4. BookExpo America (BEA), USA
It is the largest annual book trade fair in the US. The fair is an opportunity to showcase upcoming titles, sell current books, socializing with colleagues from other publishing houses, and selling and buying subsidiary rights and international rights (although not on the scale of the rights negotiation that occurs at the Frankfurt Book Fair). It is also the largest English-language book fair in the world.
5. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, UAE
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, a leading book fair for the Middle Eastern market organized in part by the Frankfurt Book Fair, boasts half a million titles on display and hosts the International Prize for Arabic Fiction and Sheikh Zayed Book Awards. The 2013 focus will be on digital publishing, applications and technology.
6. Salon du Livre, Paris
The Paris Book Fair boasted 1,200 exhibitors with 40 countries represented at its 2012 edition, having refocused on a shortened exhibition period and now working to accommodate small and first-time exhibitors alongside established players. Barcelona and Romania are the guest of honour for 2013.
