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Eyes west for LBF 2007

12.04.07 Joel Rickett

As the world's publishers, agents, scouts and distributors touch down at London's airports this weekend, they will be expecting a seamless and profitable London Book Fair to banish memories of 2006.

The success of next week's show in its new west London home is crucial to the international stature of the UK publishing industry. Territorial rights will be top of the agenda, as globally focused publishing giants and locally minded literary agents continue to struggle over ownership of growing markets such as Canada.

Organisers Reed have made a costly push to get the show right after the barrage of criticisms aimed at ExCeL 2006. A new industry advisory board, headed by Simon Master, has overseen changes in everything from catering to furniture design. Show director Emma House says: "This is the end of a year's long, hard planning. We've had such great support—all the right signs are there."

"The organisers have bent over double to win back hearts and minds," agrees Robin Wood, c.e.o. of Anova. "LBF is the showcase of the UK industry, proving we have both the publishing and the professionalism. Last year just didn't do that."

International agents, publishers and film producers began calling on London offices this week, heating up the rights market. Although the official opening day has been moved back to Monday, the  show effectively kicks off with weekend parties from Faber, William Morris, Granta, and HarperCollins—not to mention the Publishers' Panto.

The figures all run in one direction. Occupying 42,000 sq metres, this year's LBF is 22% larger than the event at ExCeL. Stand space sold has risen 4% (15,438 sq metres), with 1,624 exhibiting companies from 57 countries. Bookings in the new-look International Rights Centre are 4% up on last year, with 537 tables sold.

Reed says pre-registrations are "very strong" but some publishers believe the timing of the event will reduce international visitor numbers. "It is too late for a few Americans and some Europeans," Wood says. "There are going to be good-quality visitors, just not as many of them."

The lack of a Sunday may hit attendance by independents. "We do not have the spare staff sitting around to be out of the shop on a working day," says Ian Nicholson, owner of Alison's of Tewkesbury. But more retailers now open seven days a week, and House says a majority of retailers and the BA backed the move.

The seminar schedule is packed, with nearly 70 sessions. Spanish authors will be much in evidence as the Fair celebrates Spain. There are new pavilions from Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Cataluña and Castilla y Léon.

Joel Rickett London Book Fair

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