Blogger: Etta Wilson
Location: NYC
Weather: Cloudy and warm
Coming back to the Javits Center is both thrilling and a bit scary. From reading the early releases and reading the updates and then reading the last-minute instructions about getting my badge, it’s good to actually see what’s what with my own eyes. First of all, it brings back a lot of memories of people I’ve met here, mostly editors but some complete strangers like the kind woman who stopped her car and gave me a lift all the way up to the West 70s a few years ago. Just another warm-hearted New Yorker, contrary to popular myth.
As I look at the program, it’s obvious that my earlier comments about the expansion of BEA beyond the trade book field were right on. There are a number of seminars appealing to librarians and many library-buyer exhibitors. (Hint, hint to you writers- get to know your librarian and try to make connections between the library and the bookstore. Offer to speak to one of the library book groups or do a presentation at your state library convention. It will certainly mean sales at one place or another.) The big American Library Association national convention takes place later in June, and I wonder how attendance will be there.
Educational publishers’ exhibits are another rather new area I notice in the program. Children’s trade publishers have long had books that were considered “auxiliary” to classroom studies (thanks to the whole language approach started in Australia some 25 years ago), but BEA has rarely offered special space to educational publishers. I suspect they have seen the impact of kids using and selling and re-using and re-selling those high-priced textbooks, not to mention getting what they need on the Internet.
Well, that’s a first glance. I’ve got 4 days to look for just the right homes for our clients’ work and try to learn as much as possible about who needs what. What would you like to know after the show?
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’m eagerly awaiting your upcoming posts on BEA!
Etta, thanks for confirming what I’ve been “preaching”–the library market is growing.
I encourage authors who write books that are most appropriate for public libraries to attend PLA–the Public Library Association Convention. It will be held next March in Portland, OR. A list of state library conferences and national conventions can be found at http://www.ala.org
Enjoy BEA!
Judy
Judy
New trends?
I’ve been reading, for example, about “upmarket” fiction and would love to hear your perspective on such things and how they apply to inspirational fiction of all genres.
I’m curious to know about trends and titles in children’s nonfiction.
Thanks for the updates. I’m glad to know that libraries and media specialists are being incorporated more. They are certainly integral to the industry. One of the biggest blows I ever got as an author was when our entire county library system was closed several years ago. I’m so grateful they’re running again (at least part time) – they are such dedicated people!
Etta, thanks so much for keeping us up-to-date! I look forward to your thoughts and insights over the next few days.
Etta,
We are so delighted having you there to represent us!
Wonderful report. Thank you.
Sending southern wishes, but not our heat your way. Can’t wait to hear about the children’s breakfast or whatever it’s real name is.
Barbara Younger
Lynn, I’m also trying to find a tight definition for “Upmarket” fiction. At this point I know more about what it’s not (e.g., literary fiction or chick lit) than what it actually is. It may have elements of mystery and/or romance but it has broader appeal than those genres. Stay tuned!
Etta