Introduction

This year the Book Fair moves to new dates and a new venue: 16-18 April at Earls Court. Also new this year is the UK Young Publisher of the Year (UKYPY) award, which complements the International Young Publisher of the Year (IYPY) award, now in its fourth year. Our programme of Wicked Issues debates continues. And as usual we will be providing international visitors with a space to network, hold meetings and check emails at the International Welcome Point (IWP).

UK Young Publisher of the Year (UKYPY) Award

This new award, developed in partnership with London Book Fair, will recognise the creative, leadership and entrepreneurial ability of a young innovator (25-35 years) in the UK publishing business. Our award is one of 16 under the umbrella of the 18th British Book Industry Awards (BBIA) – known in the trade as the Nibbies. The winners of all awards will be announced at the final night of The Booksellers Association conference in Harrogate on 1 May.

International Young Publisher of the Year (IYPY) Award

This year’s finalists come from Argentina, Egypt, Hungary, India, Malta, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa and Syria. In mid-April the finalists will arrive in the UK for a 10 day visit: a tour of the national publishing industry which will culminate in attending London Book Fair. At LBF the finalists will once again be ‘pitching’ a book from their country which is not yet published in the UK… but there will be a slight twist to their presentation this year: actors will be performing excerpts from the chosen books, and the audience will be able to vote for their favourite international title. The IYPY 2007 winner will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 18 April.

Wicked Issues

Our series of panel discussions went global in October last year when four hot topics – national literatures, literary prizes, free expression is no offence and UK literature today - were debated at the Helsinki Book Fair. At this year’s London Book Fair the following topics will be featured: Growing audiences for live literature; A spotlight on Egypt and Spain through its writers.

And finally

A roundup of our events:
Monday 16 April 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Wicked Issue 1: Growing audiences for live literature (Thames Room);
Monday 16 April 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. IYPY Book Pitches (Thames Room);
Tuesday 17 April 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Wicked Issue 2: A spotlight on Egypt: cultural bridges and the translation of Arabic literature (Thames Room);
Wednesday 18 April 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Wicked Issue 3: Spain through its writers (Wellington Room);
Wednesday 18 April 1 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. IYPY Award Ceremony (Conference Centre)

If you would like to attend any of our events or have any questions or comments about our activities at the Book Fair, please email lbf@britishcouncil.org