BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus): back with impressive line-up of events

BolognaBookPlus aims to reach a general publishing audience via a three-day exhibit, training and conferences – among other opportunities – taking place alongside the acclaimed Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF) from March 6-9, 2023. Working closely with the Bologna team, BolognaBookPlus is led by Jacks Thomas as Guest Director, supported by a UK team.

What’s in store?

Building on the success of the first in-person event last year, BBPlus – the brand extension to BCBF for general publishing – is back with an exciting offering of exhibits; training events; networking; training conferences; Author Ambassador; seminar programme; hosted bookseller and publisher programmes, plus the inaugural Market of Honour, Greece. BBPlus serves the adult, general trade publishing industry and is organised in collaboration with the Italian Publishers’ Association (AIE). Also new this year is an Italian publishers’ pavilion.

The conferences…

The training conferences start with an event on the eve of the fair, Sunday 5th March: How to Sell Rights and Understand Licensing in Children’s Books. This delivers a comprehensive, informative list of the knowledge and skills required to make the most of titles through rights selling. The second training event Writing and Self Publishing, is now a two day event, where day one focuses on the craft of writing and day two on how to self-publish in Italy in abroad. It includes experts on different genres, including writing for screen; finding the best route for the book; marketing, and a unique overview of the platforms available. Call Your Agent: How to Become a Successful Literary Agent, is the third training event, which this year includes a session on the role of scouts who play an essential role in international publishing.

First Market of Honour…

BBPlus is delighted to welcome its first Market of Honour – Greece whose vibrant and longstanding publishing output will be showcased through a variety of lively and informative exhibits and content programming. This is a great opportunity to enjoy everything that the rich contemporary publishing industry, Greek authors and main players have to offer. Daily ‘meet the author’ sessions will take place on the Greek pavilion, and there will be ample opportunity for networking and doing business. There will be lots of opportunity to learn more about the GreekLit Translation grant and to learn more about the great Greek literary translators.

Author Ambassador…

The 2023 Author Ambassador for BolognaBookPlus is Loyd Grossman. Loyd is an entrepreneur, author and broadcaster, well-known for presenting TV programmes including MasterChef and Through the Keyhole. He will feature in several events at the fair.

The seminars…

The seminar programme will again deliver an enticing coverage of current important industry themes, including AI; translation; sustainability; reading habits; European book markets; bookselling; illustration and design, and more.

Book Jacket showcases…

The two book jacket showcases return: Jackets Off considers different iterations and designs of the contemporary classic 1984, George Orwell. Jacket Design: The Best of the Best, this year focuses on the talent in the Market of Honour, Greece. BBPlus is also thrilled to be working in partnership on rich programme of illustration seminars with The Folio Society whose commitment to illustration and design of beautifully produced books is unrivalled. Among other things, there will be the chance to learn more about their annual Book Illustration Awards and to meet their publisher and art directors.

All in all, BolognaBookPlus is must-attend destination for general publishing professionals, aspiring authors and all those interested in illustration for the general publishing community.