OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Last year at the London Book Fair 2012, I felt like authors were on the periphery and barely acknowledged.
We skulked around the edges at some of the learning seminars but the main event was very firmly focused on the publishing industry side. Self-publishing had not really become acceptable in the industry in the UK this time last year either.
How things have changed!
How has the Book Fair changed for authors?
At LBF 2013, there was a lot more going on for authors and the atmosphere was positive and upbeat. You know I'm a glass half full person, but I really do think the industry attitude has changed towards authors and self-publishing.
The Authoright Author Lounge in the Digital Zone was packed out for every session, with security guards turning away people because the crush was a fire hazard. I did hear (unsubstantiated) rumors that 25% of attendees were actually authors and hopefully that means an even better event next year with more space allocated to the growing number of authors who want to learn more about the industry.
The Love Learning seminar track included a number of sessions for authors. I gave a 1 hour seminar on Advanced Marketing For Authors and was thrilled to have a packed out room.
I truly believe that only last year, it would have been impossible for an independent author to be ‘allowed’ to speak at the premier publishing industry event. I talked openly about keywords and metadata, email marketing and principles around social media and platform. For the graveyard shift at the end of the Fair, it went really well.
In this video, I interview indie author and founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors Orna Ross, NY Times bestselling thriller author
CJ Lyons, BookBaby President Brian Felsen and Gareth Howard, Authoright PR about how things have changed for authors at the Book Fair. Watch below or on YouTube here.
Meeting the top self-publishing distributors
Amazon Createspace and KDP had an ever-busy stand with authors queuing up to ask questions of the helpful team, but the Digital Zone was dominated by Kobo, who launched the marvelous new Aura device on Monday. They also had an author-in-residence program and, as ever, were hugely supportive of authors, regardless of mode of publishing.
Both Kobo and Amazon representatives spoke in the Author Lounge over the few days, and both also sponsored parties and events.
In the video below, I talk to Mark Lefebvre from Kobo Writing Life, and Thom Kephart from Amazon KDP & Createspace. I also managed to catch up briefly with Mark Coker from Smashwords and Brian Felsen from BookBaby, both fantastic distributors and helpful to authors. You can see all in the video below or find the video on YouTube here. (The video was dying a little so apologies for the image going in parts).
The Alliance of Independent Authors is 1 year old – and launched a book on self-publishing
Last year at LBF, the Alliance launched to a small crowd of avid indies and this year we had a packed birthday party (thanks to Amazon for sponsoring it!) We also launched ‘Choosing a self-publishing service‘, which is a must-read book for anyone considering self-publishing.
It helps navigate the fast-moving world of author services companies and contains the experiences of a lot of authors as well as advising on what to avoid. You can buy the ebook now on Amazon, and it will soon be in print and on other ebook stores.
In the video below, founder of the Alliance Orna Ross talks about the new book, plus we get some tips for authors from Ben Galley and David Gaughran. Watch below or on YouTube here.
Interviewing Amazon bestselling author Mel Sherratt about her success
I also caught up with Mel Sherratt, who you might have seen on the front of the Amazon KDP site. Her crime novel Taunting the Dead reached #1 in the UK charts and was also one of the Top 10 bestselling books of 2012 in the UK Amazon store.
In the video below, we talk about what happened when she decided to self-publish after 12 long years of submission, how success has changed her life and her tips for authors on connecting with fans.
We talk about personal connections and Mel mentions Mark Edwards & Louise Voss, Rachel Abbott and Talli Roland, all successful indie authors who have had phenomenal success on KDP. Mel has a book on submission with an agent, as she wants to be a hybrid author and she mentions that there is no ‘right' way – authors need to decide on their own path.
Watch the video below or on YouTube here.
Other views of the London Book Fair 2013
Here are some other posts on the Book Fair and what people learned:
- Why authors should go to the book fair – from Helena Halme
- At LBF, authors think like entrepreneurs – featuring Orna Ross and Polly Courtney (Publishing Perspectives)
- All the indie fun of the fair. Self-published authors at #LBF13 – from the Alliance of Independent Authors
- The authors are taking over the asylum – Triskele Books
If you attended the London Book Fair, or any other publishing industry event, I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments. Is the attitude towards authors changing?
Abimbola CirclesOfLove says
Thank you for sharing; I found this article very useful and informative.
Thanks.
Joanna Penn says
Glad you enjoyed!
E.S. Ivy says
What were the specific smashwords titles Mark Coker was talking about?
Joanna Penn says
Here’s the Secrets to ebook publishing success – awesome ebook http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/145431
Heather says
Wow that’s a lot of information. Can’t wait to dig in!
Ian Shurville says
Thank you Joanna for your London Book Fair videos, they are great. I hope to attend next year. Just want to tell you that your efforts are much appreciated.
Celia says
Thank you for this. Very informative. I’m on the brink of self-publishing. Weighing options. Feeling confused about the whole business. Will come back to this page again.
Cheers!
Chandrahasan Johnson says
Nice to see you in the London Fair. You look like the star in it.
Congrats, keep up the good work
Johnson
E.J. Russell says
Great review of the london book fair and like the videos. I think it is true what Mel Sherratt says in your last video, there is indeed a great indie community out there.
Leanne Dyck says
Thank you for this up close view of the Fair. One of my dreams is visit Britain. The icing on the cake would be this Fair.
To answer your question…
I just attended LitFest NewWest–a small(ish) literary festival on the mainland (BC, Canada). The organizers made it widely know that they were paying the presenting authors–because author time is valuable. I’ve been a participating author–and have never been made. I’ve attended other literary festival have never heard such an announcement being made. So, yes, I’d say the attitude is changing.
Joanna Penn says
Fantastic – thanks Leanne!
Mel Sherratt says
Hi Joanna
Many thanks for taking time out to meet me at London Book Fair and also for letting me share my nerves with you over my first podcasts! I had a blast! Hope to see you again soon.
Daniel Escurel Occeno says
TY! I was able to have an E-experience of the London Book Fair without the hustle and bustle of traveling and the expenses involved. However, I was unable to taste the British beer-battered fish and chips by real-experience. I can only look at picture from a search engine.
It is added to a list of Things To Do Someday – go to the London Book Fair.
Joan Gordon says
Thank you for an extremely enlightening report! Eye-opening for a newbie like me.
Waheed Rabbani says
Hi Joanna, a fantastic post. Looks like you had a wonderful time and a terrific reception, even at the “graveyard shift!” Any forecast for Frankfurt, particularly wrt foreign rights for indie authors?
Joanna Penn says
I’d love to go to Frankfurt Waheed, but no budget this year 🙂 I’d also like to go to BEA – perhaps next year 🙂 but I think in general that you have to make appointments prior to the fair regarding rights – and it’s unlikely they will talk directly to authors – that’s just the way it is!
Shirley Willis says
This is fabulous. I was “virtually” there. Am there. Whenever I flag, become discouraged, doubt I’ll ever make it, I’ll check this one out again. And again. Thank you, thank you!!
Gary A. Swaby says
Would you say it’s only worth going to the London Book Fair if you’re an already successful author? (whether self-published or traditionally published).
I haven’t watched your video’s yet but I get the vibe that it’s not really designed for the average joe/jane who simply just has an interest in writing but hasn’t necessarily made a splash in the industry.
Either way I’m really happy to see you giving speeches. You’ve come a long way since I started reading this blog.
Joanna Penn says
Hi Gary – definitely not, in fact, I think the seminars are excellent for new authors as they go into lots of aspects of the industry that you wouldn’t find out otherwise. I went to the Rights Workshop last year and it was hugely useful for me to understand how agents and publishers split the various rights for a book. It will also inspire you to meet some of the people who are doing well. Definitely come along next year 🙂
and yes, I have come a long way – thanks for being supportive during the years of transition! You know how much work it has been!
Shaquanda Dalton says
Man, I wish I was there.
Tim Cooke says
Great stuff Jo. I spoke on a couple of the panels and it was clear that there is a thriving community out there, and a supportive one too. Anything that can help I’m happy to share. Here’s my little piece on the Authorlounge event… A thrilling ride at the fair… http://wp.me/p2F2Gv-1T
Daniel McInerny says
Fantastic wrap, Joanna. Saved me the price of an overseas plane ticket! The videos are an excellent addition.
Marion Altena says
Wow, I really should come to the London Book Fair next year! It’s so good to see that what started in the U.S.A. has now arrived in the U.K.: favour and entrance for indie authors in the book industry. I can’t wait to see how this tendency will blow over to The Netherlands. Until now, as an independant author, I’m part of an extremely small minority in my country. But that will change. I know it will.