The Impact of Book Fairs
September 2024
This article is related to a recently completed custom research project conducted on behalf of an ABA member. Our research team is always delighted to speak with members about tailoring research projects to your organization. To learn more or submit a custom research request, simply contact your member advisor or email us at info@advisoryarts.com.
What role do book fairs play in the literature ecosystem, and how effective is the public support to the sector? To answer this question, ABA interviewed three publishers, three government agencies from three different countries, and one book fair.
The study findings include:
Book fairs are essential for literature as an art form: Research participants insisted on the immense value of book fairs. As most literary deals have their inception at book fairs, they are perceived as “irreplaceable spaces for matchmaking.”
Public support is necessary: Attending book fairs is increasingly expensive. Without public support, most publishers, authors, illustrators, etc., particularly independent ones, could not attend. Grant support and funding are crucial.
Book fairs have a significant economic impact that extends beyond the event itself: While they have an immediate economic impact that can be measured through direct consumer spending on books, transportation, food, beverages, hospitality, etc., their impact extends through time—as many deals take years to consolidate—and to other industries, such as television and film.
The full report is available to ABA members by clicking below.
