London Book Fair Opens

The London Book Fair (LBF) started in 1971 as a small exhibition for librarians with just 22 exhibitors. By 1977, it officially became the London Book Fair. Today, it's a major global marketplace for rights negotiation and content sales across various media. The UK publishing sector contributes £11 billion to the UK economy and supports 84,000 jobs. With government support, it could add another £5.6 billion and 43,000 jobs by 2033. International demand for UK publishing is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade. Francis Spufford's "Nonesuch" blends historical fiction with fantasy, set during the London Blitz. The novel follows Iris Hawkins, an ambitious woman who uncovers a plot by time-traveling fascists. Critics have called it a "formidable achievement" and a "popcorny delight". It is the first book in a planned duology. Kiersten White's "The Fox and the Devil" is a gothic fantasy inspired by Dracula, featuring a sapphic romance. It follows Anneke Van Helsing as she hunts her father's killer, a vampire. Reviews highlight the immersive 1900s setting and the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Anneke and Diavola. Joffe Books, an independent publisher, has found success with crime fiction on Kindle Unlimited. Two of their authors, Joy Ellis and Faith Martin, are among the most-read on the platform. Ellis has sold over 3 million books, and her series is being developed for TV. Joffe Books has sold millions of books and has had over a billion pages read on Kindle Unlimited. This year's fair coincides with protests against AI firms using authors' work without permission. Around 10,000 authors have contributed to "Don't Steal This Book," being distributed at the fair. The UK government is expected to deliver an economic impact assessment regarding copyright law changes soon. The London Book Fair attracts attendees from across the publishing industry, including publishers, literary agents, and distributors. In 2027, the London Book Fair will move to Excel London.