The London Book Fair Apologies for my Internet silence this last week or so. I have been away in London all week as I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to attend the London Book Fair this year. What an amazing experience it has been. I have to admit I was more than a little nervous about venturing to the fair all on my own. It is based at the Olympia in London, absolutely huge and somewhat overwhelming seeing everyone and everything that is important in publishing under one roof. Thankfully I had a few friends who I knew would be at the fair, which really helped and it also meant I met a few more people and that in turn I hope has opened up a few new doors for me in terms of my work. Including a potential brand new and very exciting stockist for one of my books, which I can hopefully tell you more about soon. Not only did I get to wander around the fair and talk to a few people in the industry but I also had the opportunity to attend seminars all about the publishing industry including insights and new technologies. Not only that but also talks specifically for authors and illustrators, including ones specifically for those who self publish. One of the highlights for me was a talk by the wonderful Jacqueline Wilson who you may know as the author of Tracey Beaker. She talked all about her own top tips to becoming a successful children's author. I also saw the current children's laureate, Lauren Child, speak about her own illustration and book work which was absolutely fascinating. I felt very privileged to be able to attend these talks. I also managed to book myself a portfolio review with an art director from the children's publisher Little Tiger Press. Every now and again I think it is good to have your portfolio reviewed by fresh eyes and professionals in the industry. It helps keep things fresh and constructive criticism is always helpful no matter how much you do or do not want to hear it! I have to say all my feedback was pretty much as I expected and has definitely given me food for thought and even a potential slightly new direction. I am going to write up a more in depth post about my portfolio review very soon, although probably after I finish the new book Chasing Butterflies as I would love to hear your thoughts too. Last of all I jumped at the chance to display my books at my old University's publishing stand as an alumni and also on the Alliance of Independent Authors stand as a practicing member. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to showcase my books at such a prestigious event. So this year it was the London Book Fair. Hopefully, next year it will be the big one for me and that is the Bologne Children's Book Fair!
