The Bologna Children’s Book Fair, scheduled for March 21-24, has announced its programming for Bologna BookPlus, an affiliate conference launched last year as an extension of the main fair. Initially, the event was promoted as an complement to the fair addressing the concerns of the general trade, but this year focuses on professional development and rights training in a series of half-day events. Last year was a purely virtual event, but this year all sessions are taking place in-person.
BBP begins on Sunday, March 20, with a program on "How to Sell Rights and Understand Licensing in Children’s Books," for those starting out in rights, contracts and licensing in children’s publishing. This will be followed on Monday, March 21, with a day of insights looking at "How to Self-Publish in Italy and Abroad."
Tuesday, March 22 will see the new session "Call Your Agent: How to Become a Successful Literary Agent," which is offering training for aspiring literary agents, and advice and guidance to getting started in the profession.
Wednesday March 22, offers an exhibition and session entitled "International Jacket Design: The Best of the Best," presenting the top covers from six book markets—with an individual winner announced on March 24. Thursday, March 23 follows with "Jackets Off," which assesses the different ways in which designers and illustrators have interpreted and presented Margaret Atwood's dystopian classic The Handmaid's Tale.
"The program reflects the ingenuity, creativity and ambition of our industry across the globe, whilst introducing events and conferences that support the industry of tomorrow," said Jacks Thomas, guest director for BolognaBooksPlus. "Bologna, at the heart of the book world for over 50 years, is the perfect opportunity to embrace everything that publishing has to offer and we are looking forward to being there with you."
