The 2015 BookExpo of America (BEA) had another incredible year folks.
Consumers, editors, media and book fans from around the world got to witness an immensely exciting three-day event at the world famous Jacob Javits Center in May along with thousands of visitors who got a chance to meet and mingle with their favorite authors, celebrities and publishing houses all while sipping traditional Chinese tea.
BEA is still the best place to discover new titles, authors, network with publishers and writers and learn the latest trends in traditional and digital publishing.
Although it is nearly impossible to write about everything from this incredible event, here is a brief recap of some of the highlights I wanted to share.
Besides new books and authors, the captivating event introduced the world of Chinese literature to visitors as China was the Global Market Forum Guest of Honor.
Past countries have included Russia, Mexico and Italy.
Top authors and publishing houses from China along with Asian dignitaries held panel discussions regarding the changes in Chinese publishing and books.
Part of the convention center was decorated with larger than life posters of award-wining authors promoting their exclusive events while the rest of the space was filled with beautifully designed booths and displays vying for personal attention from visitors and the press.
Insight Editions internationally designed booth got the attention of several press folks as they were greeted with a friendly staff who got a chance to see their latest artistic books. Penguin Random House’s large, orange bookcase-trailer hybrid greeted visitors as they made their way into the main showroom floor dominated by other big book publishers.
First time author Dr. Todd Sinett was signing away copies of his new book 3 Weeks to a Better Back (great book!)for the crowd on one side of the convention center while Wall Street Journal famous columnist and talented writer Jason Gay had a crowd of fans dying to meet him and get an autographed copy of his new book Little Victories which is amazing by the way! Gay is a very talented writer.
Acclaimed actor and author John Leguizamo was on hand to sign copies of his book Ghetto Klown coming out in the fall. The new book is a graphic memoir based on Leguizamo’s award-winning one-man show of the same name and is illustrated by Christa Cassano and Shamus Beyale.
Just as always, Leguizamo is humble and polite which often makes him a favorite of the press.
BEA 2015 wasn’t just about major players in the publishing game or celebrities signing their new books. Tucked away in the back of the convention center was the section known as Author Marketplace, where 30 indie authors hoping to get exposure for their self-published books, got to meet and mingle with the press and publishing agents. I wish I had spent more time at this section as I met some incredible authors that are on the brink of becoming household names!
The popular author breakfast event was headlined this year by acclaimed Broadway star and actor Nathan Lane and television superstar “Big Bang Theory” actor Kunal Nayyar. Both incredible personalities and very intelligent actors.
Nayyar is coming out with his book in the fall entitled, Yes, My Accent is Real (Atria Books) and Lane has his Naughty Mabel (Simon & Schuster) coming out in October.
Another book that got a lot of buzz is by famous New Yorker Brandon Stanton, the popular blogger and photographer of the blog Humans of NY. His book, Humans of New York; Stories, (St. Martin’s Press) comes out in the fall as well.
BEA 2015 had a terrific turn out this year once again launching the careers of new authors and their books. The event moves to Chicago in 2016 so make sure all you aspiring authors and writers plan way head to attend the world’s biggest literary event!
The journey continues…
Ravi
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