Book Expo America 2008 version
Just in case you are wondering -- here is how the biggest book show in the US looks on opening day:
Book Expo is one of those things that is virtually impossible to explain. Thousands of people; hundreds of publishers and all the free books you can carry. Pretty much a book lovers ultimate fantasy.
This year, however, the crowd was small compared to the shows in New York and Washington DC. I'm told that the Los Angeles show is always smaller. Personally, I didn't find it much of a "problem" since I could actually walk around rather freely.
We were lucky to see a number of fine authors as they talked about their new books. The standouts were: Alec Baldwin, Magic Johnson, Neil Gaiman, Dennis Lehane and Phillipa Greggory. Look for their new titles in the coming months.
The floor was abuzz with rumors about Scott McClelland's book and the party thrown by Prince; sadly I was not invited.
Amazon had one of the most crowded booths -- everyone wanted to see and feel the Kindle. Publishers are noticeably nervous about Amazon, eBooks and falling book sales. Ironically there was a great deal of discussion about the book industry going Green. Of course they are talking about using recycled paper and do not want to hear about eBooks.
I had a wonderful time, learned a whole lot and am totally exhausted. Not only from all the hours on my feet but also from the over stimulation. It is going to take a few days for all of the info and impressions to settle.
For more stories about BEA check out Publisher's Weekly and the New York Times.
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