Monday, 15 October 2018

Book Fair Post Mortem

Easing back into blogging, I thought I'd do a nice easy What Katy Did in Frankfurt post. Except of course nothing is easy these days, so it'll be a bit of a shit sandwich.

I skipped the book fair last year because I had had a tough time in my personal life and needed a rest. The contrast was all the more stark. Because exhibitor numbers are down, my international publishers were no longer miles away in Hall 8, necessitating long and hasty dashes to appointments, but relatively central in Hall 6. And because of global warming, the sun was shining. The effect, though, was a pleasant one: even though it's still a huge event, this time it felt more friendly and social. All six remaining halls are arranged around a central square dotted with pricey food trucks and odd constructions hosting extra events. So instead of walking between them along glassed-in walkways reminiscent of airport interiors, everyone headed outside and the "Agora" became a great place for coincidental meetings. Special thanks to Simone Buchholz here for the spontaneous ibuprofen/hug combination. But also to all the other people I ran into or met up with outside.

Number-one talk of the fair was the dearth of publishers' parties, followed as usual by the imminent death of the publishing industry. I still managed to go to two parties every night, though, so maybe things aren't drying up that fast... A friend who knows about the events industry tells me that sometimes, the money is actually there but the managers don't want to give the impression they're frittering it away. Sartorially, though, it was a disappointingly sombre affair, meaning I stood out like a sore thumb in my optimistic colours, especially at the parties. My advice: Dress for the publishing industry you want to be in, not for a Depeche Mode concert. Unless you want to be in aging goth publishing; in which case go ahead, you have my utmost respect.

On Friday night there were three levels of party insider status. Level one (and always my number-one Frankfurt party) was the German indies' party at the Literaturhaus, where anyone can attend for a small cover charge and drinks aren't free but cheap, with the dancing starting immediately after the awards ceremony (more on that below). Level two was the Dumont party, where you had to be on the invitation list and the drinks were free and everything was like it always is – crowded, dancefloor too packed for self-expression, much standing around and chatting to German publishing people – so much so that some people got confused about whose party it was, and possibly what year it was. It was there that I learned about insider level three, the Canongate party, for which you needed a paper invitation. There were, however, paper invitations to be had from relative strangers from KiWi Verlag, if you asked nicely. I got one and it proclaimed something like "This is the last party we will ever have. You must come or you will be sacrificed to the gods of netflix and amazon prime. It will go on until 5 in the morning so that you will make foolish decisions on Saturday." At around 3 AM, my brain so numbed by talking to publishing people for three days in a row that I barely remembered the existence of this blog, I decided it would be cooler to have had an invitation for the level-three publishing party but not actually attended. The logic being that getting more sleep would enable me to go and see a particular band in Berlin on Saturday, which would be eminently cooler than hanging out with yet more tipsy/tired publishing people. So I passed the slightly crumpled card along to a friend.

Here comes the shit part: Nazis. Last year there was a lot of stress around events organized by extreme right-wing publishers, featuring extremist writers and politicians and rightly eliciting protests. This year, the book fair placed all the dodgy publishers in one remote corner – except one of them pulled off a scam, pretending to wind up their press and then registering for a stand under a different name, claiming they'd be presenting books about freedom of speech. They ended up in the midst of left-leaning indies, rubbing their hands in delight. To be honest, that felt like the kind of elaborate and childish provocation my sister used to practice on me when we were eight and ten, so like most other people, I followed my mum's advice and ignored them.

But on Friday, the AfD's Björn Höcke was slated to promote his hate-filled book How I Will Whittle Down Germany's Population to Keep Only the Strong and the Blond (not actual title). This year the fair put him in a separate room and restricted access, blocking off escalators for much of an afternoon and calling in a significant police presence. Plain-clothes police officers threatened protesters and were generally more heavy-handed than one would expect at a publishing industry event – writer Sophie Sumburane was ejected from the premises for no explicable reason. Inside the promotion itself, a book fair representative ended up reassuring reporters that they were of course within their rights to record the proceedings, never mind what the organizers said, but television cameras were not allowed access. To be honest, the less airtime devoted to platforming Björn Höcke's hateful ideas the better, but the principle of excluding parts of the press is wrong.

If the book fair is serious about promoting human rights, it would do well to rethink hosting individuals known for propagating racism and belittling genocide. Things were better this year, I believe, with no reports of violence. But the book fair must be a safe place for all those who attend, and hosting Nazis makes it a dangerous place for many of us.

Back to the plus side: the blocked escalators meant I discovered the halal food outlet hidden away at the back of hall 4.0, which sold "Desi food like back home", including excellent samosas served up with cheeky quips. They'll be there next year too, so that and the supermarket outside hall 5 for affordable Coke Zero and emergency hosiery (if they don't demolish hall 5 as rumour has it) would be my top tips.

And now to my highlight, the olive on a cocktail stick pierced through the shit sandwich. The most delightful of all the delightful people to spend time with at the book fair were the people from Verbrecher Verlag. They never mince words – they'll let you know you if they think your idea is crap or if a book won't sell – so you can tell they really believe in what they do. They've begun championing bibliodiversity, changing their catalogue up from dude-heavy to a more balanced mix, with the women they publish selling more, it turns out, and garnering honours galore. Plus they're supportive and kind and funny. This year they were basically running around picking up prizes: Manja Präkels won the German YA Prize for Als ich mit Hitler Schnapskirschen aß, a novel about growing up with neo-Nazis in rural East Germany. I met her and she was lovely and very funny and got me a free copy. Bettina Wilpert accepted the aspekte debut novel prize for Nichts, was uns passiert, about a rape and the devastating ripples it causes. At the Hotlist indies awards on Friday – where ten publishers all got a prize each, a room full of love and support with slightly too little ventilation – that same title also won the Melusine Huss Prize, voted on by independent booksellers. Seeing their excitement made me very happy.

I was too tired to make it to the gig on Saturday.

249 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 249 of 249
vrdigitalau said...

Men's biz Sydney is a great choice for men who want to stay on the right path. It has a great product that everyone will love and it is affordable, which is what makes it so successful.

Anonymous said...

allegiant airline tickets

frontierairline

Marriage Prediction Guru Ji said...

Thanks for sharing this information Here is to get information about Scientific Method Steps. So, do not waste your time, go check it out. Scientific Method Steps.
links
links
links
links
links

pepsmattresszone said...

Mattresszone is one such peps mattress in chennai, where you can buy the best mattress at the most affordable price. We have multiple sizes according to the frame that you have or planning to buy. Stop wasting time, knock on our door and get the best sleep you have ever had. call us at 9150070702.

Ministry of Cleaning said...

Carpet cleaners Melbourne offer a variety of services, including carpet installation and restoration. After considering the advantages and disadvantages of different carpet cleaners, it's clear that choosing one can be difficult.

What are you waiting for? Call now to get your carpets cleaned by professional technicians who will make them look like new!

gov said...

Hi there

Nice post and blog, keep sharing the best content, hope to read more interesting articles like this one,

take care and regards

Your follower

Salvatore from Cataratas do Iguaçu hoje

Emma Sara said...

Lækker indisk buffet m salat og is. Der er også a la carte. Spændende indisk mad Brøndby milkshakes og den venligste og meget servicemindede betjening.

Skylawilson said...

Hello Dear,
Skyla Wilson here, and I just read your post. It was very informative. Many thanks for bringing this subject to our attention. Please continue to do so. This is an excellent post. I will definitely share it with my friends.
As a Personal Letter writing helper.
Aeons ago, when One Plus and Phones weren't on the trending list, and computers or laptops weren't just a simple thing to have at home, letters and landlines were the only forms of communication. They were the only source for both formal and informal conversation. So, even in this generation of modernization, letters can be found in several cases.
Personal letter writing requires great writing skills and knowledge of the topic of the conversation. They are used in the context of personal use. This is even given as an assignment on English, Which is included in our curriculum. It is easy to write and even easier to comprehend.
I am available to scholars in need of assistance with their dissertations.
Thanks a lot

pepsmattresszone said...

Good sleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health. Several types of studies have repeatedly shown that a lack of it can impact hormone levels, mood, and weight. Try them on in the mattress store in Chennai. Reach out to Best Mattress store in Chennai for more info or you can even dial the number Call us at 9150070702.

شركة دريم هاوس said...


شركة مكافحة حشرات دبي

شركة تنظيف خزانات دبي

شركة تنظيف فلل دبي

شركة تنظيف سجاد دبي


شركة تنظيف كنب دبي


شركة تنظيف مطابخ في دبي

شركة مكافحة الحمام في دبي

شركة تعقيم في دبي

شركة تنظيف منازل في دبي

شركة دريم هاوس said...

شركة مكافحة حشرات الفجيرة

شركة تنظيف خزانات الفجيرة

شركة تنظيف فلل الفجيرة

شركة تنظيف سجاد الفجيرة


شركة تنظيف كنب الفجيرة


شركة تنظيف مطابخ في الفجيرة

شركة مكافحة الحمام في الفجيرة

شركة تنظيف منازل الفجيرة

شركة دريم هاوس said...

شركة مكافحة حشرات الشارقة

شركة تنظيف خزانات الشارقة

شركة تنظيف فلل الشارقة

شركة تنظيف سجاد الشارقة


شركة تنظيف كنب الشارقة



شركة تنظيف مطابخ في الشارقة

شركة مكافحة الحمام في الشارقة

شركة تنظيف منازل في الشارقة

شركة دريم هاوس said...

شركة مكافحة حشرات العين

شركة تنظيف خزانات العين

شركة تنظيف فلل العين

شركة تنظيف سجاد العين


شركة تنظيف كنب العين

شركة تنظيف في العين

شركة تنظيف مطابخ في العين

شركة مكافحة الحمام في العين

شركة دريم هاوس said...

شركة مكافحة حشرات عجمان

شركة تنظيف خزانات عجمان

شركة تنظيف فلل عجمان

شركة تنظيف سجاد عجمان


شركة تنظيف كنب عجمان



شركة تنظيف مطابخ في عجمان

شركة مكافحة الحمام في عجمان

شركة تنظيف منازل في عجمان

شركة دريم هاوس said...


شركة مكافحة حشرات ام القيوين

شركة تنظيف خزانات ام القيوين

شركة تنظيف فلل ام القيوين

شركة تنظيف سجاد ام القيوين


شركة تنظيف كنب ام القيوين




شركة تنظيف مطابخ في ام القيوين

شركة مكافحة الحمام في ام القيوين

شركة تنظيف منازل في ام القيوين



MalaysiaAssignmentHelp said...

Tired so much from assignment workload & think can someone do your assignment? MalaysiaAssignmenthelp.com helps you to get a quality proof assignment for your Malaysian universities, Take our Write My Essay service & get your project work sooner, we are available 24/7 for you

Pedro Taylor ✅ said...

I lost my job few months back and there was no way to get income for my family, things was so tough and I couldn't get anything for my children, not until a met a recommendation on a page writing how Mr Bernie Wilfred helped a lady in getting a huge amount of profit every 6 working days on trading with his management on the cryptocurrency Market, to be honest I never believe it but I took the risk to take a loan of $1000. and I contacted him unbelievable and I was so happy I earn $12,500 in 6 working days, the most joy is that I can now take care of my family I don't know how to appreciate your good work Mr. Bernie Doran God will continue to bless you for being a life saver I have no way to appreciate you than to tell people about your good services.
For a perfect investment and good strategies contact Mr Bernie Doran via WhatsApp :+1(424)285-0682 or Telegram : @Bernie_doran_fx or Email : Bernie.doranfx01@gmail.com

Ministry of Cleaning said...

Preston Rugs Cleaning is a reliable and affordable rug cleaning service that will leave your rugs looking and smelling fresh and new. If you are in the Preston area, be sure to give them a call today!

Sofia said...

Hello i am Sofia Sharma From India I am Small blogger recenlty i start in blog with this type of website like aafnoidea techyatra mutebooks aafnonews www-crypto aafnomp3

Ajaypal said...

Music and Performing Arts today is growing to be fields that students would like to consider as professional education options. All Professional Courses In Music And Performing Arts are available through us.Coaching and mentoring in Music & performing arts is also our forte. Handholding for admission in music and performing arts courses from across the world will be managed through our team.

العاب الاندرويد said...

العاب الاندرويد

Johnwilliam said...

Technologistan is the popoular and most trustworthy resource for technology, telecom, business and auto news in Pakistan

Ministry of Cleaning said...

Carpet steam cleaners are a great way to clean your carpets. They are effective at removing dirt and stains, and they leave your carpets smelling fresh and clean. If you are looking for a way to clean your carpets, then a carpet steam cleaner is the way to go.

vrdigitalau said...

If you are in need of a website developer Perth, then be sure to get in touch with the team at Pixel Fish. We are confident that you won’t be disappointed with the results!

Modafinila said...

Nice article .
buy modafinil 200mg  to remove tiredness from your body.

Essien said...


Thanks for providing this awesome article here; it’s a weblog for me today. I appreciate this contents so much and also a privilege for me to visit this blog. Thank you so much for sharing. Also visit uniport 2nd  batch admission/program

bacarasite said...

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Feel free to visit my website; 바카라사이트닷컴

aki said...

Termite Treatment in Pune
Rodent Control Services in Pune
Bedbug Control Services in Pune
Mosquito Control Services in Pune
Pest Control services in Pune
Best Pest Control services in Pune

Floyd Goldsberry said...

I love this article. Very good to all people, good job bro !

Kingslot77 Link Alternatif Apk Mobile

George Mark said...

I really enjoyed reading your article. I found this as an informative and interesting post, so i think it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the effort you made in writing this article. Benjamin Button Leather Jacket

india news agency said...

We have enjoyed visiting your website.The information that is on your website is very beneficial for us. Hindi News.If you want to read latest news in Hindi then you can visit our website.You will feel very good coming here and you will get all the information in Hindi and in simple language.

Md Shamim Jahan said...

Thanks you

Sample Assignment said...

Have you ever needed assignment help from expert lecturers? Well, sampleassignment.com is the destination for everything related to your coursework. We have international experts on board, ready to take up your assignments and provide you with the best assignment help possible. Our team of experts vet all their candidates before hiring them to make sure they can deliver content that will exceed your expectations. So if you're looking for cheap assignment help in Australia, head straight to Sample

Mahmoud Amin said...

بيمكنك معرفة سعر سهم ايان اليوم من خلال متابعة الاخبار و التحاليل الاقتصادية اليومية، كما يمكن معرفة أسهم السوق السعودية بشكل افضل من خلال زيارة موقع اسواق ديلي.

aki said...

Best content it pest control services in pune
woodb borer management services in pune

aeknarin said...

pg slot เว็บสล็อต ตรงที่คุณสามารถเชื่อใจได้ ด้วยการจัดการงานด้านเกมการเดิมพันมามากยิ่งกว่า 20 ปี PG พร้อมการบริการจากบุคลากรที่มีประสบการณ์มาโดยตรง เกมสล็อตออนไลน์รูปแบบใหม่ที่คุณชอบ

Anonymous said...

buy generic 100mg viagra online

ali said...



شركة مكافحة النمل الاسود بالرياض
شركة مكافحة الوزغ بالرياض
شركة مكافحة الثعابين بالرياض
شركة مكافحة النحل بالرياض

شركة مكافحة الذباب بالرياض
شركة مكافحة الباعوض بالرياض
شركة مكافحة بق الفراش بالرياض

gomesse said...


Hi

Here is a cheap Consumer Loan from 5.000€ to 2.000.000€ at 3%.

A cheap, fast and reliable consumer credit through which you can apply.

Get your credit in 48h at the best rate of 3%.

The banks rejected your requests, we had a solution to satisfy you

Thank you for contacting us

didiergomesse@gmail.com

aki said...

Pre anti termite Treatment in Pune pest control companies which provide pest control services to residential, commercial and industrial properties. We help you to get rid of pests like termites, cockroaches, bedbugs, rats, mosquitoes etc

Anonymous said...

Hello, my name is Mary Smith.

I want to know how much it will cost to post a sponsored post on your site.
Please send me the details, price, word count, any other information will be highly appreciated.
Also, I would like to know if can be possible to get a discount for a sponsored post? Wait for your answer.

Best regards Mary Smith.
crowdwork71@gmail.com

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Cryptocurrency scam recovery, recovery Lost of investment funds.

How amazing it is to have all lost hope back with the right person whereby life has been so difficult after encountering a heartbreak with a broker who made away with my $500k and shorts down there site probably because they did the same to others, have tried two hackers but nothing happened until I hired Wizard Charles Group Hackers who was able to help me recover my funds back and I really don't know how he did it but honestly, I receive exactly $500k worth of bitcoin on my wallet and for this reason, I'm referring everyone under the same circumstance to quickly contact ((contact@wizardcharlesgrouphackers.com)) for a fast solution with a guarantee. he will give you all proof needed. WhatsApp (+1 (519) 398-1460)"

Anonymous said...

I'm Meryl Garner from Contra Costa County, California. United States, my special greetings to everyone reading this letter, If you are into Crypto currency investment then this message you need to read carefully as it will be of a great impact to your knowledge. myself and my family have been into crypto trading legitimately for the past 5 years and we haven't had such a great loss like the recent loss whereby we got robbed of our coins by a Chinese broker exchange scam who made away with our funds amounted to $1.850.000. We have tried all our best to make report and get our funds back by seeking help from the force department in charge of handling fraudulent cases but nothing happen, we just only wanted the Chinese broker to help us in mining some coin so that the sudden falling or decrease of bitcoin won't affect us much but we later end up being scammed. I told a friend at my office and she directed me to a hacker from Upwork and freelancer site then i did, the good thing is that a very good trusted hacker opens up to me that he has a trusted person who works anonymously for security reasons and he is the only one who can get the job done so he introduce me to ((wizardwierzbickiprogrammer@csrc.live)) and also ask me to WhatsApp him in case he couldn't respond to my Email so i did exactly so and write to +1 (519) 398-1460 myself and Wizard Wierzbicki Programmer. got along and I gave him all the details about how I fell into the scam, he told me not to worry, his timing was 72 hours, he actually kept to his word and I confirmed the funds on my wallet. All thanks to this Hero known as Wizard Wierzbicki Programmer. Reach him on Instagram: @wizardwierzbickiprogrammer

Konrad Barsony said...

Hello everyone I know this is not the topic discussing here but with what I Have be through and my bad experience, I want to Please everyone should be careful and stop being deceived by all these brokers and account managers, they scammed me over $500,000 of my investment capital, they kept on requesting for extra funds before a withdrawal request can be accepted and processed, in the end, I lost all my money. All efforts to reach out to their customer support desk had declined, I found it very hard to move on. God so kind I followed a broadcast that teaches on how scammed victims can recover their fund, I contacted the Email: wizardwierzbickiprogrammer@csrc.live, provided for consultation, I got feedback after some hours and I was asked to provide all legal details concerning my investment, I did exactly what they instructed me to do without delay, to my greatest surprise I was able to recover my money back including my profit which my capital generated. I said I will not hold this to myself but share it to the public so that all scammed victims can get their funds back. Chat Them on WhatsApp +1 519 398 1460. Reach him on Instagram: @wizardwierzbickiprogrammer

Astrologer Rahul Swami ji said...

I enjoy it for creating the details, keep up the truly amazing perform continuing.
vashikaran specialist
vashikaran specialist near me
talk to astrologer for free
tantrik number

Anonymous said...

Our travel expert is well trained and highly skilled and provides one of excellent deals.

Mahi said...

Great Article! Thanks for sharing this type of article is beneficial for us.

Anonymous said...

great content you have shared here thanks

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 249 of 249   Newer› Newest»