I guess the fact that I am posting this entry a week later says something about my rather low enthusiasm level for Book Expo.
I can't help it, I just like the London and Frankfurt Fairs so much better. When you are in London or Frankfurt, you feel as if you are in the middle of the whole big wide world, you soak up the glamour of being in an international city. And of course the huge array of publishers from everywhere makes you feel that publishing IS somehow still alive and well and relevant.
These days, when you come to New York - particularly if you fly in, Heaven Forbid, to Kennedy or LaGuardia - you feel like you are arriving into some crumbling backwater. Yes! I said it! Crumbling backwater! You disagree? Well just compare getting into the city from Kennedy or LaGuarda - to riding the Heathrow Express!!
Complaints aside, I did have the chance to see some of my favorite clients, including Phil at National Geographic, Judith from Stackpole Books, and Kristen at Hudson Hills Press. And I got a distant glimpse of John Irving, who still looks really good. But otherwise the fair seemed quite unremarkable to me and rather small this year. According to the New York Times attendance was down 15% from the last time the fair was in New York.
Well, looking forward to Frankfurt in October!
