Hi There,
Today’s post is dedicated to the biggest event in the Kidlit World, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Bologna Childrens’s Book Fair- BCBF for short, for 2025 is happening from the 31st of March to 3rd of April (next week Monday to Thursday).
If you are in the children book industry either as an author, or an illustrator, or a publisher, an agent, translator or any other this is one event just for YOU. It’s where the world comes together in children literature and everyone has something to gain from the experience.
If you are able to go, please do go, it’s not an opportunity to be missed.
However, what if you are unable to travel? Not everyone can travel right? There are so many of us from all around the world who for whatever reason cannot make it to Bologna. So what can you do? Can you still be part of it by way of being updated?
I am not traveling this year, but I am very excited about the event (Have always been, though most of the time I am jealous and sulking for missing it). Fortunately, I have friends who are travelling and are generous to share their experiences. There is a place for each one of you in the industry and you must know how you could make the best of it. Here’s what you could do if you are not traveling.
1- SOCIAL MEDIA-
Keep an eye on the social media- follow the hashtags #bcbf, #bcbf25, #bolognachildrenbookfair, #bolognabookfair and all other possible combinations. Check the Bologna’s Instagram and other accounts (LinkedIn, BlueSky and others)
2- FOLLOWING JOURNEY OF OTHER ILLUSTRATORS-
We live in a world where no matter we like or not, we do show our works on social media in some way or form. Watch, for stories and posts shared to know what kind of works the illustrators taking with them, how are they presenting themselves, their work, how is their business cards. It gives you an insight into the industry standards and expectations. Some of them even share how their (physical/hardcopy) portfolio looks.
3- BOLOGNA WEBSITE
Keep a watch on the Bologna WebSite for knowing the publishers and agents who will be at the event. What kind of books, Styles of genre, and art are these publishers looking at. If you were going then which publishers would you like to meet?
4- Lastly keep follow (on social media) people, publishers, agents who are traveling. Did they get any book deals or agent during the event? How was their experience? There is nothing wrong in it, but keep it professional. This industry is way more helpful and welcoming, especially if you are new. People will be more than willing to share their experiences and excitement.
However, please keep your interactions strictly professional and don’t be nosey unless you know someone personally.
Here are a few links-
If you would like to know the publishers - Bologna Publishers list
For agents - Literary Agents
Most importantly, children book industry is more about passion to make good books, to write, to illustrate and tell the best of stories and we are all in it together, making our dreams come true.
If you are reading this post and are travelling. Yaay! I would love love love to hear all your experience and journey.
This is such a helpful post. As someone lucky enough to go, it reminds me what I can do to share with others who cannot go. I will do my best, thank you Rekha!
Very intéressant post! I like it!