Words Spreading from a Hall to All Over the World

Dozens of tables lined up in a large hall with people sitting across from each other and talking animatedly… Books, notes, scattered pens on the tables…

The London Book Fair marks one of my most special experiences of the world of books as a publisher and a keen reader. For me, who has been in the publishing business for fifteen years and has been an avid reader since my high school years, this scene is unforgettable. During these few days when hundreds of publishing houses choose the titles they will publish the following year, negotiate, make new discoveries, and get inspired, many books, many authors are born, grow and have the chance to be heard across the world.

While works written in dozens of different languages such as Turkish dream of being translated into more common languages such as English, German, and French, publishers who want to publish works in these languages in their countries follow the clues like a detective to invest in the right work and to discover new authors and topics that will make a splash before anyone else discovers them.

Consultants, printers, independent authors, and agents wandering curiously among the booths are looking for opportunities to establish new business partnerships, develop their networks and find new sales opportunities. Publishers and authors are also looking for new connections and ideas with the pleasure and pride of taking part in this cultural gathering.

Even though there are conflicts and fights all over the world, culture and art connect people from different countries, enabling them to get to know and empathise with each other. Even if books move online and technology takes over the sector, it does not seem like it will ever lose this characteristic. The publishing industry, which is in a hurry to preserve its originality and old structure with artificial intelligence, which has been dominating the agenda in recent days, will continue its existence without being harmed by the destructive effects of any technology and even further developing as long as there are creative minds and diversity in societies. This alone gives me enough hope to believe that humanity will witness better days.