BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus), the brand extension of the Bologna Children's Book Fair dedicated to general publishing, organized in collaboration with AIE - Associazione Italiana Editori, returns for a second in-person iteration (6-9 March 2023 in Bologna) and, this year, with its inaugural Market of Honour, Greece. BBPlus once again features an exhibition space, a training event on the role of the literary agent and scouting, rights, self-publishing, plus an exhibition on the international versions of the covers of Orwell’s 1984 and a showcase of the Best of the Best Greek jacket covers. New for 2023 is a partnership with The Folio Society, who will present three seminars, each centred around the design and illustration theme, with Richard Packer, celebrity illustrator, appearing on Tuesday 7 March. The Folio Society will launch the second Folio Book Illustration Award, announcing the story, the judges, what they will be looking for in the artwork, and how to enter.
The conference programme again offers in-depth training on rights selling; author representation and scouting, and writing and self-publishing. How to Sell Rights and Understand Licensing in Children’s Books; Call your Agent: How to Become a Successful Literary Agent , and the expanded Writing and Self-Publishing conference, now two days.
The BBPlus comprehensive seminar programme includes a variety of Greek themes and speakers, including a dedicated seminar on technology and innovation in the Greek sector, and an overview of the Greek Book market, both on 6 March in the BBPlus theatre. There will be daily morning coffee, and afternoon meet the authors and illustrators sessions at the Greek pavilion. Author and poet Ersi Sotiropoulos will be in conversation with BBPlus Author Ambassador, Loyd Grossman, Tuesday 7th.
The Literary Translation Forum returns on Wednesday 8 March, this year considering two compelling themes: grants and prizes, and scouting for books in translation.
Finally, keeping design and illustration front and centre of BBPlus, Jackets Off, returns for a third year, with the nominated classic, Orwell’s 1984. The exhibition showcases different international versions of this iconic title. 1984 will be under discussion, considering the different languages and cultures behind the covers, in a dedicated seminar on Wednesday 8 March. The second design initiative, Book Jacket Design: Best of the Best, looks at the best of jacket design in Greece, BBPlus Market of Honour 2023. The longlist will be showcased in an exhibition, and a winner announced on Wednesday 8 March.