By Konstantopoulou
The third Limassol Int’l Book Fair took place at the end of last month, and from 22–24 November, crowds from all literary backgrounds enjoyed a colourful kaleidoscope of publishing activities. From conferences and panels discussing the industry’s topical concerns, like the role of libraries in sustainable development, to the weekend’s general fair with its thousands of titles, a literary spark emerged in the space.
The fair opened its doors to publishing professionals emerging from all around the world. Among them, Hanife Içten, Key Account Manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair; the English-Language World, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey & Azerbaijan, and a central member of the fair since 2000. As one of the lead speakers of the panel discussion “Women in the Book Industry: Impact and Empowerment,” she led the way alongside Andry Chairalla, Evgnomon Publications’ Publisher, Tatiana Fragkouli the Director of KOMPOT bookstore, and, of course, Anna Ioannidou, the Co-Founder of the Limassol Fair, who also prides herself as a poet.
The four women embarked on a discussion on how to forge a path for both better representation and inclusivity. They highlighted immensely important topics like the various challenges women have to overcome in the book industry, while simultaneously shedding light on the opportunities presented. One of the issues mentioned included the perennial need for women to prove themselves in order to climb the ladder of success in the publishing world, while contemporary issues like the role motherhood plays in a business woman's daily life was also touched upon. Andry spoke of her ability to juggle through the path of life, combining her passions for her family, work and personal life at once.
A topic that constantly finds itself on the headlines of current affairs, in both publishing and industries of different nature is AI, and it wasn’t missing from the mix. The panel focused on “Book Publishing and Artificial Intelligence,” during which Fatimah Abbas (FALA Agency’s Publishing Consultant), Emma House (Orenham Group’s Publishing Consultant), Andrey Mishenev (CEO and Co-Founder of ABP Publishing and Booka), and Anne Bergman-Tahon (Director of the Federation of European Publishers, FEP) elaborated on AI’s extension into book production and all it entails.
The four speakers shared their respective thoughts on how the publishing scene is changing; from the possibility of audiobook production using AI voices to the usage of specific tools designed for marketing plans, such as Magic Leap and the Jasper Marketing Tool. The question of “Where do we want to go?” was put on the table.
Among others, a rather significant point raised was that while AI is very systematic, it is not smart by the classic definition, or even the creative one. Moreover, AI advertising companies like Shimmr AI aim to help the publishing crowds to sell more efficiently with novel prospects. One of the ways they attempt to execute that plan is both time-saving and cost-effective: by fully using the manuscript to extract the DNA needed for the advertisement, it goes one step further in bringing to life vibrant images that represent the overall text. Another intriguing feature mentioned was AI’s capability to act as an “architect;” not writing or interfering with the manuscript or work, but instead offering an initial line to spark inspiration. In that way, writers around the globe can climb up the walls of writer’s block. In the end, a well-polished manuscript is completed as the final product, and crucially, is one written entirely by the human hand.
When it comes to the general fair, all pathways led to Carob Mills, a vibrant space in the heart of the city that opened its doors for the fair for the third consecutive year. During that time and space, over 7,500 visitors found themselves between books and the 110 exhibitors. The close proximity of the fair to the festive holidays and the Christmas decorations put out by numerous exhibitors set out to create a warm atmosphere that prepared the crowds for the coming holidays.
Last but not least, our younger friends were also thought-of, with two book presentations having taken place for Christina Constandoudake’s newest children's book from Elevaton Publications, and Elena Pericleous’ My Grandma Fell in Love. Another rather important topic that the fair addressed in regard to younger readers was the value of digital safety, something that surely correlates with the wants and needs of parents and the educational systems.
All in all, a space was created on the small island of Cyprus, one that hosted publishing professionals from abroad, honoured the generic literary value and transformed the Carob Mills Offices into the home of books and its people for a weekend. The fair will return next year, from 21–23 November. See you there!