For the first time, NZ was represented at the Taipei International Book Exhibition held for six days in February. Attendance was organised late last year when Carla van Zon, Manager of Creative NZ International visited Taiwan and met with organisers of the book fair. The delegation comprised Robyn Bargh from Huia Publishers, Anne de Lautour from PANZ, Julia Marshall from Gecko Press, Sarah Ropata, Creative NZ International Adviser and was supported and funded by the organisers of TIBE and Creative NZ International. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) sponsored Gavin Bishop to attend as an author and illustrator as the focus was children’s books.
Anne de Lautour reports “Our purpose was to gain an overall picture of the potential of TIBE as a rights selling opportunity for NZ publishers. From the moment we arrived, the organisers promoted our attendance and providing introductions to key publishers and agents. We met also with various media including Publishers Weekly and radio who were interested in, and knowledgeable about, our writers. We presented two seminars speaking about our market, our publishing and the new translation programme and an excellent translator made this possible. MFAT ensured that Gavin’s schedule was full visiting schools and addressing children’s literature experts.
The new NZ ambassador in Taipei, Stephen Paynter held a reception for TIBE board members and main publishers and agents to meet us which was invaluable for networking and understanding more about about the business of publishing in Taiwan.”
If you are interested in learning more or attending TIBE in 2012 please contact anne@publishers.org.nz
Below – NZ delegates with Stephen Paynter NZ Ambassador to Taipei
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