Coronavirus a concern, but exhibitors back LBF safety

Rising Covid-19 cases are causing some concern at this year’s LBF, the first in-person for two years, but members of the trade say they feel reassured by the fair’s precautions and are excited to be at Olympia.

Agent Juliet Mushens said her team is testing for Covid-19 regularly “but nervous about the impact if we fall sick last-minute”, while Abi Fellows of The Good Literary Agency said the fair could be a “stressful time for visitors from countries where there are more precautions in place”. Despite “some caution, it’s not dampening the mood”, said Liane-Louise Smith, rights director at Madeleine Milburn.

Many in the trade were reassured by LBF asking attendees to show proof of their Covid-19 status to enter Olympia. LBF has on-site testing facilities, and if any publishers can’t attend owing to a positive test, all sessions will be available to watch on demand until 29th April. Despite some apprehension, schedules are busy. “I’m getting more requests by the minute,” said Kimberley Young, executive publisher for HarperFiction, “It feels nothing but buzzy”.

Rebecca Wearmouth, head of international rights at PFD, agreed, adding: “It really seems like there is a fresh energy this spring. We have had several auctions and pre-empts in the UK, US and internationally. Publishers really seem ready to buy again—and quickly!” She has also noticed “a record number of six-figure deals”.

Scout Jane Southern said international rights deals “are being done almost like before the pandemic, with lots of interest, attempted pre-empts and general activity. It’s a good sign.”