IPG launches Frankfurt showcase scheme to help indies sell rights

An initiative has been launched by the IPG to help indie publishers sell more rights at the Frankfurt Book Fair and give their books global exposure.

The Frankfurt Rights Showcase, run with Rights2, will produce a catalogue of non-fiction titles published by members and circulated to international publishers and rights agents in the run-up to the event.

Clare Hodder and Ruth Tellis of the Rights2 consultancy will present the featured titles to a range of rights professionals from around the world at the fair. They will later report back to publishers on the meetings, passing on leads and making introductions to potential trading partners.

It will be backed up with resources for participants, including expert advice about rights sales ahead of the fair. There will also be a showcase review to share general information about rights markets that has been acquired by the IPG and Rights2 in Frankfurt.

IPG chief executive Bridget Shine said: “The Frankfurt Rights Showcase is going to be a great way for independent publishers to boost their international rights trading. Many of our members tell us that they don’t have the time or specialist knowledge to sell rights at the Frankfurt Book Fair, and this will give their books the exposure to global publishers and agents that they deserve.”

The scheme is being supported by the Department for International Trade. Information about submission guidelines and pricing information is being sent to all IPG members shortly.

Rights2 founders Clare Hodder and Ruth Tellis said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to help IPG members to access the rights market. This is a great way to ensure that the excellent content published by IPG members will be made available to a wider international readership.  This initiative will open doors for smaller publishers to get their titles and authors noticed on a global scale.”