Programme for BolognaBooksPlus unveiled

Sessions on how to become a successful literary agent, understanding licensing, and book jacket design are to feature at BolognaBookPlus (BBPlus), the conference and training programme that accompanies the Italian children’s book fair.

BBPlus, launched in June 2021, runs in parallel to the annual fair, and this year will host a series of curated events from 21st to 24th March.

A half-day training programme, titled "Call Your Agent: How to Become a Successful Literary Agent" on 22nd March will offer practical advice on how to get into the business. Running alongside this will be "How to Sell Rights and Understand Licensing in Children’s Books", running for a second year. It is aimed at those starting out in rights, contracts and licensing in children’s publishing. It will be delivered by children’s rights experts, featuring discussions about copyright, IP, licensing and merchandising and the selling process.

"How to Self-Publish in Italy and Abroad" on 21st March is a half-day event covering insights into the Italian self-publishing scene and beyond, and understanding the process of self-publishing from start to finish.

The programme will also feature two sessions on design, including a competition. "International Jacket Design" will focus on six markets inviting entries for their individual "best of the best" that will be featured in an exhibit within BolognaBookPlus and a winner awarded on March 24th.

Different designs and formats of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (Vintage) will be examined during "Jackets Off", a showcase and seminar that examines one title published across international editions. 

Jacks Thomas, guest director for BolognaBooksPlus (pictured), said: "After a virtual inaugural year in 2021, we are absolutely delighted that BolognaBookPlus is taking place in person this year, building on the digital initiatives of last year. The programme reflects the ingenuity, creativity and ambition of our industry across the globe, while introducing events and conferences that support the industry of tomorrow. Bologna, at the heart of the book world for over 50 years, is the perfect opportunity to embrace everything that publishing has to offer and we are looking forward to being there with you."