Rising Stars opens for entries

The Bookseller’s search for its next class of Rising Stars, the annual list of the book industry’s up and comers, begins today. For the third consecutive year, Rising Stars will be backed by the Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF) and for the first time is sponsored by Redwood Publishing Recruitment.

The list will comprise around 40 talented, forward-thinking individuals whose actions have caught the eye and who have been singled out as possible leaders of the future. The line-up will be revealed in The Bookseller on 10th June. Features and insight editor Tom Tivnan, who founded the now much-imitated Rising Stars programme, said: “When I look back at the five years of Rising Stars, I am amazed at what they have gone on to achieve in just a short space of time. But then again, it’s the book industry—we have a lot of talent. I’m really looking forward to putting together this year’s list.”

The Bookseller, FBF and Redwood will host a series of events, promotions and social gatherings to showcase and support the Class of 2016. FBF will once again sponsor a “Shooting Star”, whom judges feel achieved just that little bit more than the others on the list. The Shooting Star will be given €500 (£400) to put towards a business trip and awarded a number of other prizes, including a free trip to FBF 2016, an FBF Business Club ticket (worth €990) and one-on-one consultations with an industry insider. FBF will also fund a number of Rising Stars’ trips to the fair in October.

Jürgen Boos, FBF director, said it was vital to support the next generation of industry professionals. He added: “Frankfurt is the most important place to make long-lasting business contacts at the top level and to expand your global network. At the same time, the people driving change in the industry are the young and talented entrepreneurs, and we want to be able to highlight the exciting things they are doing by giving them a platform in Frankfurt.”  

To nominate a colleague, or yourself, send a testimonial outlining their/your accomplishments to tom.tivnan@thebookseller.com. Entries must be received by 16th May.