On Day 1 of the London Book Fair 2014, Indie Writers talked about making millions, publishers defended the longevity of print content and book sellers talked about reduced shelf space.
The exhibitor stands were busy. All the big publishing houses - Harper Collins, Penguin and Random House looked glossy.
Non-fiction, educational and international publishers were all there. Earl's Court was brimming with networking, deal making and seminars.
According to the indie writers, word counts are coming down as reader's attention spans become shorter. They crow about all the money they are making, that they don't want or need the traditional publishing route. They call themselves CEOs and are proud they retain control of book covers and pricing.
Self-published NY Times best seller, Bella Andre, talked about making business decisions. She's an authority on the book market, but also a woman who struggles with the challenges of balancing marketing and writing.
Social media was lauded for creating communities, helping marketing campaigns and a critical tool for all writers.
There was lots of wisdom sharing. Helen Dunmore who has successfully written poetry, children's and young adult fiction, talked about the trappings of researching. "It's easier to be a writer who researches than a writer who does a first draft," she says.
Usborne Deputy Fiction Director Annie Finnis says for children's books, they are looking for good writing and a set of characters the audience will identify with.
Deputy Editor of the Word Factory, Paul McVeigh's final words to aspiring writers is to write like you'll never write again, as if you'll die tomorrow. It could happen, he adds.
On that note, if you're a writer, get writing. If you're interested in the book industry, go to the London Book Fair 2014 which is from 8 April to 10 April this year.
