MIBF Clarifies Book Signing Policy Amid Criticisms from Authors and Small Publishers
-
Loading... - Touki Yuma
- 29 Jul 2024
- 49 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) has addressed criticisms regarding its policy prohibiting book signings for exhibitors with fewer than 15 booths. This clarification follows backlash from several Filipino authors and small publishers.
On July 11, exhibitors received emails from MIBF's organizers, Primetrade, stating that book signings would not be allowed for those occupying less than 15 booths to "avoid disturbance to the other exhibitors." This decision sparked significant criticism from small publishers and authors.
Initial Reaction and Clarification
Marvin Aceron, executive publisher of San Anselmo Publications, revealed that Primetrade held a meeting with publishers to clarify the policy. According to Aceron, the initial email was sent without consultation from higher management and was described as an "honest mistake."
Primetrade subsequently assured publishers that in-booth activities, including book signings, are encouraged. A follow-up email from the organizers, shared publicly by Aceron, clarified that book signings are permitted if a proper queuing system is in place to manage crowds.
"Book signings within the booth shall be allowed, provided that a proper queuing system is established and crowd control measures are properly implemented by marshals. Lines that cover the frontage of other exhibitors’ spaces will be moved to another area, with the exhibitor assigning additional marshals to manage the lines to achieve smooth coordination and flow for buyers," stated the MIBF organizers. They emphasized that the guideline was intended for crowd control, not to "undermine" any exhibitors.
Criticism from Small Publishers
Small publishers like San Anselmo Publications and the Indie Publishers Collab PH (TIPC) initially criticized the MIBF's policy. Aceron noted that Primetrade informed them of the rule only after they had paid the down payment and signed the forfeiture clause. He expressed concerns that the book fair might become monotonous, resembling pre-pandemic years where big chains simply transferred stock from their bookstores.
Aceron pointed out, "More than that, the real threat to the book fair (which the organizers seem unaware of) is that it will become boring again. We’re reverting to the pre-pandemic years, with big chains simply moving stock from their bookstores. What’s the point of a book fair if it offers the same titles as the mall?"
Impact on Independent Publishers
TIPC highlighted that the initial rule was unfair, discriminating against small publishers who could barely afford the booth costs of ₱74,000 plus VAT. They argued that book signings are crucial for attracting readers, boosting sales, and allowing authors to interact with their audience.
“The rule is unfair since it discriminates against small publishers like ourselves, who can barely afford a 3 meter x 3 meter booth that costs ₱74,000 plus VAT, but persist because we want to make our titles available to the general reading public, and thus give a bigger exposure to our authors and the important messages we want to communicate,” TIPC stated.
TIPC and other small presses, such as Gantala Press, Alubat Publishing, Aklat Alamid, and Sadiri Publishing, have reshared TIPC’s statement, expressing their dissatisfaction with the initial policy and underscoring the importance of book signings for Filipino literature.
The MIBF organizers' recent clarification aims to address these concerns, ensuring that all exhibitors, regardless of size, can participate fully and benefit from the event's activities.
