This presentation was delivered by Michalis Kalamaras at Thinking Literature in Translation in Sofia on 14 November 2025. It examines how international book fairs have expanded beyond rights trading to become important environments for professional education, networking and capacity building.
Kalamaras connects this evolution with globalisation, European integration, growing interest in smaller literary markets and the continuing importance of personal relationships. Professional programmes now combine rights centres, scheduled meetings, training sessions, informal networking, market focuses, translation grants and industry events, creating what he describes as an unofficial curriculum for publishing professionals.
The presentation also explains how publishing fellowships work. Successful programmes generally use competitive applications, subsidised participation, market visits, professional sessions, matchmaking and cultural activities. Kalamaras recommends starting on a manageable scale, balancing buyers and sellers, connecting international fellows with local professionals and building an active alumni community.
The Limassol International Book Fair illustrates these principles through its professional conference, business-to-business programme and ambition to connect Europe with the Middle East. Kalamaras concludes that effective book fairs must support both the rapid exchange of rights and the slower development of knowledge, trust and lasting professional relationships.
