BookExpo America 2010: DIY and digital publishing, Book Week public events

(BookExpo America)

BookExpo America, the premier book fair in North America and the largest English-language book fair in the world, is set to descend on New York City May 25-27. Among 2010 highlights: a keynote speech by Barbra Streisand, the public component of New York Book Week, and first-time events supporting the DIY and digital publishing trends.

BEA is expected host 25,000 to 30,000 industry professionals coming for conferences, book presentations, and autograph sessions at the Jacob K. Javits Center. More than 1,500 exhibitors and 500 authors are expected, including Cory Doctorow, Sarah Ferguson, William Gibson, John Grisham, Sara Gruen, Christopher Hitchens, Patton Oswalt, Richard Peck, Mitali Perkins, and Mary Roach. At one of the program's most star-studded events, Jon Stewart, host of the US satirical news TV program The Daily Show, will introduce former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

Barbra Streisand will give the BEA keynote speech on May 25, introducing her upcoming book My Passion for Design. While the event is free for all those registered, tickets will be doled out on a first come, first served basis at a specifically designated ticket counter.

Tapping into the growing self-publishing trend, the fair will include a first-time DIY Authors Conference and Marketplace, linking service providers with aspiring writers. Another major trend will be covered in depth at the International Digital Publishing Forum's Digital Book 2010, a one-day conference to be held on BEA grounds for the first time.

Another first is New York Book Week, an extensive public program that will take place in venues throughout New York City from May 24 through 28. "Main stage" author events will be held at venues such as Times Talks, the 92nd Street Y, and the main branches of the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library, while smaller events will take place at other libraries and bookstores around the city. Authors set to participate include Jonathan Franken, Scott Turow, Cory Doctorow, Joyce Burnett, and Zetta Elliot.

Pre-registration is open through May 19. Advance one-day passes range from $60 to $80, depending on profession, while three-day passes go for $95 to $275. On site, one-day passes are $80 to $125, while three-day passes are $140 to $199. New York Book Week events are free and open to the public.

http://www.bookexpoamerica.com