Q: Before attending the Frankfurt Book Fair, what were your expectations, and how did they compare to the reality of the experience?
BK: Before attending the Frankfurt Book Fair, I had some expectations, but they didn’t quite match the reality. While I knew book rights would be sold, I completely underestimated the scale and scope of the event. The Frankfurt Book Fair far exceeded my expectations, offering knowledge and experiences that no amount of research could have prepared me for. I learned more in one week than I could have imagined, meeting knowledgeable and kind professionals who shared insights based on their schools’ and companies’ reputations. Despite being a student, I felt genuinely welcomed and at home in the publishing community. My expectations were surpassed in the best possible way. Although I wish there had been more time to explore different career paths within publishing, this experience gave me a valuable head start and reminded me to broaden my perspective and be intentional about my future in the industry.
Q: What were some of your most memorable moments from the fair?
BK: Some of my most memorable moments from the fair were meeting incredible publishing powerhouses who generously took the time to speak with us. From Nihar Malaviya, CEO of Penguin Random House, to Jaci Updike and Jeff Abraham, CRO and COO, respectively, I was in awe of their insight and leadership. Ana Ban, a Pace Publishing Program alum, was especially gracious and lovely as I fangirled over the books her company represents. I also appreciated the vendors who shared their industry experiences with us. These moments were truly irreplaceable – filled with kindness, encouragement, and support from people eager to nurture the next generation of publishing hopefuls. I left feeling both inspired and deeply grateful for their generosity and wisdom. Another memorable moment was taking photos for the Kids’ Conference and having one of my photos used in Publishers Weekly. The whole trip was memorable from start to finish, but these are a few of the memories that come immediately to mind.
Q: How do you perceive the knowledge gained from attending the fair influencing your future career in publishing?
BK: I gained a wealth of knowledge about sub-rights, which is a part of publishing I knew almost nothing about before this trip. It opened my eyes to how integral sub-rights, literary agents, co-ops, and countless behind-the-scenes roles are to the success of books I love. This experience deepened my appreciation for the often underrecognized aspects of publishing and inspired me to explore those paths more intentionally. I’m grateful to have witnessed firsthand the multifaceted nature of the industry beyond my prior understanding.
Q: What were some of the most surprising or unexpected aspects of the trip?
BK: The most surprising part was the sheer size of the conference center. Having been to the Jacob Javits Center multiple times, I thought I had a sense of scale, but the Frankfurt Congress Center completely dwarfs it. It’s enormous, and we didn’t even see every building! Another unexpected
detail was witnessing how quickly everything came together; the construction that was unfinished on Tuesday afternoon was pristine by Wednesday morning. I was also deeply moved by the guest of honor country, the Philippines’s presence at the fair. Seeing three poet laureates recite their work in Tagalog was breathtaking. The global turnout was equally inspiring, a beautiful celebration of literature from every corner of the world.
Q: Did you have any free time to explore Frankfurt or immerse yourself in the local culture outside of the fair?
BK: Yes! We arrived Monday morning and had the entire day to acclimate. We explored the transit system, wandered through neighborhoods, and marveled at the city’s architecture. I loved the contrast between the post-war buildings’ aged beauty and the sleek modernity of newer structures; it gave the city such a unique atmosphere. We stopped by cafés, indulged in pastries, explored a shopping center, and ended the night with gelato alongside Professor Romanello. That was just day one! Every day after the fair, we found something new to explore, and each outing was its own little adventure.
Q: What advice would you give to future students attending international book fairs for the first time?
BK: Be open to exploring and trying new things. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from embracing the world you’re lucky enough to experience. You might not love everything, but you’ll never regret having tried. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. These experiences are rare and invaluable, especially when tied to something you’re passionate about, like publishing.
Q: What was the most interesting place you visited in Frankfurt?
BK: It’s a tie between the Hugendubel bookstore and the authentic German restaurant, Apfelwein Wagner, which we visited with Oriana’s friend Marie. The Hugendubel was an incredible multi-level bookstore with everything from study guides to stationery; I could’ve spent the whole day there and still not have seen it all. As for Apfelwein Wagner, despite being a picky eater, I’m so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. The pork schnitzel with potato hash was simple yet unforgettable– hands down one of the best meals I had in Germany.
Q: Did you buy any books while you were there? What influenced your decision to purchase?
BK: Absolutely! I ended up with a carry-on full of books—classics like Charlotte Brontë’s The Professor and a beautifully designed edition of The Quran by Wordsworth Editions. I also picked up several European editions of familiar titles because their covers were so striking compared to their American counterparts. Honestly, I don’t need much convincing when it comes to buying books, I will always make room in my budget for them! Hugendubel was a dream bookstore for me, and after discovering the English-language section, I couldn’t help myself. Let’s just say my suitcase required a few strategic reorganizations to fit all my new treasures.