By: Sheila English
May 26, 2011
New York, New York
Today is the final day of Book Expo America, the largest industry event for US publishing. The lines are still long to get onto the floor first thing and authors signing are walking away with wide smiles and congratulations. Even the self-published who are signing have run out of books and are extremely pleased with their success.
Self-publishing and digital are the unexpected highlights of the event. There is never any doubt that the Random House, Simon & Schuster, HMH Publishing and other large vendors are going to shine and be a crowning jewel of the event, but the fact that even self-published authors here promoting their own books are finding success certainly underscores the overall enthusiasm of the event and even of the industry.
New and unique vendors caught the attention of those roaming the floors. Book communities promoted themselves, new digital products, publisher merchandising, reader items and even toys caught the eye of attendees and caused a buzz.
The final day has just begun but instead of tired eyes and sore feet, though we are certain there are plenty of those, the energy is still positive and up beat.
