New Zealand and Australia will be the ‘Market Focus’ countries at the 2005 London Book Fair.

Market Focus is designed to draw attention to selected countries and highlight their publishing industries and business opportunities. It’s great news for New Zealand publishers: those interested in participating should contact the Bookseller’s Association, by emailing linda.henderson@booksellers.co.nz.

Alistair Burtenshaw, the Fair’s Exhibition Director, said:

… we are delighted to be able to focus in on Australia and New Zealand as our 2005 Market Focus countries, especially given the creativity, variety and vibrancy of their publishing industries.

Why, thank you. And Michael Moynahan, Board Chair of Booksellers New Zealand has commented:

It’s fantastic for New Zealand that we are part of the Market Focus promotion for 2005. This coincides nicely with the extra concerted effort that New Zealand publishers are making to further extend the reach of export sales. London Book Fair appears to be going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be participating in such a comprehensive manner.

You took the words right out of our mouths, Mike. The London Book Fair runs from 13-15 March 2005, and you can check out the website here.