An independent publisher community called out the organizer of Manila International Book Fair for setting limits on author book signings.
In a statement released by The Indie Publishers Collab PH (TIPC) on their Facebook page, they stated that they received an email from the organizer of MIBF, Primetrade, which reads, “Please be informed that we will implement that author book signings are not allowed inside the booths for those who reserved 15 booths and below to avoid disturbance to the other exhibitors.”
TIPC pointed out that the rule is unfair because it discriminates against small publishers like them, who can barely afford the space allocated for the event.
“Author signings at the booth draw the readers and boost book sales, aside from providing the readers opportunities to interact with the authors,” they continued.
The publisher community also mentioned that this rule “was arbitrarily imposed just two months before the MIBF, without prior consultation with the exhibitors.”
They feel disheartened by this development, especially considering their support for Primetrade and MIBF during the challenging times of COVID-19, when all parties were grappling with significant hardships.
“With this policy of banning author signings inside the booth for exhibitors who reserved for 15 booths or less, the message is clear: MIBF is partial to only the big ones.”
“Primetrade should not favor only one party over the other for the simple reason of ‘avoiding disturbance to other exhibitors’. For the sake of invigorating the small presses and developing readers, Primetrade should bring back author signings in the booth, regardless of how many – whether the exhibitor availed just one or less than 15 booths,” they concluded their statement.
Social media users took to the comments section to share their thoughts, with many expressing disappointment over the outcome.
It remains to be seen whether Primetrade and the Manila International Book Fair will address the grievances raised by The Indie Publishers Collab PH and the broader community.
As social media buzzes with disappointment and calls for equity, the hope for a fair resolution that supports all publishers, regardless of size, continues to resonate among authors, readers, and independent publishers alike. It is crucial for the organizers to recognize the value of inclusivity and take steps to foster a more supportive and balanced environment for everyone involved.
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