The Literary Export Initiative for Publishers and Authors from Malta (including London Book Fair, 11โ€“13 March 2025)

  1. Kunsill Nazzjonali Tal-Ktieb
  2. Literary Exports
  3. London Book Fair
  4. The Literary Export Initiative for Publishers and Authors from Malta (including London Book Fair, 11โ€“13 March 2025)




Posted on December 10, 2024

The National Book Council (NBC) is proud to present the Literary Export Initiative for Publishers and Authors from Malta. Selected participants will showcase their works in a foreign rights catalogue distributed at the London Book Fair 2025, held at Olympia London from 11 to 13 March, and at other international book fairs throughout 2025. This initiative aims to empower Maltese publishers and authors by providing a platform to promote up to 5 of their selected titles in the 2025 Malta foreign rights catalogue, which will also feature National Book prize winning titles and information about the Malta Book Fund โ€“ the latter curated by the NBC.

Despite the increased accessibility of communication technologies, smaller independent companies face challenges establishing themselves globally. The NBC recognises the hurdles encountered by Maltese publishers and authors in navigating the international publishing market and is committed to supporting their success. As part of this initiative, the Council supports Maltese publishers and authors to connect with key industry players at foreign book fairs through a foreign rights catalogue featuring comprehensive information about their selected publications.

Initiative details

The Literary Export Initiative is open to Maltese publishers who own rights to the works they intend to pitch for inclusion in the Malta foreign rights catalogue 2025. If such agreements are not in place, applicants must make efforts to sign agreements with the author of the books before applying, or at the very least before the 2025 London Book Fair dates. To be eligible, applicants must actively engage in exporting Maltese literature. Up to 5 titles per publisher can be submitted for inclusion in the rights catalogue.ย 

Authors are requested to contact their publishers should they wish their book to be proposed for the foreign rights catalogue.

The application period for The Literary Export Initiative for Publishers and Authors from Malta closes on 14 January 2025. Participants in this initiative may also apply for up to two free guest badges to attend the London Book Fair 2025, with the option to utilise meeting tables at the NBC stand 6A34 for up to two slots on specified dates and times (availability confirmation will be provided by an NBC representative). Alternatively, NBC representatives at the London Book Fair must be briefed to handle any requests related to the books. Post-fair negotiations will be conducted by the rights holder, as indicated in the catalogue.

Publishers applying to the initiative are required to secure translation rights from the author (in writing). It’s important to note that not every book submitted will automatically be chosen for inclusion in the foreign rights catalogue. A selection board will work closely with the NBC to finalise the catalogue.

Application guidelines and submission

The success of the second edition of the NBCโ€™s foreign rights catalogue highly depends not only on the publishersโ€™ list of books specifically curated for the exposure of Maltese literature in the international publishing market, but also on how each publication is effectively pitched and presented to potential rights sellers.ย 

Literary agent Simon Trewin, who has over 30 years of experience in the international rights business, has provided some key tips on howย to write an impactful Advanced Information Sheet, which the NBC is delighted to share with Maltese publishers and authors. To deliver an engaging pitch, Trewin recommends ย โ€œclear, compelling project descriptionsโ€, โ€œcomparable titlesโ€ and a โ€œconcise and on-point copyโ€. His guidelines are explained in more detail in his brief message, which can be readย here. Publishers and authors are also encouraged to refer to theย 2024 foreign rights catalogueย as well as the NBCโ€™sย Advanced Information Sheet samplesย in order to note how Trewin’s advice can be put into practice and aligned with the application requirements of this call.

Applicants may also receive support from the National Book Council before submitting titles forย inclusion inย theย rights catalogue. Topics coveredย mayย include publishing contracts, foreign rights agreements, the role of agents and pitching. Individualised advice will be provided based on publishers’ lists and authors’ works mentioned in the application form.

Publishers are kindly requested to fill in the application form through this link by 14 January 2025.

APPLY HERE

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