From Publishing Perspectives:

Let's Go to the Mall (For a Book Fair)

By Edward Nawotka

AL AIN: In the United Arab Emirates book fairs have traditionally been held outdoors in what amount to open air bazaars, so in 2006 when the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair was moved indoors to the city's new high tech exhibition hall, it was a break from the norm.

Today, KITAB - the organization responsible for the fair - is introducing the use of an entirely new venue: the shopping mall.

The UAE is famous for having some of the most lavish shopping malls in the world, including, notably, one with its own ski slope. KITAB knows the Emirati like to shop, and in March promoted the launch of the ADIBF with the UAE's first BookCrossing event, one that was held in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall. This weekend it is going one step further, launching the inaugural "Al Ain Reads" book fair which will be hosted at the new Al Bawadi Mall in Al Ain. (read on ...)

Bonus Material: Cheat Sheet to What the Yanks and Brits are Selling in Frankfurt

By Edward Nawotka

US trade journal Publishers Weekly and the UK's Book Brunch have compiled a helpful listing of titles that various literary agents are looking to sell rights to at the forthcoming Frankfurt Book Fair. Dubbed "The Frankfurt Suitcase," it's a great way to get up to speed on all those deal announcements you missed this past year and to get a sense of what your favorite authors, publishers and agents will be working on in the coming year. (read on ...)