Europa Editions and Other Press are taking three independent booksellers to the Turin International Book Fair.
Last year, Europa sent bookseller Ariana Paliobagis from Country Bookshelf in Bozeman, Mont. to the Frankfurt Book Fair. Now, the publisher is collaborating with Other Press to send three independent booksellers to the Turin International Book Fair (May 18-22).
“We think it is a great way to give booksellers the opportunity to experience a foreign book fair first-hand, to take in the culture and, hopefully, reinforce their commitment to selling literature in translation and from abroad,” Sophia Franchi, coordinator of the program, told PW.
Dubbed the International Bookfair Scholarship (IBS), the program — which is also being run in partnership with Europa’s Italian publishing partner Edizioni E/O — will cover all expenses associated with attending the Turin Book Fair. In addition, the booksellers will be invited to participate in panels, networking, and curate a part of a 345 sq.-ft. pop-up “American style independent bookstore” that will be part of the show floor. “We’ll have Europa and Other books for sale,” said Franchi, “and the booksellers will be invited to put their own mark on the store as well.”
Scholarship recipients will be chosen based on applicants supporting statements about their interest in selling and engaging with international literature and the ideas they have for bringing international literature to the attention of more readers.
Applications are being accepted until March 1 and can be made by visiting www.internationalbookfairscholarship.com.
According to Franchi, more than 50 booksellers have applied so far.
This article has been updated.
