Book Expo America 2007

by Elaine Watkins
June 2007

This year's African-American Pavilion was a force to be reckoned with at the Book Expo America and The Urban Book Source was there to capture it all.

Making its debut at the 2004 BEA in Chicago, the African-American Pavilion has grown to exhibit more than double the amount of original participants. Executive Director of the Pavilion, Tony Rose, credits the growth to a surge in entrepreneurship amongst young black authors who account for more than one third of exhibitors.

But this isn't your average book fair. Attendance by industry publishers, marketing executives, booksellers, editors, authors and publicists make BEA a unique networking event. It is an event where talent shines and deals are made. Best-selling author Relentless Aaron, credits his deal with St. Martins Press to a connection made at a BEA event.

While still harboring a strong street lit presence,the Pavilion this year has gained more representation from black authors of self-help and main-stream literature. This is a direct correlation to the broader acceptance of different genres written by black authors for readers from all walks of life. The African-American Book Industry Professionals Reception was a good indicator of this, with special guests like Walter Mosley, Charles Rangel, Teri Woods, Zane, Apprentice star Randal Pinkett, Supermodel Alec and plenty more.

Elaine Watkins is the Editor-in-Chief of The Urban Book Source.

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Kyadai :

Posted 457 days ago

Wow...I only knew about the Harlem Book Fair...I didn't know there was another event. I'm glad to see our authors represented hard though. Is this open to the public?

Janet Lopez :

Posted 458 days ago

It's nice to see blacks getting together supporting one another. Next year we'll do it even bigger. Urban Book Source, thanks for keeping us informed.

Pat G'Orge-Walker, author aka Christian comedian "Sister Betty) :

Posted 458 days ago

It was indeed a wonderful experience. Greeting authors I've known for years and welcoming new ones was a joy. Everything about the reception from the booksignings to the food was par excellence! If I had one regret it was that my publisher (Kensington/Dafina) only had two boxes of my book, Cruisin' On Desperation, available. The books went so fast I'd barely sat down to sign before they were gone. However, I still count it all joy and can't wait for next years' event.

Ton Dona :

Posted 458 days ago

Nice event, didn't get a chance to hang with The Urban Book Source, however, look forward to getting up with all you guys next time down the line. Ton Dona, upcoming author, book in the works now!

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