Book Fair

If in NY this weekend, here's something you may want to attend: the 2008 Independent and Small Press Book Fair, to be held at the General Society building (20 W. 44th Street between 5 and 6 Ave.). Numerous (over 150) independent book publishers will be displaying their products, and writers and publishers will be hosting free lectures and readings.

These programs include How to Publish Your Own Book with Ellen Lupton; How to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye with Katharine Sands; The Art of the Memoir: How to Tell and Sell your Life Story with David Henry Sterry; a Literary Trivia Smackdown, and panels on the Future of Publishing.

During troubling times for books, independent and small presses are surviving by following alternative publishing models, such as promoting limited editions (treating books as collectible objects) and making digital books more interactive.

Admission to the fair is free. Hours: Saturday, December 6, 10-6 PM; and Sunday, December 7, 11-5 PM. Visit www.nycip.org/bookfair for more information.