If you’re a Slovenian author, publisher, or literary agent looking to get your book into international hands, book fairs like Frankfurt, Bologna, and London are where it all happens. These events bring together thousands of professionals from across the world — and it’s your chance to make your story stand out.
But how do you actually pitch a Slovenian book to foreign publishers? What are they looking for? And how can you prepare to make the most of every meeting? Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting noticed on the global stage.
Table of Contents
Preparation
Before you even set foot in the fairgrounds, you need to do your homework. A good pitch starts long before the actual meeting.
Key steps before the fair:
- Know your book’s audience – Who is it for? What genre is it? Which markets could it fit into?
- Research potential publishers – Find out which foreign publishers publish similar books to yours.
- Prepare a rights catalogue or flyer – Include title, author bio, synopsis, formats, reviews, and rights availability.
- Translate your materials – Have a short pitch in English (and possibly German, French, or Italian) ready.
- Schedule meetings in advance – Use fair platforms (like Frankfurt Rights) to book appointments with editors and agents.
The Pitch
When it’s time to pitch, keep it simple, clear, and engaging. You only have a few minutes to make an impression — so focus on what makes your book unique.
What to cover in your pitch:
- Title and genre
- Brief author bio (mention awards or international interest)
- Short synopsis – No more than 2–3 sentences
- Why now? – Why is the book relevant to their market today?
- Comparable titles – Show you understand the market
- Visuals – Bring a well-designed sample page, PDF, or dummy copy if possible
Don’t just talk about the book — tell a story around it. Make it easy for the person across the table to imagine your book in their language and market.
Fairs Breakdown
Different book fairs offer different opportunities depending on the type of book you’re pitching.
Frankfurt Book Fair
- Best for: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s, academic
- Tip: Focus on rights sales and networking with agents
Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Best for: Children’s and YA books
- Tip: Bring visuals! Illustration is king here
London Book Fair
- Best for: English-speaking rights, digital and audio rights
- Tip: Target UK and Commonwealth publishers
Bonus Tip: Guest of Honour Advantage
Since Slovenia is Guest of Honour at Frankfurt 2025, international interest in Slovenian books is at an all-time high. Use this momentum when you pitch — it gives your book an edge.
Materials to Bring
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Rights catalogue | Overview of available titles and rights info |
| One-pager per title | Easy takeaway for publishers to review later |
| Sample chapters (translated) | Show writing style and tone |
| Business cards | Still essential at fairs |
| Tablet or printed visuals | Especially for illustrated books |
All your materials should be clear, professional, and visually appealing. If you’re an indie author, consider working with a literary agent or the Slovenian Book Agency to improve your visibility.
Support from Slovenia
The Slovenian Book Agency (JAK) offers resources to help authors and publishers prepare for international markets:
- Translation grants for foreign publishers
- Subsidies for fair attendance
- Rights catalogue promotion
- Training workshops on how to pitch and sell books abroad
Keep an eye on JAK’s newsletters and calls for participation — they’re your best ally for pitching abroad.
What Publishers Want
Foreign publishers aren’t just looking for good books — they’re looking for books they can sell in their markets. When pitching, think like a publisher.
They care about:
- Market trends
- Proven sales (domestic or international)
- Unique themes or untold stories
- Visual or literary quality
- Cultural relevance
- Easy-to-sell formats (series, short fiction, accessible nonfiction)
Make it easy for them to say “yes.”
After the Pitch
The work doesn’t stop after the meeting. Always follow up with:
- A thank-you email
- A PDF of your pitch material
- A sample translation or press kit
- Rights updates if something new happens (like an award or review)
Relationships take time. Even if they don’t buy now, you’ve planted the seed.
Slovenian literature is on the rise, and with the right preparation and pitch, your book could be the next one to cross borders. International success often starts with a conversation — and there’s no better place to start than at the world’s top book fairs.
FAQs
Which book fairs should I attend?
Frankfurt, Bologna (kids), and London are top choices.
Do I need my book translated?
A sample translation and English pitch help a lot.
What materials should I bring?
Rights catalogue, one-pager, sample chapters, visuals.
How can JAK support my pitch?
JAK offers grants, training, and catalogue promotion.
How long should my pitch be?
Keep it under 5 minutes and focus on the hook.
