Are you ready for the Big one?

In the run up to the Oxford Indie Book Fair on December 1st, we’ll be putting out a blog each Friday, spotlighting some of the events and activities we’ve got lined up for you on the day.

On Mondays, there’s a special edition just for the booked up EXHIBITORS giving tips and advice on how to make the show more successful for everyone.

This week, we’re going back to the start of it all with some background on the book fair. You can read a full history of the Oxford Indie Book fair (OXIB for short) on the website by clicking on the ABOUT link at the top of the page. You’ll also find photo galleries of past events to get an idea of how much FUN the whole journey has been.

If you didn’t know already, OXIB is a not for profit organisation funded partly by local sponsors and supporters who, like us are huge book lovers and are on a mission to bring together independent authors, artists, publishers and all the brilliant folk who bring books to life.

Because of this, we’re able to keep the exhibitor fees as low as we can as well as provide a raft of additional benefits such as free promotion on the exhibitors directory page.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we’ve been lucky enough to be able book the absolutely incredible Oxford Examination Schools again. It’s free to visit the book fair, and in fact it’s worth it to come along just to see the inside of this historic building. It’s not generally open to the public except for events, so drop in and drink in the rich history and breath-taking architecture of our world-famous university city. Of course, while you’re there you’ll be dazzled by the variety of books and art on offer from over 150 exhibitors.

As I’m writing this, we’re  already two thirds booked – just go take a look at the vast array of people and companies that are already signed up. Click on EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY to see for yourself.

In fact, there are so many, that we’ve had to add little filter buttons on the page to help you browse. Just click on “Childrens’ Books” for example… neat huh?

Actually, there are a LOT more children’s authors this year than there appears… If you’re one of them don’t forget to check the category boxes in your profile page or you’ll miss out on opportunities like this to be noticed. In fact, next week we’ll be looking at some of the books for kids and special activities we’ve got planned for younger readers.

With all that extra space, we’ve got a stage and seating area where visitors can take the weight off their feet and enjoy talks from authors, artists and kick back to our ever popular POETRY SLAMS.

If you’re able to get there for the start, you’ll see actor and Oxford Brookes chancellor Paterson Joseph opening the fair.

Of course, OXIB isn’t just an Aladdin’s cave of fascinating and enthralling books to buy. If you’re a writer, then this is one of the best opportunities to come and meet up with potential publishers, companies that can help you along the way to self-publishing and of course other, successful writers to talk with about how they got to show off their work at probably one of the biggest indie book fairs in the country.

So: Book the date in your diary – SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST. We’re all excited to see you there.

Until next time,

Andy, Sylvia, James, Shona, Ray and Felicity

The OXIB team.