This year marked a significant milestone for Saba Agency as we made our debut at the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), held from February 1-9, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The experience was enriching, showcasing the vibrant landscape of the publishing industry and allowing us to connect with a diverse array of publishers and authors.
The Fair was expansive, with numerous halls hosting a variety of exhibitors, while country pavilions were prominently located in Hall 4, with Russia as the focus country this year. We were excited to see participation from not only Indian publishers but also international authors and publishers from Turkey, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and beyond.
A notable observation from the event was the dedicated effort by Indian publishers to make children’s activities and ancillary books as engaging as possible. The pricing appeared reasonable, and the quality of the print was quite impressive. However, we did notice a gap in children’s literature, with a predominance of mythology tales and Western fairy tales dominating the offerings.
In addition to exploring the Fair, Saba Agency participated in several noteworthy events. One highlight was the 12th Edition of the CEO Speak, held on February 2. This forum, organized by the National Book Trust, India, provided an invaluable opportunity for networking, allowing us to meet CEOs from various international publishing houses as well as prominent figures in the Indian publishing sector.
The Rights Tables, conducted on February 3 and 4, were another crucial part of our experience. These B2B matchmaking sessions fostered connections between publishers from India and around the world, creating a platform for potential collaborations.
As we reflect on our time at the Fair, we are excited about the new relationships we’ve built with our peers in India and beyond. A heartfelt thank you is extended to the National Book Trust India for organizing such an impactful event. We eagerly look forward to participating in next year’s Fair and continuing to explore the world of publishing in India.
