Trading on the Hachette UK stand at London Book Fair 2024. Image: Publishing Perspectives, Porter Anderson
By Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief | @Porter_Anderson
Conway: ‘Commitment, Kindness, and Energy’
Those in the “traveling publishing” cohort of the international book business will have no question about the logic behind the selection of the Publishers Association‘s Gloria Bailey MBE as London Book Fair‘s (March 11 to 13) Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
At China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (this year November 14 and 15), Bailey could be found graciously greeting Chinese publishing professionals and those from many countries at her stand, offering a place to sit, bottles of water, and cooling tissues in a superheated venue.
Ready with expert advice and a serene, welcoming smile, Bailey for more than 40 years has been with the association and is the associate director for export services—easily one of the most important areas of facilitation and promotion provided by the association to the United Kingdom’s industry, which is heavily dependent on exports for profitability.
Gloria Bailey
At Frankfurter Buchmesse (October 15 to 19), Bologna Children’s Book Fair (March 31 to April 3), Sharjah International Book Fair (November 5 to 16), Beijing International Book Fair (June 18 to 22), and many other trade shows, Bailey “has been instrumental in facilitating UK publishers’ international growth,” according to the citation provided today (February 18) to journalists.
“She has coordinated export services and administered the Tradeshow Access Program funding, helping numerous small publishers access international markets through trade fairs. Her role in promoting UK publishing internationally also has involved working in close collaboration with the UK government.”
Bailey’s influence “extends well beyond logistical support,” the award’s organizers say.
“She’s highly regarded for her professionalism, grace, and calm demeanor, as well as deep knowledge, an exceptional work ethic, and a personable nature, making her a central figure in the publishing community.
“Dedicating more than four decades to supporting publishers in many parts of the world, Gloria has played a pivotal role in helping businesses of all sizes and specialties thrive.”
Bailey: 120+ Editions of Book Fairs and Trade Missions
Reacting to the news of her selection for the honor of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Bailey says, “When I joined the Publishers Association in 1983, I never imagined I was embarking on a journey that would lead to me receiving this prestigious accolade from the publishing community.
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It’s been a pleasure and an honor to represent UK publishers at more than 120 editions of international book fairs and trade missions in all four corners of the world, helping companies of all shapes and sizes find new markets and audiences.
“To have played a small role in the global success of UK publishing has been a remarkable experience. But my greatest joy has been the people I have worked with—my colleagues and members at the Publishers Association, organizers and attendees at book fairs, and everyone I have met in the course of my work and travels. I cherish these memories and share this award with them.”
Dan Conway
Dan Conway, the Publishers Association’s CEO, says, “Gloria Bailey commands the respect and admiration of all of us in the publishing industry who’ve had the privilege to work with her over the years.
“She has served publishers in the UK and internationally for more than 40 years with commitment, kindness, and energy and I can’t think of a more deserving winner of this illustrious award.”
Adam Ridgway
London Book Fair director Adam Ridgway says, “We’re absolutely delighted to recognize Gloria’s luminous career with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Gloria is a real example of one of the hardest-working individuals in the industry, helping UK publishers of all sizes grow and do business internationally. As well as professional impact, skills and achievements, the award also aims to spotlight individuals with exceptional work ethics and attitude.
“Throughout her career, Gloria has shone for her gracious and kind manners. Colleagues and clients alike describe her as reliable, patient, and highly approachable, and someone who inspires confidence and makes the most complex tasks seem manageable. We’re looking forward to celebrating Gloria’s incredibly well-deserved honor at the London Book Fair.
Nosy Crow Group CEO Kate Wilson, “Gloria combines her deep knowledge of people and places and the publishing business with exemplary personal characteristics: she’s reliable, calm, tolerant, patient, practical, engaged, and kind. She’s also fun to be with.
“She inspires confidence, she seems to think of everything, and nothing is too much trouble for her. She is one of the stand-out people in my career in publishing to date.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award committee, composed of the independent fair’s ad visory board, selected Gloria Bailey from a shortlist of leading international figures in the book industry. The Award is open to publishers, agents, editors, scouts, booksellers, and anyone else involved in the international book industry from any country in the world.
Bailey will be presented with her award at a reception during the London Book Fair, at 5:30 p.m. on March 12 on the Main Stage.
More from Publishing Perspectives on London Book Fair is here, more on rights and licensing in the book industry is here, more on book fairs and trade shows in the world publishing industry is here, and more on the United Kingdom’s publishing market is here.
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