We would like to invite you to participate in the Berlin Book Fair 2004, taking place from 26 - 28 November this year. During the three days of the book fair, Berlin will become a literary metropolis.

The event is taking place in the centre of the city, Alexanderplatz, with 3,300 square metres at Rathaus Passagen, directly opposite the Berlin TV Tower (the city landmark) and next to the Rotes Rathaus (Townhall).

The primary aim of the fair is to promote 'awareness of the written word' in general and Berlin and Brandenburg publishers in particular. However, our focus is not limited to the Berlin-Brandenburg literary scene. Naturally, we are interested in attracting international publishers. And this year, for the first time, we are providing a specific platform for Polish and British publishers.

The Berlin Book Fair provides both industry professionals and the interested reading public with an insight into recent publications and the variety of the Berlin & Brandenburg publishing scene.

What can a British publisher really expect to gain from taking part in the Berlin Book Fair 2004?

Well, first of all, it's important to recognise that Berlin's English-language community now reaches 250,000. Almost every Berlin bookshop has an English language selection. This is because Berlin's readers, both German and English speaking, provide a receptive audience for English language products, as they are fiercely interested in international literature and many prefer texts in the original language. Furthermore, this is the ideal opportunity to meet fellow European publishers to create an intercultural exchange.

The Berlin Book Fair concentrates on creating a direct contact between publishers and readers. As such, it helps small and independent publishers to maintain the kind of relationship with their readership, so vitally important for the livelihood of a small press. Organising your own events, such as book signings or talks, to be held at your stand, is an ideal way of complementing the use of this platform.

Over the course of the day, an extensive programme of events takes place in the grounds of the fair, stretching out to various points across Berlin in the evening. Readings, podium discussions, intercultural cross-over events and a book auction take place with the author and their readers under the spotlight.

The Berlin Book fair is the ideal platform from which to introduce your latest products to a wide audience as well as to forge direct contact with retail outlets, readers and the media.

The fair is divided into the following sub-sections:

The Berlin Book Fair is a varied and exciting literary festival. This is an opportunity to present your company and its products to an interested audience. We invite you to participate in the Berlin Book Fair 2004, and look forward to welcoming you as our guest.

For more info, please contact Matthew Fahey on + 49 (0)30 61 20 94 63 or email matthew.fahey@berliner-buchmesse.de