LBF 2025: ‘Incredibly busy’ fair upbeat as US spends big, but some hit by IRC problems

Atlantic Books MD Drummond Moir described a thirst for solutions from publishers. "We are seeing a particular interest in solutions-based non-fiction... Romanian, Spanish, US pre-empts," he said. "Titles with a practical premise seem to be of more interest to foreign publishers. We're selling more than buying this year. It feels to me really dynamic, lively and a good buzz."

Moir was one of several exhibitors to cite American interest: "The biggest deals we're seeing are from American publishers. Many of them are pre-empts."

Oneworld publisher Juliet Mabey also noted the presence of US editors, saying: "This year's book fair definitely feels busier than last." However, The Bright Agency CEO Vicki Willden-Lebrecht noted that "possible American tariffs on books is a concern".