DropCap’s 2023 Predictions With Allison Olson & Monica Meehan
With an exciting 2023 upon us here at DropCap, we took some time to ask our agents a few questions about what they’re most looking forward to in the coming year, along with some predictions for the translation rights world.
DropCap Agents, Allison Olson and Monica Meehan
Which international book fair are you most looking forward to in 2023, and why?
AO: Feria de Libro de Guadalajara, Mexico! It’s always been my favorite fair due to its lively atmosphere and perfect sunny weather. The Spanish language markets are booming lately so it's important to reconnect with current partners and meet new ones! Y como beneficio adicional, siempre me encanta la oportunidad de hablar el idioma más lindo del mundo, ¡el español!
MM: Having lived in London for over a decade, the London Book Fair is quite literally like coming home. That said, I absolutely love the one fair that every few years is completely unexpected: Sharjah, Turin, or possibly the Korean Book Fair where we have many great deals thanks to our fantastic publishing friends in the region.
What are some of the trends in publishing and books that you think will be most exciting as far as the global market is concerned?
AO: I’m watching #BookTok and other ways the younger generations are teaching seasoned publishing professionals what they are truly passionate about and seeking in terms of books and entertainment. I’m seeing many more apps and new ways of consuming all or parts of cutting edge content.
MM: My thoughts on trends will be continuing to build on presenting books in an innovative way though podcasts, interactive media, striking covers, and design-led branding in order to stand out in a competitive and ever-changing market. I’m most excited to see books from anyone with a fresh take on a standard idea, be it in business, self help, children’s books or the next great book to Netflix series!
How do you see technology advancing how books are being sold internationally? Any predictions?
AO: Developing AI to match the perfect book to the right publishing house in each market is an attainable goal in the global rights space. Discovering what readers are buying in English or other languages and then publishing in the native tongue could be another way tech improves the international rights markets.
MM: Tech will always be a key part of any business and in ours, any tools such as our proprietary rights management software, Sherlock, that help aid the intensely busy field of rights is a bonus. I’m watching the trends in tech in transferring information instantly - contracts, pdfs, etc. - and improving on the look and feel of that execution.
What genres are you most excited about representing at DropCap this year?
AO: Confident, independently minded authors with unique ideas get me really jazzed up to pitch these types of books in any genre. Self-care titles for both children and adults are likely to continue to grow particularly those that straddle science and mental health as this topic is sought after worldwide.
MM: The hidden gems are the best! We had great success with an independently published title this past year in the arena of self-help and wellbeing. In our busy and challenging world, these topics are more and more relevant. Looking forward to finding more hidden gems in both adult and kids/YA fiction in 2023 as well!
