Today's Read Contributor The 2023 BookExpo New York, held on May 19 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, brought together authors, publishers, literary agents, and industry professionals to explore the future of books and publishing. This year’s expo centered on two major themes: digital innovation in the book industry and the growing importance of diversity and representation in literature. The event, which attracted over 20,000 attendees, featured over 500 exhibitors, showcasing a wide variety of books, platforms, and technologies that are shaping the publishing world.
One of the most anticipated features of this year’s BookExpo was the panel on “The Future of Digital Publishing,” where industry leaders discussed the rise of e-books, audiobooks, and interactive reading experiences. Executives from major digital platforms, including Audible, Kindle, and Apple Books, shared insights into the ways these formats are revolutionizing how people read. The panelists emphasized how audiobooks, in particular, have become increasingly popular, with sales growing significantly in the past few years, especially among younger audiences who seek convenience and flexibility. Experts predicted that audiobooks will continue to dominate the market in the coming years, with more publishers adapting their content to meet the demands of audio-centric readers.
A major topic discussed at the expo was the role of diversity in publishing. The panel titled “Amplifying Diverse Voices: The Changing Landscape of Literature” featured prominent authors such as Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give, and Zakiya Dalila Harris, whose debut novel The Other Black Girl became a bestseller. The discussion highlighted how the publishing industry is increasingly recognizing the need to amplify voices from underrepresented communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) writers. Harris discussed how her experience as a Black woman in publishing shaped her writing, noting that the industry is slowly but surely opening doors for new perspectives.
The panel also featured independent publishers like Akashic Books and Haymarket Books, both of which focus on diverse, progressive literature. Representatives from these presses discussed the challenges they face in competing with larger publishers and the innovative ways they are using social media and grassroots marketing to connect with readers. “Independent publishing is about creating spaces for voices that might be overlooked by the mainstream,” said Akashic Books’ founder Johnny Temple.
In addition to panel discussions, the expo hosted numerous workshops for aspiring authors, focusing on self-publishing, marketing, and navigating the digital landscape. One popular session, “Building Your Author Brand in the Digital Era,” featured successful self-published authors who shared their tips on how to market books online, connect with readers through social media, and use digital tools to build a personal brand. The increasing importance of social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, was a central theme, with many authors acknowledging that these platforms have become essential tools for book promotion.
A standout moment of the expo was the launch of the Digital Voices Fund, an initiative created to support underrepresented authors who wish to explore digital formats such as e-books and audiobooks. This fund aims to help writers from marginalized backgrounds navigate the complex world of digital publishing by providing grants for production, marketing, and distribution costs. The initiative received widespread support from both independent and traditional publishers, further highlighting the commitment of the industry to diversify and adapt to new technologies.
The 2023 BookExpo New York served as a powerful reminder of the transformative changes taking place in the book industry. With its focus on digital innovation and diversity, the expo underscored the publishing world’s commitment to inclusivity, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies that will shape the future of literature.
