This post is long overdue, but I don’t want to let the opportunity pass without sharing one of the highlights of my September - the Manila International Book Fair!
People who have been to MIBF know that it is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest book fairs in the country. Several publishers and bookstores gather to sell their books, launch new titles, and introduce new and seasoned authors.
This year, it was held on September 14-17 at the SMX, Mall of Asia, Pasay. I have been participating in this annual event for several years now! But the best thing is I am not just attending as a book hoarder, but also as a book author!
Just so you know, I was tapped to join the pool of contributors to a book project of my publisher. It is a 365-day devotional that is meant to exhort and encourage the readers. We started the project in the first quarter of 2023 and finished it just in time to be published this September.
I will not elaborate on the details of the book (it is for you to find out when you purchase LOL) but let me share how the book launch went about.
I pre-ordered 50 copies of the book because I intend to sell them to my friends and colleagues at SRP. Well, it is a given fact that as an author, there is a minimal discount so there goes one of my perks. But at the back of my mind, I was wondering back then “How am I going to carry all of those books?” Though I am accompanied by my wife, I don’t want her to carry heavy loads because I know how heavy those books will be.
So, we devised a plan even prior to going to SMX. Aside from my backpack, I also brought sturdy totes so I could distribute the weight evenly on my shoulders. Also, my wife committed to sharing the burden so we guessed we could manage.
When we reached the place, we went straight to our publisher - the OMFLit. My co-authors were coming one after the other. As soon as we were almost complete, we were given instructions on how the book launch would be, the questions that we needed to prepare answers for, and of course, photo ops. We were supposed to be 13 authors, but some were not around.
The Q&A was quick but fun! We were asked about our inspirations for writing our entries, our favorite entries from the book, and our memorable experiences while working on the book. The book launch is definitely one for the books!
After that moment we had at the OMFLit booth, we were escorted to the PCBS booth where we were given a chance to promote our book as well. We were asked almost the same questions. We were also given tokens and free snacks!
If I may add, we did a book signing for both booths. But the best part? Meeting people with the same passion for books!
This book is the third project that I am a part of. I have co-authored two devotionals for Gen Zs, so I am no longer new to the idea of this kind of launching and signing event.
When all our engagements are over, it's time to face the reality – we need to carry home the books we pre-ordered. It’s a good thing a friend who visited the MIBF happened to accompany us since we’re both living in the same city. So after we ate dinner, we divided the books into three (yes I grabbed the opportunity to make him share the load with us haha!) and hailed a GrabTaxi.
I couldn’t imagine how we were going to carry those books. A few meters of walking almost made my shoulders sore. It’s also another blessing that the taxi driver knew how to get away from traffic and it was not raining at that time. We made it home at almost 10 pm.
I was so excited that time because I planned to bring some copies to church, of course, to sell them! Messages came in for orders and reservations. All efforts paid off!
I’m glad that this burning passion in me to write and publish books is still in me. I remember having them since I was a kid, and now little by little, I am getting there. All that is left is for me to write a solo project and do it regularly.
That’s my weekend story. What’s yours?
Hi, I am Marts and I love to write! I plan on growing my readership as I work on improving my craft. I have so much room to learn! You know, even my grammar fails at times. But it doesn't stop me from dreaming of publishing more books that will add value to people.
Visit my blog at martsvalenzuela.com
Also, buy our devotional books!
