The Frankfurt Book Fair is always something special. Each year, it brings together the heart of the publishing world: writers, readers, publishers, and dreamers. This year, being there felt even more meaningful for us at The Empire Publishers. We weren’t just showing books. We were sharing stories, voices, and the spirit of what we love most, bringing ideas to life!
Our Corner at Frankfurter Buchmesse
If you’ve ever walked into the Frankfurt halls, you know how it feels. The sound of conversations in a dozen languages. The scent of fresh paper. The endless rows of stories waiting to be discovered. In the middle of all that, our booth stood bright and welcoming. Shelves lined with new releases. Covers that invited people to stop and take a closer look.
Every book had its own spark. Be Kind to Yourself by Marc Seffelaar drew people in with its calm message. Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway by C.V. Wooster caught eyes for its sharp storytelling and honest emotion. From Searching for Bowlby to Sunshine Behind the Cloud, each title showed a different side of what we do: help authors share something real.
Many visitors paused to flip through a few pages, ask questions, and talk about what they liked to read. Those short chats were some of our favorite moments. They reminded us that behind every sale or deal, there’s still a reader simply looking for a story that speaks to them.
Books that Started Conversations
We were proud of the mix of voices at our stand this year. Marc Seffelaar’s books drew readers who wanted something heartfelt and genuine. Dads in the Fourth Trimester sparked many warm conversations with parents.
C.V. Wooster’s works, Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway and Searching for Bowlby, appealed to readers who love deep, thoughtful writing.
Children stopped to peek at Debi Pschunder’s My Extra Scary Haunted Bedroom; its playful cover always got a smile. The Age of AI by Adnan Bin Mahfouz caught the attention of business and tech readers. It led to thoughtful talks about how the future of work and creativity are changing together. For those seeking calm and reflection, Finding Your True Self by Dr. Paul Serwinek offered exactly that. Cassandra Strand’s Sunshine Behind the Cloud added a touch of hope, something we all seem to need these days.
It was wonderful to see how different books attracted different people. Each title found its own crowd, yet together they created one shared theme: stories that connect us.
Meeting the World Face-to-Face
One of the best parts of the fair was the people we met. Readers, agents, authors, and fellow publishers dropped by to say hello. Some came looking for specific books. Others just wanted to talk about trends, genres, or how publishing is changing.
We also had a few surprises. Librarians from across Europe stopped by to ask about children’s titles. A couple of university representatives asked about academic partnerships. Even a few authors came to chat about their own projects. Every conversation added a layer to our week; ideas traded, insights shared, connections made.
The People Behind the Booth
What most people don’t see is the work before the fair. Weeks of packing, planning, and second-guessing every small detail. Our office looked like a storage room with books stacked everywhere. We argued over which cover should face front and which title to drop. It was messy but fun.
When we finally saw the booth in Frankfurt, it felt right. All that effort made sense in that moment.
Each day was eventful; talking, listening, meeting new faces. We found time to walk around, too, just to soak it all in. The halls buzzed with energy and ideas.
At night, we’d sit together for a few minutes before heading out. Tired but happy. Quiet, proud, and already talking about tomorrow.
What We Learned at the Event
Frankfurt taught us a lot. People want books that feel honest. Not flashy. Not forced. Just real. You could see it in the way they talked, the way they lingered over certain titles. That felt good to us. It’s what we’ve always tried to do.
We also saw how open readers are now. They’re reaching for stories from every corner of the world. They want to understand lives that look nothing like their own. That’s powerful.
It reminded us why we do this. Stories connect people. That’s the whole point. And we want to keep publishing the kind that truly mean something.
Until We Meet Again, Frankfurt!
Packing up the booth was harder than we expected. The noise had faded, but the energy stayed with us. We stood there for a moment, just taking it in.
It had been a long week that was busy, tiring, and completely worth it. We left with new friends, new ideas, and that quiet sense of pride that comes after doing something you love.
Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 reminded us what matters most. Good stories. Real connections. The kind of moments you can’t plan but never forget.
To everyone who stopped by, thank you! You made it special. Now we’re back home, still a bit tired, already planning what’s next. Because for us, it always comes back to one thing: stories that bring people together.