If you think the Frankfurter Buchmesse is just another book event, then you are most definitely wrong! It’s where stories from every corner of the world come together. Each year, the fair draws publishers, authors, translators, and readers who share one thing in common: a love for literacy.
The 2025 fair marked its 77th year, and it still holds its place as the heart of global publishing. The energy in Frankfurt was incredible. Every hall buzzed with conversation, curiosity, and creativity.
For The Empire Publishers, this year felt special. It was a milestone for our team. We came with a clear set of goals: To showcase our books, meet people who shape the industry, and join real conversations about where publishing is heading next.
Showcasing Books that Take Storytelling to the Next Level
Our booth displayed a wide mix of genres. Visitors found everything from illustrated children’s tales to thoughtful reflections and award-winning fiction. Titles like Mrs. Orcutt’s Driveway by C.V. Wooster and Be Kind to Yourself by Marc Seffelaar drew steady attention. The shelves also featured Sunshine Behind the Cloud by Cassandra Strand, Adso the Gull Who Quacked by John G. Manuel, and My Extra Scary Haunted Bedroom by Debi Pschunder.
Each book carried a unique message. Some spoke of recovery and hope, others about courage and creativity. What made the display special was how naturally people connected with it. Teachers, distributors, and casual readers stopped to browse and talk. Many asked about the authors and their journeys. That personal exchange is something no online listing can replace.
Copyright in a Changing World
One of the strongest themes this year was copyright protection. As digital tools grow, so do the challenges around ownership. Recent studies by the International Publishers Association show that over 35% of new authors worry about losing rights to AI-generated adaptations or online piracy. These are real concerns that require open dialogue.
At The Empire Publishers, we believe that creative work belongs to its creator. Our contracts are designed to keep that ownership secure. During the fair, our editors joined discussions on new copyright standards and cross-border licensing. The takeaway was clear: protecting writers must stay at the center of publishing. Without that trust, the entire system weakens.
The Buchmesse also highlighted new ways to monitor content use. Some companies are testing blockchain-based registries to trace original texts and translations. While such technology is still young, it shows promise. What matters most is that every innovation should serve authors, not exploit them.
Technology as a Support Tool
Technology is now part of every step in publishing. From editing software to digital marketing, it saves time and widens reach. But it should never replace human skill. Readers respond to authenticity, not algorithms.
Our team uses data tools only where they make sense. We rely on human editors for tone, context, and emotion. Automation helps us handle routine work, like catalog updates or metadata tagging. This balance allows us to stay efficient without losing the creative touch that readers value.
At Frankfurt, we saw how other publishers are blending print and digital methods too. Audiobooks, eBooks, and on-demand printing continue to grow. Yet, the physical book remains strong. Global sales reports show print still holds about 70% of the market share. That mix proves that technology supports tradition when used wisely.
Global Voices, Shared Goals
The 2025 Buchmesse also reinforced how publishing is becoming more international. Rights exchange between Europe, Asia, and Latin America is expanding fast. Translation programs supported by UNESCO and the European Commission now help small publishers reach new readers.
For The Empire Publishers, this global reach means more than business. It means giving authors a path to share their ideas beyond borders. A children’s book written in Ireland might find readers in South Korea. A self-help guide from Canada might reach recovery groups in South Africa. Storytelling, after all, is a universal language.
We held several meetings with foreign distributors interested in our titles. The discussions covered print runs, local pricing, and digital conversions. It was encouraging to see genuine interest in thoughtful, mid-sized publishing; proof that quality still matters more than scale.
What We Learned
Every fair teaches something new. This year, the lessons were about adaptability and care. Publishing is facing rapid change, but the fundamentals remain. Good writing, strong editing, and fair rights are still what build trust.
Our biggest takeaway from Frankfurt was that technology and creativity can coexist. We can protect authors while using tools that make production faster and marketing smarter. We can stay traditional in spirit yet modern in method. The key is to remember why publishing exists: to share knowledge and imagination.
Moments that Stayed with Us
The fair was busy, but there were quiet moments too. A child flipping through Adso the Gull Who Quacked and laughing. A teacher is buying Be Kind to Yourself to use in her classroom. An aspiring writer asking how to start their own book. These small interactions reminded us that behind every sale or statistic is a human connection.
We also enjoyed meeting peers who share our goals. Conversations with indie publishers from Poland, Brazil, and India opened new ideas about sustainability and printing ethics. Some suggested paper recycling cooperatives; others discussed carbon-neutral shipping. It felt good to see real solutions taking root.
Looking Forward
We’ve come back from the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse tired but happy. The week was packed with meetings, books, and good conversations. It reminded us why we do this work.
Our focus stays the same: to publish with care, respect our authors, and use new tools wisely. Next year, we’ll add more translated titles and keep working to make our books easier to read for everyone.
Publishing keeps changing. The heart of it doesn’t. It’s still about people telling stories to other people.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand, shared a thought, or picked up a book. See you next year in Frankfurt with new stories and the same passion that keeps us going.