Publishers Weekly asked a number of children’s publishers, scouts, and editors (including FSM’s Lisa Holton) what they’re expecting at this year’s Bologna Children’s Book Fair (March 23-26). Some soundbytes:

Natasha Ferrant, Literary Scout: “There’s a real buzz about YA literature, which is tremendously exciting. I’m hoping to see less of the paranormal stuff and more good, original writing. Much as I love them—I do, I do—I don’t want to read any more vampire books, probably EVER AGAIN. What I really want to find is simple and oh so elusive: a strong middle-grade series with great writing and an even better story.”

Rob McMenemy, Senior VP Egmont English Language & Central Europe: “The digital agenda will loom even larger this year, taking more airtime and even more space, but we are fast approaching the point where it won’t be a separate agenda at all nor just an interesting sideshow, but rather an integral part of the business of publishing and rights.”

Lisa Holton, CEO Fourth Story: “I am going mainly to hear what my international colleagues are thinking about their business—how they publish, who they are publishing, and how they think the landscape—digital and print—is changing.”

Klaus Humann, Publisher Carlsen Verlag, Germany: “Our job as publishers had always been and will always be to take risks, invest into new authors, encourage them to write their first books and get them published. We are not paid to follow trends. We are paid to create them.”

Read the full piece in PW.

It was a blast.

For starters, the conference was held in Utrecht, which should translate into “heaven.”   Not only is it filled with cobblestone streets, picaresque canals, divine cafes and a community that bikes everywhere, but this is the statue in the center of the village.

The conference featured a variety of cross-media projects including a documentary filmmaker who was using Google Earth to extend the film’s exploration of the history of the Netherlands, and an executive from MTV Europe who discussed a TV/online property for kids.

I met some wonderful people, all exploring interesting ways to merge print and online media.  Piero Stanco, who runs Kluitman, a successful children’s publishing company based in The Netherlands, particularly impressed me.

Unlike many other children’s publishers who create sites for multiple users, Kluitman decided to devote most of its site to children. As a result, it is chock full of great games, activities, and book-related information for kids. Piero is a true visionary; I look forward to watching how he evolves his Internet business.

One of the most interesting people at the conference was David Huijzer, the man who ran it.  A dynamic entrepreneur, David is passionate about publishing, digital technology, and the great dialogue taking place between them.

I urge everyone to check out his site, brush up on your Dutch (or use google translate), and get inspired by David and his vision for a digital publishing future.

And if you are ever in the neighborhood, make a side trip to Utrecht—you won’t want to leave.

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