“After 50 years, The London Book Fair (LBF) has become an essential part of the international book trade calendar and is the pre-eminent Spring event of the publishing year.
Exhibitors and visitors return year-on-year to develop relationships, gain insights, and set the tone for the year ahead.”
– The London Book Fair
The London Book Fair 2026 (LBF), held from March 10–12, 2026, at Olympia London, once again brought together thousands of professionals from across the global publishing industry. As one of the most anticipated events in the international book trade calendar, the fair continues to serve as a dynamic platform where publishers, authors, agents, and content creators converge to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and shape the future of publishing. With strong international participation and a diverse range of exhibitors, this year’s event reaffirmed its role as a central hub for innovation and collaboration within the industry.
The International Rights Centre serves as a dedicated space for rights negotiations and professional meetings, where publishers, agents, and scouts connect to discuss new opportunities and secure deals. It remains one of the busiest areas of the fair, reflecting the ongoing demand for international rights and content exchange. For more than fifty (50) years, the London Book Fair has played a vital role in the publishing ecosystem, bringing together established industry leaders and emerging voices in a setting that supports both business development and creative collaboration.
Beyond its commercial significance, the fair also offers a rich intellectual experience through its extensive seminar program. Across stages such as the Main Stage, Author HQ, and the Literary Translation Centre, attendees gain insights into some of the most pressing topics in publishing today, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, digital transformation, and the evolving global market for books. Special features such as the Writers’ Summit provide authors with guidance on navigating the publishing landscape, while the Academic and Professional Publishing Conference allows for deeper exploration of scholarly and professional publishing trends. These sessions are complemented by recognitions that celebrate excellence and innovation, reinforcing the fair’s commitment to advancing the industry.
In line with its advocacy for literacy and access to reading, the fair continues its support of The Reading Agency, a UK-based organization dedicated to improving lives through the power of reading. By working with libraries, schools, and community groups, the organization reaches millions of individuals each year, promoting the transformative impact of books on well-being, opportunity, and social connection.
Amid this vibrant global gathering, ARPress proudly participated in the London Book Fair 2026, presenting a curated selection of titles that reflect its commitment to diverse voices and meaningful storytelling. Through its presence at Olympia London, ARPress actively engaged with international publishers, literary agents, and rights professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration, translation, and wider distribution of its authors’ works. The company’s participation highlights its ongoing efforts to expand its global footprint, strengthen industry partnerships, and position its titles within the international market. By investing in major events such as LBF, ARPress continues to champion its authors, increase brand visibility, and bring compelling stories to a broader readership.
Among the titles showcased was The Spare: Part 2 by Marsha May Fairchild Sumpter, a powerful memoir of resilience, family, and survival on the South Dakota plains. While Part I explored her family’s early years of hardship and determination, this second volume carries readers into the next chapters of her journey, weaving together stories of marriage, motherhood, financial struggles, and the unrelenting demands of farm life. The book is more than a personal history—it’s a portrait of a generation who faced poverty, drought, and economic uncertainty, yet managed to raise families, find joy in small victories, and build lives of meaning.
Marsha May Fairchild Sumpter was born and raised on a working ranch twenty-eight miles north of Philip, South Dakota. As young people, they worked hard and played hard, and events that occurred caused considerable pain to her both mentally and physically. Her choices were not the best, and at seventeen, she was very much on her own. The saying “I was the only hell my mother ever raised” was probably very accurate. She writes this to tell you what it was like growing up and to let others know their choices are important to their future.
In Part 2, Sumpter recalls the trials and triumphs that came after her youth, particularly her young marriage to Bill, their early financial struggles, and the challenge of raising children with very little to spare. Anecdotes—such as trading cigarettes for a family portrait, scraping together rent for a musty little cabin, and preparing for a baby without insurance—highlight the daily battles they fought with poverty. Yet amid the hardships, there were also moments of laughter, dances, reunions, and friendships that gave light to their difficult days.
As the story unfolds, readers see how perseverance and faith guided Sumpter and her family through loss, labor, and uncertainty. Her reflections include not only her own household but also the broader family legacy—stories of her parents, siblings, and ancestors, including Grace Fairchild’s memories that later sparked controversy within the family. The memoir closes with a reflection on aging, the struggles of keeping the family farm afloat, and the enduring power of storytelling to preserve heritage.
The Spare: Part 2 chronicles their marriage, which was given about two weeks to two months to survive. They stood two chances of making it work out—slim and none. But through commitment and stubbornness, they hung in there.
The Spare (Part 2) was displayed at the 2024 and 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) – Book Gallery. LATFOB is one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held every year since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.
Also, the book was featured at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF). The 31st edition of BIBF, held from June 18 to 22, 2025, unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of literary innovation, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
In addition, The Spare (Part 2) by Marsha May Fairchild Sumpter was also showcased at the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025. The 2025 Hong Kong Book Fair took place from July 16–22 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s theme, “Food Culture · Future Living,” served up a rich menu of tastily themed programming.
The Spare: Part 2 by Marsha May Fairchild Sumpter continues to gain momentum and recognition within the global literary community. Its presence at the London Book Fair highlights not only its relevance but also ARPress’s ongoing commitment to promoting impactful works on an international stage.
The London Book Fair 2026 continues to stand as a vital meeting point for the global publishing community, where stories are shared, collaborations are formed, and new opportunities emerge. ARPress’s participation in this internationally recognized event underscores its dedication to amplifying voices, supporting authors, and bringing impactful stories to readers worldwide, contributing to the ever-evolving landscape of publishing.
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