(Online Seminar) From Local to Global: Books Travelling Beyond our Borders
(Online Seminar) From Local to Global: Books Travelling Beyond our Borders
From Local to Global: Books Travelling Beyond Our Borders is an intensive online seminar offering a practical, insider-led introduction to the global publishing landscape — with a focus on children’s books and the key regions of Asia, GCC and Europe.
The seminar breaks down how the international book world operates - covering fellowships, rights sales, retail and distribution pathways and opportunities for cross-border collaboration. Participants will learn how different markets function, why the GCC is emerging as a leading region and how to work effectively with international agents, publishers and other industry professionals.
Through real-world examples and preparation strategies, the seminar guides participants on how to navigate cultural expectations, position their work globally and make the most of industry events and networking across borders.
Who this seminar is for:
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Publishers looking to expand beyond their home country and enter new markets
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Aspiring, emerging, or self-published authors and illustrators aiming to build an international presence, particularly in children’s books
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Researchers, journalists, and civil servants seeking practical insights into the evolving book industry and its global connections
By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
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Understand how to use industry events strategically and maximise impact
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Identify the right partners, markets and events for your specialisation
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Recognise which individuals or organisations align with your objectives
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Generate mutually beneficial collaboration ideas
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Apply effective cross-cultural networking skills across international settings
Dates (pick one - seminars will be the same on all dates)
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Saturday, 10 January 2026 (5pm Singapore / 1pm Dubai / 9am UK)
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Sunday, 11 January 2026 (5pm Singapore / 1pm Dubai / 9am UK)
- Monday, 12 January 2026 (8pm Singapore / 4pm Dubai / 12pm UK)
Duration: 3h30 (inclusive of a 15-min break and 45-min Q&A)
Mode: Online (Zoom). The link will be sent upon receipt of payment and confirmation of participation
Fee: S$200 (approx. £116 / AED 570)
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/mb3xcbrx
Tickets are non-refundable, except in the case of cancellation by the organiser or major internet connection disruption from the seminar leader.
If you are in need of financial assistance, please send an email to info@cinnamonartpublishing.com with a self-introduction.
Seminar Breakdown
Part 1 (1h15min)
- Introduction to the book publishing ecosystem
- Relationship between key players
- Retail and distribution
- Book lists and awards
- Book fairs
- Industry networking: Best practices and things to avoid
Q&A (15min)
Break (15min)
Part 2 (1h15min)
- Introduction to rights sales and translations
- Selling rights to mature and emerging markets
- Introduction to fellowship programmes
- Funding sources
Q&A (30min)
Each seminar may be tailored to participants’ backgrounds.
Presenter PDF slides will be sent to participants after the seminar.
Seminar Leader
Laura Peh is the founder of Cinnamon Art Publishing (established in 2020), an independent publishing house specialising in children’s picture books with a focus on underrepresented topics. Cinnamon Art Publishing counts B2B distribution across Asia and Europe, including retail partners in more than 30 countries. As a secondary operation as a roving bookshop and distributor, Cinnamon identifies and imports picture books in English and Arabic. In her mission to grow the children’s book industry in Singapore, Laura is a founding member of the Singapore chapter of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) and led Singapore’s first submission to the IBBY Honour List 2026 for Illustration and Writing (English, Chinese, Malay).
After making an intention to attend industry events in April 2024, Laura has attended more than 15 book fairs in 10 countries, and been invited to 12 competitive fellowships over a 20-month period. She has sold rights to her published books in 8 languages. Several titles have been internationally recognised in prestigious catalogues and public exhibitions including the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf (Bologna), White Ravens Catalogue (Munich), IBBY Singapore Durians of Year 2026: Outstanding Children’s Picture Books, Japan Foundation-IBBY Travelling Exhibition (Tokyo), Bologna-Itabashi City 20th Anniversary Exhibition (Tokyo), “Books from the Philippines” exhibition at the 77th Frankfurt Buchmesse.
With her publishing house as a passion project, Laura is responsible for all major aspects including conceptualisation of new titles, editorial management, rights sales and acquisitions, finance and operations. She learnt everything from scratch through trial and error, and hopes to reduce the time for others taking their first step into the global book arena.
www.linkedin.com/in/lauraroseivy
