EVENT BACKGROUND:
1. Can you give me some additional background on the fair and which US publishing firms are participating?
The US Department of Commerce is sponsoring a US Pavilion at the 20th Doha International Book Fair, while 20 other competitor countries are staging similar pavilions to exhibiting publications from their country of origin. The Doha International Book fair is considered among the biggest in the region, with nearly 100,000 books on display.
Click here and scroll to the bottom for a list of confirmed US publishing firms:
Albert Whitman & Company, Gingerbread Publishing House, JMW Group, Linden Publications, Perfection Learning, Richer Resources Publications, The University of Chicago Press
Click here to see background on the event in 2009:
www.buyusa.gov/qatar/en/145.html
Click here to see background on the event in 2008:
http://qatar.usembassy.gov/international_book_fair.html
REGISTRATION PROCESS:
2. When is the deadline for reserving my spot?
The deadline to register is November 20. The US
Catalog Pavilion is oversubscribed. Please complete the
questionnaire thoroughly. Download the questionnaire at the
following link:
www.buyusa.gov/qatar/en/112.doc
Your inputs will form the directory listing of US publishing companies at the US Pavillion, and we will distribute your information to all show visitors. Please wait until you receive the questionnaire and use it so we can merge the data fields.
Please send back your questionnaire to the following e-mail recipients:
3. Once I submit my questionnaire, is my participation in the book fair automatic?
Participation in this catalog show is limited. Submitting the questionnaire does not guarantee participation in the Doha Book Fair Catalog Show. Once we have reviewed your information, we will provide e-mail confirmation of your participation and send a link for on-line payment.
The U.S. Commercial Service reserves the right to screen and restrict titles based on content deemed appropriate to the local market. We can only accept titles that are professionally published and from registered entities within the United States.
PAYMENT:
4. How much does it cost to participate in the U.S. Pavilion?
The U.S. Commerce Department has been able to secure a Pavilion at a partially-subsidized rate, bringing the cost savings to the U.S. publisher. For only $100, you can showcase your hit titles and test this market.
5. How do I make payment to the US Commercial Service?
Once your publications are approved, you will receive a weblink that will be a participation agreement on-line. Fill out the participation agreement form and fax it directly to our attention.
To make payment, fax us your credit card information to our secure number (+974 488-4163). In your fax letter, include your credit card information using the following format:
- Name of the Credit Card holder (as it appears on the
credit card)
- Credit Card Number
- Expiration Date
- Name of Your Company
SHIPMENT OF PUBLICATIONS:
6. After I make payment, where do I send my publications and questionnaire for display?
US Embassy Doha, FCS
22nd February Street, Al Luqta
Doha, Qatar
Tel: 974-488-4101
Attn: Dao M. Le, Senior Commercial Officer
Please make sure you send these no later than Friday, November 27. There is severe congestion in the region and we want to ensure that you products arrive in a timely fashion for us to mobilize.
7. Can we send catalogs? If so, how many catalogs are we allowed to send?
Yes, you can send up to 25 catalogs.
8. Which express couriers should we use to send our hit titles?
The US Embassy has received shipments successfully from the following express couriers: FedEx, DHL, UPS, and USPS.
Please send your packages high priority to ensure they sent high priority. They should leave your offices no later than Friday, November 27, as we are contending with severe congestion with the local Eid holiday.
10. How many sample copies can I send per title?
Please send no more than 5-10 sets per title.
11. What genres were of great interest in the past Doha Book Fairs?
A. Education: English Language ( CDs/DVDs +
Books), English Grammar, English Vocabulary, English
Dictionaries, Mathematics, Accounting (basic and advanced),
Science books for all grades
Kids Short Stories (KG), Kids Activities Books (KG), Teaching
guides for teachers
B. Medical and Nursing Books
C. Architecture and Design
D. World History, World Museums History, US History, Aviation,
E. Sports and Fitness
F. Cinema
G. Novels (For Teens)
H. Cooking Books
I. IT Books (basic and advanced)
J. Management and Business
K. U.S. Politics (latest publications)
L. Biographies on Presidents
12. How will my publications be transported and treated pre-, during, and post- the Doha International Book Fair?
When the US Embassy mail room receives your publications, we will carefully transport them to the Doha International Convention Center a day before the event. We are trying right now to see if there is a way to have an extended showing of your publications after the event, perhaps at the US Embassy.
While some publishers may be interested in having their publications sent back to them, please understand that this is a promotional event to a new market; it may be cost prohibitive for the US Embassy to send everyone's hit titles back. The idea is to build brand awareness of your hit titles and allow for prospective buyers to come view them first-hand following the event.
13. Who is my point of contact for this event if I have additional questions?
For the United States, please contact:
Dawn Bruno, Global Publishing Team Leader U.S. Commercial
Service
U.S. Department of Commerce (US-based)
T: 212-809-2647
Dawn.Bruno@mail.doc.gov
Dao M. Le, Senior Commercial Officer
US Embassy Qatar (Qatar-based)
T: +974-496-6000
Dao.Le@mail.doc.gov
DEADLINES:
14. What are the deadlines for participation?
| Step | Description | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Visit www.buyusa.gov/qatar/en/112.html | Nov 20 |
| Payment | You will be billed and **must** pay on-line | Nov 27 |
| Shipping | Send your publications and tracking # to the US Embassy | Nov 27 |
| Questionnaire | Send your questionnaire to people in question #4 | Nov 27 |
TRACKING MY STATUS:
15. How do I check on the status of my participation?
Please visit www.buyusa.gov/qatar/en/TBD to track your status (payment, shipping and questionnaire) information.
If you have any questions, please e-mail: Golda.Agnazata@mail.doc.gov and Dao.Le@mail.doc.gov and we will get back to you in 24-48 hours or call +974 496 6000.
OTHER:
16. Any tips or backgrounders on negotiating with a Qatari businessperson interested in our publications?