Liber 2026 Aims to Expand Spanish Publishing Industry's Global Reach

The Spanish publishing industry is experiencing a robust period, having reached a turnover of 3.138 billion euros in 2025, a 3.3% increase from the previous year. This marks twelve consecutive years of growth, with export values nearing 400 million euros, as reported by the Federation of Publishers' Guilds of Spain (FGEE).

Nearly 250 exhibitors from 19 countries are expected at the event, which could attract around 9,000 professionals, nearly 40% of whom will be international attendees. This year’s fair offers a platform for business, training, and the exchange of experiences within the Spanish publishing ecosystem.

Participating entities will include major publishing groups, independent publishers, academic publishers, and those focusing on children's and young adult literature, as well as educational and religious books. International participants will come from countries such as Germany, the United States, France, China, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, and Peru.

Manuel González, president of FGEE and Liber, emphasized the strength of the Spanish publishing industry and its potential to connect with new markets, stating it represents a language spoken by almost 600 million people. The intent is to boost exports and enhance the global presence of Spanish authors and publishers.

This year, the International Buyers Program has been enhanced, in partnership with various institutions and organizations, to facilitate trade agreements and encourage the international buying and selling of publishing rights. More than 700 professionals from 70 countries will be attending, including buyers, distributors, and literary agents, with an expectation of generating over 4,000 business meetings during the fair.

A significant feature of Liber 2026 will be the Rights Hall, which focuses on the sale and management of editorial and literary rights. This area aims to facilitate negotiations for translation, co-edition, and adaptation of works into various formats. Supported by an international program that has invited 120 specialists from 46 countries, the Rights Hall is set to reinforce Liber's role as a key venue for the negotiation of Spanish-language content.

Liber is organized by Fira de Barcelona and FGEE, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Culture, ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, the Barcelona City Council, the Government of Catalonia, and the Spanish Reproduction Rights Centre (CEDRO). Collaboration also comes from Acción Cultural Española (AC/E), the Association of Publishers in the Catalan Language, and the Guild of Publishers of Catalonia.

The fair’s agenda includes discussions on the impact of AI on publishing, the rise of audiobooks, and strategies for acquiring new readers. The Liber Conference will feature over 80 activities with 150 speakers. The event will conclude with the Liber Gala at the National Art Museum of Catalonia on September 30, where the FGEE will present awards to notable figures, including Cuban writer Leonardo Padura and publisher Xosé Ballesteros.