The London Book Fair (LBF) has announced Gloria Bailey, MBE, associate director for export services at the Publishers Association, as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025.
Throughout her career, Gloria has been instrumental in facilitating UK publishers’ international growth. She has coordinated export services and administered the Tradeshow Access Program funding, helping numerous small publishers access global markets through international fairs – including The London Book Fair, Frankfurt, Bologna, Shanghai, Beijing, Sharjah, and many more. Her role in promoting UK publishing internationally also involved working in close collaboration with the UK Government.
Gloria’s influence extends well beyond logistical support, making her a central figure in the publishing community. Dedicating over 40 years to supporting publishers across the globe, Gloria has played a pivotal role in helping businesses of all sizes and specialisms thrive within the industry.
Gloria Bailey said, “When I joined the Publishers Association in 1983, I never imagined I was embarking on a journey which would lead to me receiving this prestigious accolade from the publishing community. It has been a pleasure and an honor to represent UK publishers at more than 120 editions of international book fairs and trade missions in all four corners of the world, helping companies of all shapes and sizes find new markets and audiences. To have played a small role in the global success of UK publishing has been a remarkable experience. But my greatest joy has been the people I have worked with – my colleagues and members at the Publishers Association, organizers and attendees at book fairs, and everyone I have met in the course of my work and travels. I cherish these memories and share this award with them.”
Adam Ridgway, director of The London Book Fair, said, “We are absolutely delighted to recognize Gloria’s luminous career with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Gloria is a real example of one of the hardest-working individuals in the industry, helping UK publishers of all sizes grow and do business internationally. As well as professional impact, skills and achievements, the award also aims to spotlight individuals with exceptional work ethics and attitude. Throughout her career, Gloria has shone for her gracious and kind manners. Colleagues and clients alike describe her as reliable, patient, and highly approachable, and someone who inspires confidence and makes the most complex tasks seem manageable. We are looking forward to celebrating Gloria’s incredibly well-deserved honor at The London Book Fair.”
David Roche, chair of the Judging Panel for the Lifetime Achievement Award, said the LBF Lifetime Achievement Award Judging Panel was blown away by this year’s stellar shortlist representing a multitude of sectors across the publishing and book industry. “The 2025 winner stands out as personifying what this award is about. Gloria Bailey has devoted her entire career to helping thousands of individuals and companies understand and overcome international borders and connect with fellow publishers across the world. Gloria has achieved this with exceptional knowledge, skill, reliability, diplomacy and a calm assurance – there will be no more popular recipient of this award than Gloria.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award committee, composed of the independent LBF Advisory Board, selected Gloria Bailey from a shortlist of leading international figures in the book industry. The Award recognises an individual who has made a truly significant mark in the sphere of the global book world. It is open to publishers, agents, editors, scouts, booksellers and anyone else involved in the international book industry from any country in the world.
Gloria Bailey will be presented with her award at a reception during The London Book Fair, on Wednesday 12 March.
