Lost in transition

It's a publisher's worst nightmare - you arrive at Frankfurt with a list of appointments a mile long, and your samples haven't arrived. One major Sydney trade publisher had to put on a very brave face after their books failed to arrive on time this year. Staff briefed, customers ready to buy, the fair opening for business and ... an empty stand. After many no doubt frantic phone calls, the books finally turned up, thank goodness, halfway through day one, so only half a day's business was lost. The fate of the particular courier isn't known, but it's probably safe to assume they will be a little less busy next year.