E-books have found a special spot in this year's book fair. The annual event kicks off next Wednesday. It will run until July 27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will highlight multimedia - e-books will be introduced. Publishers will be displaying e-versions of books featured at the fair, including fiction, non-fiction, language tutorials, recipe books and supplements. Most of these e-publications are available in iPad and iPhone versions for readers to purchase through the AppStore. Ian Chan, deputy editor-in-chief of Wan Li Book Co, says non-linear reading material, like cook books and travel books, does not require readers to start from page one. He says e-versions of such books are popular - people can carry their iPad and read a chapter whenever they like. Bonnie Chan, founder of local electronic books platform Handheld Culture, says reading on the go, for example, on a mobile phone, is a 'step forward towards a better lifestyle'. Many e-books have added value, such as images and audios, making them more fun and enjoyable, Chan says. There will be a special 'digital publishing' section in the fair which will feature e-books, e-dictionaries and voice pens. Last year's fair drew more than 900,000 visitors from the mainland, Macau and the United States. The organiser predicts this year will be an even bigger success. with a new batch of inspirational speakers, activities and books. More than 400 local and 80 overseas exhibitors will be taking part. Renowned speakers will host seminars. This year's fair will also emphasise English publications from authors of different genres, such as Stephen Fry, Andrew Xia Fukuda and Anthony Horowitz, from various countries. To help young people develop a passion for writing, the organiser - Hong Kong Trade Development Council - has arranged a public forum to discuss how, what and why writers write. Book lovers will be able to seek advice from their favourite authors on how to write more effectively in English. There will also be a series of seminars from July 21 to 25 featuring leaders of Hong Kong's creative industries. The seminars are jointly organised with uChannel, an online radio station for teenagers. Speakers include representatives from Chocolate Rain and Sony Music, film directors and academics. In addition, there will be music performances and calligraphy demonstrations to promote traditional Chinese culture. For more details and event schedules, visit hkbookfair.hktdc.com. Jocelyn is a Young Post intern