Book Expo America and Book Blogger Con 2010

Last May I went to an amazing event that brought together, Publishers, Authors, Industry Professionals and Book Bloggers. For the first time ever, Book Expo America took place in New York City and will stay in there until 2012. For those who don’t know what Book Expo is, it’s a three day jammed packed event (May 25-27) that showcases with more than 500 authors, hundreds of new titles and 1,500 exhibitors all on one show floor. Imagine if you will, every single genre imaginable, where you can network with publishers, your favorite authors and grab as many books as you can hold, from advanced copies to the latest releases.

Originally, BEA was considered to be more of an industry type event, a conference for those professionals such as book buyers, sellers and others trying to promote their products, aka authors and books, so they can turn a profit. But with the downturn in the economy and the rise of more personal interest from the customer and those who want to be more involved, BEA has opened up for the public at large. And as a book blogger who lives and breathes books and this world, BEA is the place to go.

Last year I went on a Saturday and had no clue what to expect. I’ve attended Comic Con at the Javits Center, where BEA is also held, but I really thought I would feel so out of place. As a lover of books and a person who promotes them on my own time, what right did I have to walk among those who really belong there? For those who want to attend, but think they don’t have the right, get that out of your head right now. I’m talking to those, who spend hours reading, reviewing, interviewing, making connections because you support the publishing industry. If you’re a book blogger who really takes their work seriously, BEA is for you. Treat yourself as a publishing professional because you are one! If you spend hours upon hours on your blog making it the best it can be, much like your own company or a business, you deserve to walk among those who are in the business.

I’m going to break it down in three easy sections to help you navigate the very un-scary world of BEA.

Pre-BEA:

Research. Go on the BEA website and learn all you can. Come up with a game plan, what you hope to accomplish on the specific days you are there. Take the time and come up with a schedule so you can put enough time aside to walk the floor, attend the author autograph signings, and workshops. You won’t feel so overwhelmed and stressed out if you know what’s involved.

Connect. Because the book blogging community is very close knit group, talk to those who may be attending. I know it can be scary to go by yourself and not know anyone. Last year, I knew of a few people who were going, but I really didn’t think I would meet up with anyone and would be roaming the big convention hall all by my lonesome. As soon as I got there, my cell was ringing and texting off the hook. I met up with a group of people and spent the day walking around with them. I even met new people just by standing in line and talking. And the moment you say you’re a book review blogger, you’ll be welcomed into the fold. Don’t be afraid to go up to people. And if you decide to go by yourself and don’t know a clue, don’t worry, there will be people there just like you who want to meet you.

My business card I created at Vista Print

Business Cards. Because you’ll be meeting so many different people and want to exchange information, I recommend 100% that you make business cards for yourself. Every person I talked to at a booth asked for my card. If I didn’t have one, it would have been awkward, especially because the moment I handed over my card, I was given books and would be placed on a list to receive them in the future. Having your own business card shows you are serious and not just someone who is roaming for free books. More now than ever, the norm is to exchange business cards with someone regardless of their station in life. Vista Print is an incredible site, where for less than $20 you can get a box of 250 business cards. This site is a gold mind where you spend very little and can also get pens, t-shirts and magnets.

Keep a look out for Clifford

During BEA:

Bring bags. In one day I came home with 23 books. I paid one price of $75 and came home with a grand total of $500 worth of books. Now, if you attend all three days, you can just imagine how many books you will have. Take at least 2 bags with you. I can assure you that by the end day one your bag will be filled with incredible goodies from books, pens, papers, you name it. Make sure the bag is a strong one. In another bag, have such essentials you would usually bring, as well as pens, a notebook, and snacks like a bottle of water and whatever type of food you want to munch on so you don’t spend an arm and a leg on food there. Also, there is a coat check that was pretty reasonable, so if you find that your arm is about to fall off from carrying 50 pounds of books, drop one of your bags off there. Your shoulder will take you for it.

Mho chillin' on some BEA book swag

Comfortable shoes. The best piece of advice I can give is to wear comfortable shoes. You will be standing and walking non-stop, plus carrying bags of books will make your feet hurt pretty quickly, especially if you’ve been there for over eight hours. Don’t wear heels, flip-flops or slip ons. Choose to wear footwear that won’t cause your feet to become numb, because I can promise you, by the end of the three days, you will be limping.

Clothes. This all comes down to what type of an impression you want to give people. I wore jeans and a nice tank top. There are thousands of people walking around wearing every single type of outfit you can imagine. Wear something that shows your style and who you are. Again, comfort is key. Why wear a suit and tight skirt or dress if you don’t really want to?

Money. You will get hungry and need to eat and drink something with substance. The Javits Center does have a cafeteria and it won’t break your piggy bank. I would say if you bring between $20-40 with you a day, you should be good. Take an hour each day you are there to regroup. Sit down, eat, look over your schedule and breathe.

Post BEA:

Order out of chaos. Again, the amount of “swag” you will receive from BEA is going to be incredible. Seriously, don’t be too greedy and take every single thing you see that is up for grabs. There will come a point where you will turn away from grabbing a book. If you think of it, how can your read all the books available at BEA? There are hundreds up for grabs. Seriously, limit yourself to the books you really want the most.

Network. If you have decided to build relationships, get in touch with those you met at BEA. Want to receive books from the publishers you connected with? Don’t wait for them to contact you. A few days after, email that person and start building a relationship. Don’t be afraid to ask to be on their reviewer list or request a specific book. Do the same with the authors. If you really enjoy their work, ask for an interview, contest or even for their book that you can promote on your blog. These relationships can build and grow in ways you will never expect.

Become a Mentor. Now that you are an expert at navigating BEA and promoting yourself, why not help others who were in the same shoes as you were? If you know a book blogger who is thinking of attending BEA next year, give them advice and support. Knowledge is the key.

And finally…

Read. Blog. Learn. These three words are the motto of the first ever Book Blogger Con that will take place the Friday (May 28) during the week BEA is held. I urge all book bloggers who are attending BEA or are not, to go to this event. This is not some thrown together amateur event. This Con is the start of great things for the Book Blogger community. There are so many of us who treat our blogs as a job and want to recognition and respect we deserve. As a book blogger, wouldn’t you want those things also?

There is so much more advice I could give. For those who are still on the fence about attending BEA or the Book Blogger Con, check out the blog advice tour and read up. Also, you are more than welcome to email me (Katiebabsg AT gmail Dot com) for any questions you have. Also click here to read about my experience from last years’s BEA.

I truly believe the book blogging community is the future in promoting the publishing industry, where we can help increase sales and support authors. Why not join the revolution today?

Unfortunately, I won't be attending BEA or Book Blogger Con this year due to other obligations. *Week long cruise to St. Thomas :) *

Here's hoping I can attend in 2011!