In this crazy, online world one constant remains: word of mouth is
still the best recommendation for a good book. The second best?
Meet the author in person.
Reader events abound, and there are new ones popping up each day.
Unlike libraries, where the latest releases by your as-yet undiscovered new
favorite mid-list author are seldom available, these events give readers a
chance to meet authors in person. Ask questions. Judge their personalities -
which are bound to spill into their writing. See if you are a match.
Of course, this does require some effort on the reader's part. It
may mean traveling to a conference featuring authors in your favorite genre.
When well-planned and well-run, these events are a total blast. Everyone
attending has the same goals:
1. Meet their favorite author, and
2. get to know new authors.
It's not hard; we recommend each other all the time. "You like
mine? Then you'll like Author Name's as well!"
These events can be massive, like the Romantic Times Booklover's
Convention featuring hundreds of authors and twice as many attendees, or cozy and intimate
like my Arizona Dreamin' with only 21 authors and 140 attendee spots for 2014.
Choose what fits you as a person, and jump in.
Can't travel? Every day an author is holding a book signing
somewhere. And they are not always held in bookstores!
A great place to start looking is at the national website for your
favorite genre. Romance Writers of America's website lists all the local
chapters. Find the one closest to you and check their website. Email the
contact name and ask if any book events or signings are planned.
You might be surprised ~ for example, the city of Glendale, AZ
holds a Chocolate Affaire every year, and includes a big tent of romance
authors who are pitching, selling, and signing their books. Who knew? Just
because the event isn't centered on authors, doesn't necessarily mean there are
none there.
And of course an event like the enormous Tucson Festival of Books
is a no-brainer.
Use your social media. Post on Facebook that you are looking to
meet authors who write the genre you love. I'm guessing you'll get some hits ~
along with a friend to go with you!
Then when you do go, listen to how the author talks about their
books. Are they excited? Can they speak succinctly and clearly about their
stories? Pick up a book and read the first page. Then read a random page
somewhere inside. Is the book well-written? Does it grab you?
If the author is doing a reading, that's even better. Sometimes
hearing how the characters sound in the author's mind can round out the words
in a way that silent reading cannot.
As a reader, please don't be shy. We authors would love to meet you
and have a chance to introduce you to our favorite characters because we love
them intimately. You never know, they might become your new favorites as well!
3 comments:
I've attended two reader conferences as an author and it is a lot of fun to meet so many people who are avid readers! They are so much fun to visit with and share favorite authors with.
I've been to book signings but only with authors I already know and read. Your post has given me the idea to spread my wings a little.
How did you create the first Arizona Dreaming? and do you have plans for it to grow or do you want to the more intimate feel of a smaller event?
I've been to a few book signings but have never attended a conference for readers. I understand these are becoming more popular. Great post.
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