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Navigating Book Conventions · Fated

• April: Welcome to the podcast where your next favorite story is already written in the stars. We're your new book besties, April and Tay here to get your book cravings started and satisfied. Why? Because around here it's faded. So grab your current read, maybe a cozy drink and hide your TBR list because today we're talking about book signings and the tips and tricks that we've picked up. Yes, lots of hot topics this week. We have been to a number of book conventions and we'll kind of go through that. Tay: Welcome to the podcast where your next favorite story is already written in the stars. We're your new book besties, April and Tay here to get your book cravings started and satisfied. Why? Because around here it's faded. So grab your current read, maybe a cozy drink and hide your TBR list because today we're talking about book signings and the tips and tricks that we've picked up. Yes, lots of hot topics this week. We have been to a number of book conventions and we'll kind of go through that. April: Please leave a comment on your favorite platform letting us know. And join us next week where we talk about book subscription boxes and we ⁓ FMK our favorite book boyfriends. And remember, we're glad you're here. But as you'll notice, our setup this week is a little different. I am in town. So we are doing our podcast in person, which is a nice breath of fresh air. so happy about that. How has your week been April? My week has been fast and furious, but I am so grateful that it is over and on to the next. Yes, same here. I've been traveling and last week I was on different time zones. So this week I'm just glad to be here in this chair and with you. So we're going to cover today. Tay: But as you'll notice, our setup this week is a little different. I am in town. So we are doing our podcast in person, which is a nice breath of fresh air. so happy about that. How has your week been April? My week has been fast and furious, but I am so grateful that it is over and on to the next. Yes, same here. I've been traveling and last week I was on different time zones. So this week I'm just glad to be here in this chair and with you. So we're going to cover today. April: because it's Fated Perfect. book conventions. There is a of book conventions out there. There's some really, really good ones. ⁓ we're going to kind of discuss because me and April feel like we probably have a good idea this point what you should bring and what should be prepared for. So this kind of help set the tone. So April, if you want to take away for book events that maybe you've been to. Yes. But first, I would like a moment of peace for Book Bonanza ⁓ Yes, we all like a moment of peace. Tay: book conventions. There is a number of book conventions out there. There's some really, really good ones. So we're going to kind of discuss because me and April feel like we probably have a good at this point what you should bring and what should be prepared for. So will kind of help set the tone. So April, if you want to take away for book events that maybe you've been to. Yes. But first, I would like a moment of peace for Bookman Hansel. ⁓ Yes, would all like a moment of peace. April: I'm even wearing the last rodeo shirt of Book Bonanza. That's so much sadness. Bonanza was my most favorite book convention that I've ever been to. I loved everything about it from the signing, but honestly, the panels ⁓ the best. I feel like nowadays there's not nearly as many signings doing panels. It's all about just being on the signing floor. Tay: I'm even wearing the last rodeo shirt of Book Bonanza. That's so much sadness. Bonanza was my most favorite book convention that I've ever been to. I loved everything about it from the signing, but honestly, the panels ⁓ the best. I feel like nowadays there's not nearly as many signings doing panels. It's all about just being on the signing floor. April: It makes me so sad. Yeah, it makes me sad too because it really like I think on the last one too, they really honed the craft and it was almost perfect at that point. so then I feel like that's really hard to nail for especially a weekend that has like a four day book event. I'm hoping, you know, and I feel like there are events that are kicking that up where it's going to fill the gap. But I mean, it really it would set the bar very high. Yes. Yeah. Tay: It makes me so sad. Yeah, it makes me sad too because it really like I think on the last one too, they really honed the craft and it was almost perfect at that point. so then I feel like that's really hard to nail for especially a weekend that has like a four day book event. I'm hoping, you know, and I feel like there are events that are kicking that up where it's going to fill the gap. But I mean, it really it would set the bar very high. Yes. Yeah. April: I've been to some of the other big signings before. I've been to, of course, a couple of different book bonanzas, but also went to a Apollycon Now, this is like couple years ago, a Apollycon, when it was in this tiny, way too tiny hotel in DC. They've since moved to the Gaylord in DC, which looks incredible. know, Book Bonanza was hosted in the Gaylord. I'm kind of like, I'm glad that a Apollycon has moved there. Tay: I've been to some of the other big signings before. I've been to, of course, a couple of different book bonanzas, but also went to a Apollycon. Now, this is like couple years ago, a Apollycon, when it was in this tiny, way too tiny hotel in DC. They've since moved to the Gaylord in DC, which looks incredible. know, Book Bonanza was hosted in the Gaylord. I'm kind of like, I'm glad that a Apollycon has moved there. April: So kind of some good experience there. I've also been to forever ago. believe it was held in Austin to the origin event, which was done by JLA. then I've also been to a couple of Southern Belle book signings. Most recently, we went to holidays with the Belles. So I've to quite a few, but so have you. You've gotten going to a lot lately. Yeah, I have been. And I would say like Southern Belle has been really close and top tier for me. I went to their Magic with the Belles last year in Orlando, and that was really great. Tay: So kind of some good experience there. I've also been to forever ago. believe it was held in Austin to the origin event, which was done by JLA. then I've also been to a couple of Southern Belle book signings. Most recently, we went to holidays with the Belles. So I've to quite a few, but so have you. You've gotten going to a lot lately. Yeah, I have been. And I would say like Southern Belle has been really close and top tier for me. I went to their Magic with the Belles last year in Orlando, and that was really great. April: I would say like they've kind of, they're hitting the nail on how you need to run a book show as far as like managing crowd control and having like a plan for everything. And ⁓ they do a really good job at that. Now, a of theirs are one day events. They're not multiple day. So if they ever get up to a multiple day event, I would buy in a heartbeat. They're ⁓ so, good. one we just went to that was in Dallas. ⁓ Tay: I would say like they've kind of, they're hitting the nail on how you need to run a book show as far as like managing crowd control and having like a plan for everything. And ⁓ they do a really good job at that. Now, a of theirs are one day events. They're not multiple day. So if they ever get up to a multiple day event, I would buy in a heartbeat. They're ⁓ so, good. one we just went to that was in Dallas. ⁓ April: ⁓ It had a lot of great authors there. Me and her had a lot of fun. ⁓ There might have been whipped cream shots. I don't know if you... Yes, there were. We'll kind of cover that a little bit of just some fun shenanigans that occur, but there some really good ones. There is a lot of drama, ⁓ will say, around some of the book bonanza, and I could go into that. Tay: ⁓ It had a lot of great authors there. Me and her had a lot of fun. ⁓ There might have been whipped cream shots. I don't know if you... Yes, there were. We'll kind of cover that a little bit of just some fun shenanigans that occur, but there some really good ones. There is a lot of drama, ⁓ will say, around some of the book bonanza, and I could go into that. April: I was a part of the second group and I was so mad because, okay, she was supposed to go with me and another friend of ours. Both of them ended up having stuff that came up, didn't end up happening and I went by myself. Of course, during this time, we are getting a private screening of It Ends With Us. Let me tell you, it ended there because that drama afterwards is insane. I cannot believe I was a part of all that. But yeah, they, Blake Lively and the whole group, they were out and Tay: I was a part of the second group and I was so mad because, okay, she was supposed to go with me and another friend of ours. Both of them ended up having stuff that came up, didn't end up happening and I went by myself. Of course, during this time, we are getting a private screening of It Ends With Us. Let me tell you, it ended there because all that drama afterwards is insane. I cannot believe I was a part of all that. But yeah, they, like Lively and the whole group, they were out and April: they showed us the movie and everything and then I just the events that you're inspired afterwards blew my mind. So, you know, maybe that's probably a good reason it retired. But overall, as a book convention, it was super great. There were so many good authors and just like the amount of space the Gaylord had was wonderful because then you could be spread out and felt safe. ⁓ like, mind you, too, this is all within like the last six years post COVID. So like, you know, having like that sense of like non claustrophobia. ⁓ Tay: they showed us the movie and everything and then I just the events that you're inspired afterwards blew my mind. So, you know, maybe that's probably a good reason it retired. But overall, as a book convention, it was super great. There were so many good authors and just like the amount of space the Gaylord had was wonderful because then you could be spread out and felt safe. ⁓ like, mind you, too, this is all within like the last six years post COVID. So like, you know, having like that sense of like non claustrophobia. ⁓ April: was like huge at these events because they get very overwhelming. There's lots of people I would say, know, as far as stimuli goes, if you're someone that can get like anxious in those crowds, definitely packing like something like loop headphones or things like that. Like kind of noise reduction would help a lot, definitely having the space to do it. So ⁓ applaud these people that take on these book conventions and they place them in hotels that can actually house that amount of people. Tay: was like huge at these events because they get very overwhelming. There's lots of people I would say, know, as far as stimuli goes, if you're someone that can get like anxious in those crowds, definitely packing like something like loop headphones or things like that. Like kind of noise reduction would help a lot, definitely having the space to do it. So ⁓ applaud these people that take on these book conventions and they place them in hotels that can actually house that amount of people. April: Yes. Yeah, it gets really scary really fast when it's a really big book event hosted in a place that is not appropriate for it. But I do feel like lot of the signings who have been around for a while have really trialed and aired that and they figured it out what they need. So that's kind of exciting. I mean, you gave some good tips with like if you're someone who's sensitive to sounds or being overstimulated, definitely for sure. Tay: Yes. Yeah, it gets really scary really fast when it's a really big book event hosted in a place that is not appropriate for it. But I do feel like lot of the signings who have been around for a while have really trialed and aired that and they figured it out what they need. So that's kind of exciting. I mean, you gave some good tips with like if you're someone who's sensitive to sounds or being overstimulated, definitely for sure. April: thing that I am always a big person on is bring your water. ⁓ have a water bottle that is decorated with all stickers from all of my favorite authors and I bring that with me to every single signing along with snacks because I am a snacky girl and in order to avoid hangar, you need food. ⁓ Sometimes you're standing in lines or even waiting to get into a signing, you are there potentially for a couple of hours depending on their lineup processes and of that. Tay: thing that I am always a big person on is bring your water. ⁓ have a water bottle that is decorated with all stickers from all of my favorite authors and I bring that with me to every single signing along with snacks because I am a snacky girl and in order to avoid hangar, you need food. ⁓ Sometimes you're standing in lines or even waiting to get into a signing, you are there potentially for a couple of hours depending on their lineup processes and of that. April: Definitely water and snacks. Book carts too. ⁓ I been to a couple of conventions where they did not allow book carts and it was ⁓ absolutely because ⁓ you have to tote your books to these book holding rooms. ⁓ And fine and stuff if you're only seeing a couple of authors. But if you are someone who does a lot of pre-ordering or anything like that, then you are miserable toting books around. ⁓ Tay: Definitely water and snacks. Book carts too. ⁓ I been to a couple of conventions where they did not allow book carts and it was ⁓ absolutely because ⁓ you have to tote your books to these book holding rooms. ⁓ And fine and stuff if you're only seeing a couple of authors. But if you are someone who does a lot of pre-ordering or anything like that, then you are miserable toting books around. ⁓ April: Book carts are fabulous for the events that allow. Highly recommend and also definitely though we are also encouraging you to read what the venue wants there. So if they are sticking with cart restrictions please follow that there are also a lot of authors that have signing limitations and everything else and like you can just tell and ⁓ and April know this if you have a wagon and it's filled with multiple copies of same book you are reselling. Tay: Book carts are fabulous for the events that allow. Highly recommend and also definitely though we are also encouraging you to read what the venue wants there. So if they are sticking with cart restrictions please follow that there are also a lot of authors that have signing limitations and everything else and like you can just tell and ⁓ and April know this if you have a wagon and it's filled with multiple copies of same book you are reselling. April: You are reselling, you're not a fan. And that makes me so mad because these authors put their blood, sweat and tears for these like people who really love their books to go and enjoy themselves. But like we see you, we know what you're doing. Please be mindful. These authors are people and they need breaks from their hands and stuff. So like if there's a cart restriction of like what you can bring, stick within that parameter. Now, some places we just went to one, they kind of opened it up. They were like, hey, you can bring a wagon. You can bring this. If that allows for it. Tay: You are reselling, you're not a fan. And that makes me so mad because these authors put their blood, sweat and tears for these like people who really love their books to go and enjoy themselves. But like we see you, we know what you're doing. Please be mindful. These authors are people and they need breaks from their hands and stuff. So like if there's a cart restriction of like what you can bring, stick within that parameter. Now, some places we just went to one, they kind of opened it up. They were like, hey, you can bring a wagon. You can bring this. If that allows for it. April: go for it. But I'm just saying be mindful of that too because I think there's some ways where they like completely weigh it down and it's like we know those are not all your books. You know something that I've done in the past too with my sister when we went to it was actually a Apollycon and an author had a signing limit is she also got a wristband for that author and I was like hey get my book signed for me too. So that is something you can do is share books with friends. That's actually probably one of my most favorite things to do. Tay: go for it. But I'm just saying be mindful of that too because I think there's some ways where they like completely weigh it down and it's like we know those are not all your books. You know something that I've done in the past too with my sister when we went to it was actually a Apollycon and an author had a signing limit is she also got a wristband for that author and I was like hey get my book signed for me too. So that is something you can do is share books with friends. That's actually probably one of my most favorite things to do. April: it's a great way if you need to like divide and conquer. I'm talking about like these intense signings, like the in Vegas. I'm talking a Apollycon used to be book bonanza dividing and conquering. Definitely. Especially the big ticket authors that you know are going to have huge lines. They're going to be wrist banded into like three, 400, 500, maybe even more than that. Definitely divide conquer. And don't knock an author that you want to see. Like I obviously, if that is your like die hard, you take on that one. Tay: it's a great way if you need to like divide and conquer. I'm talking about like these intense signings, like the in Vegas. I'm talking a Apollycon used to be book bonanza dividing and conquering. Definitely. Especially the big ticket authors that you know are going to have huge lines. They're going to be wrist banded into like three, 400, 500, maybe even more than that. Definitely divide conquer. And don't knock an author that you want to see. Like I obviously, if that is your like die hard, you take on that one. April: And then you give the ones that you have books for, but like you don't absolutely have to meet, but the ones that you absolutely have to meet, you get in that line. You wait, you do your thing, you see that person. you know, I would give not like it's like a rank of like the worst author, but like, hey, like I could live if I don't get to see this author in person and hey, you could take my book to get it signed. ⁓ then sometimes what you could do in that scenario is I've seen the lines open up. Tay: And then you give the ones that you have books for, but like you don't absolutely have to meet, but the ones that you absolutely have to meet, you get in that line. You wait, you do your thing, you see that person. you know, I would give not like it's like a rank of like the worst author, but like, hey, like I could live if I don't get to see this author in person and hey, you could take my book to get it signed. ⁓ then sometimes what you could do in that scenario is I've seen the lines open up. April: and you can actually go back even after you've gotten your book signed and then that way you can meet that author. there is opportunity for that. I wouldn't knock it of it not happening. And that's another thing I found great about the Magic with the Bells events, the Southern Bell Book event, ⁓ like able to see everybody I want to see and then some like the event runs just that good where I can hop in a line somewhere. The event runs down. Granted, you might get to a person's table and they might be sold out. But if your object is to just meet that author. Yeah. Tay: and you can actually go back even after you've gotten your book signed and then that way you can meet that author. there is opportunity for that. I wouldn't knock it of it not happening. And that's another thing I found great about the Magic with the Bells events, the Southern Bell Book event, ⁓ like able to see everybody I want to see and then some like the event runs just that good where I can hop in a line somewhere. The event runs down. Granted, you might get to a person's table and they might be sold out. But if your object is to just meet that author. Yeah. April: You can do it. You can easily do it in that day. So I really enjoy those. Another thing to do and me and April learned the hard way on this. I mean, they're really doing trades now. That's something that is a big part of these book events. These girls, you know, walk around with either like the ribbon tags that you wear. They walk around with friendship bracelets. ⁓ walk around with key chains, you name it. They got it. I'm saying you have to do that because it's totally something that's optional. Tay: You can do it. You can easily do it in that day. So I really enjoy those. Another thing to do and me and April learned the hard way on this. I mean, they're really doing trades now. That's something that is a big part of these book events. These girls, you know, walk around with either like the ribbon tags that you wear. They walk around with friendship bracelets. ⁓ walk around with key chains, you name it. They got it. I'm saying you have to do that because it's totally something that's optional. April: But I will say me and her had FOMO. I had big FOMO. Like I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to share things. Me and her had like sad little zipper bags of just stickers and we're like, here's a sticker. ⁓ I'm like, and they had custom stickers. Like they made stickers for the event and things like they really go all out. I wanted to be a part of that just cause I'm like, I don't want their money to go to waste either. Like. Tay: But I will say me and her had FOMO. I had big FOMO. Like I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to share things. Me and her had like sad little zipper bags of just stickers and we're like, here's a sticker. ⁓ I'm like, and they had custom stickers. Like they made stickers for the event and things like they really go all out. I wanted to be a part of that just cause I'm like, I don't want their money to go to waste either. Like. April: that way it's like, you know, tradesies like they worked hard on the sticker. I worked hard on this key chain, whatever it is. definitely, that's a big part of these book conventions now is to trade those things. me and April really want to hand something out, at an event that a new event, this is, they haven't done anything like this before. It's called city fling. They're brand new to the game. Me and her trying it out in June, looking so forward to it. But the object of the game is we are going to come prepared this time. Yes. We know trades are a thing. Tay: that way it's like, you know, tradesies like they worked hard on the sticker. I worked hard on this key chain, whatever it is. definitely, that's a big part of these book conventions now is to trade those things. me and April really want to hand something out, at an event that a new event, this is, they haven't done anything like this before. It's called city fling. They're brand new to the game. Me and her trying it out in June, looking so forward to it. But the object of the game is we are going to come prepared this time. Yes. We know trades are a thing. April: We do. Yeah, see, we did not know trades were a thing when we went to Holiday at the Bells. And then the morning I was like, oh, I have like these bookish stickers. And I just want to preface this by saying I feel like nobody should feel shame for just bringing just stickers. But we ourselves kind of felt it. To me, that's a perfect trade. Like, I'm excited. Give me some bookish stickers. That's great. Tay: We do. Yeah, see, we did not know trades were a thing when we went to Holiday at the Bells. And then the morning I was like, oh, I have like these bookish stickers. And I just want to preface this by saying I feel like nobody should feel shame for just bringing just stickers. But we ourselves kind of felt it. To me, that's a perfect trade. Like, I'm excited. Give me some bookish stickers. That's great. April: But it also is like the people were 3D printing things. Yeah, 3D printing things. They were handing journals for annotating. I was just like, wow. It's impressive. My sticker does not compare. I'm so sorry. Yeah, we ourselves felt guilty. But just know, trade's are a thing. And I think that that's really cool. It kind of brings me back to the Taylor Swift concerts and the Eras tour trading friendship bracelets. I just think that's so cute of the bookish community to do. It's so nice. It's bringing back my camp vibes. ⁓ Tay: But it also is like the people were 3D printing things. Yeah, 3D printing things. They were handing journals for annotating. I was just like, wow. It's impressive. My sticker does not compare. I'm so sorry. Yeah, we ourselves felt guilty. But just know, trade's our thing. And I think that that's really cool. It kind of brings me back to the Taylor Swift concerts and the Aras tour and friendship bracelets. I just think that's so cute of the bookish community to do. It's so nice. It's bringing back my camp vibes. ⁓ April: just making stuff for people and giving it, like I just love it so much. So definitely think of a trades. Some other things is we about like bringing like waters and stuff in your book cart. You can pack all of that in there. It's great. Tay: just making stuff for people and giving it, like I just love it so much. So definitely think of a trades. Some other things is we about like bringing like waters and stuff in your book cart. You can pack all of that in there. It's great. April: me and her did a swap of stuff. Like she was keeping the books that were signed and I was keeping like the unsigned books. So like if you're like, you know, that type of friend group, you know, that's great to have an empty cart just for that way you can kind of strategically move stuff in and out of your cart. Like, okay, that's been signed, that's been signed. And you can always prepare ahead of time and do pre-orders. So pre-orders are a thing that authors do. ⁓ knows plenty about that one. So I'm going to actually hand the mic off to you on that. Tay: me and her did a swap of stuff. Like she was keeping the books that were signed and I was keeping like the unsigned books. So like if you're like, you know, that type of friend group, you know, that's great to have an empty cart just for that way you can kind of strategically move stuff in and out of your cart. Like, okay, that's been signed, that's been signed. And you can always prepare ahead of time and do pre-orders. So pre-orders are a thing that authors do. ⁓ knows plenty about that one. So I'm going to actually hand the mic off to you on that. April: Yeah, so pre-orders are probably one of my most favorite things to do, especially as somebody who is, I mean, last minute Sally over here, myself. Pre-orders are great. So a lot of them you can do on, what is it, Be Venti now, I think is how they say it. Sorry if I said that wrong, but you can get on there for your event and pre-order. Now, not ⁓ all do pre-orders, but a giant portion of them do. And most of the time, not all of the times, ⁓ pre-orders pre-signed, which, ⁓ Tay: Yeah, so pre-orders are probably one of my most favorite things to do, especially as somebody who is, I mean, last minute Sally over here, myself. Pre-orders are great. So a lot of them you can do on, what is it, Be Venti now, I think is how they say it. Sorry if I said that wrong, but you can get on there for your event and pre-order. Now, not ⁓ all do pre-orders, but a giant portion of them do. And most of the time, not all of the times, ⁓ pre-orders pre-signed, which, ⁓ April: Double check because there have been a couple times where all I did was pick up a preorder and I got burned because it was not actually signed, is always a sad day. So double with that and make sure that the author actually presigns those. But it's a quick way to get your books and not have to travel with so many books, especially if you're going somewhere like, for example, or Vegas or even Florida, like you went. You can pick up the books there and then from there you can kind of get them home however you decide. Yeah. Tay: Double check because there have been a couple times where all I did was pick up a preorder and I got burned because it was not actually signed, which is always a sad day. So check with that and make sure that the author actually presigns those. But it's a quick way to get your books and not have to travel with so many books, especially if you're going somewhere like, ⁓ example, DC or Vegas or even Florida, like UN. ⁓ You can pick up the books there and then from there you can kind of get them home however you decide. Yeah. April: But with getting books home, a tip that I learned when I was traveling to DC to go to a Apollycon is bring book sleeves. So I have like so book sleeves and I never anything with them because I don't really carry around physical books with me to read. I'm more of a Kindle reader. the book sleeves are for those books that you know you really, really want to keep safe. Tay: But with getting books home, a tip that I learned when I was traveling to DC to go to a Apollycon is bring book sleeves. So I have like so book sleeves and I never anything with them because I don't really carry around physical books with me to read. I'm more of a Kindle reader. the book sleeves are for those books that you know you really, really want to keep safe. April: them in it, but I will say with shipping, and it may even be a good idea for putting in your luggage, something I like to do is I like to bring giant gallon Ziploc baggies and put books in the Ziploc baggie and then put them in the book sleeve because I have seen terrible, terrible instances ⁓ of readers shipped their books home and something happened, got rained on or like crazy, crazy things have happened. Tay: them in it, but I will say with shipping, and it may even be a good idea for putting in your luggage, something I like to do is I like to bring giant gallon Ziploc baggies and put books in the Ziploc baggie and then put them in the book sleeve because I have seen terrible, terrible instances ⁓ of readers shipped their books home and something happened, got rained on or like crazy, crazy things have happened. April: And then their books are ruined because they were exposed to water. Yeah. And a moment of silence for those books. Yeah. would be so devastated. So I would feel like a death. I would I would be devastated because when you got all these others to sign these fabulous, like some special edition copies and like for something awful to happen. And let me tell you, though, I have seen the book community rally for these type of things. Tay: And then their books are ruined because they were exposed to water. Yeah. And a moment of silence for those books. Yeah. would be so devastated. So I would feel like a death. I would I would be devastated because when you got all these others to sign these fabulous, like some special edition copies and like for something awful to happen. And let me tell you, though, I have seen the book community rally for these type of things. April: I saw pictures on like so there a lot of these by the way if you're really wanting in to these groups join the Facebook groups the Facebook groups are the best way to know about tickets and drops and all the things all you have to do is put in the name of the event and attendees and you will find every group and then some these book cons and how to get tickets and etc but I have seen a number of people post on these sites like pictures of their stuff and just like and not even ask for anything let's mind out the two it's more just like I got all the way home and my book stuff got damaged Tay: I saw pictures on like so there a lot of these by the way if you're really wanting in to these groups join the Facebook groups the Facebook groups are the best way to know about tickets and drops and all the things all you have to do is put in the name of the event and attendees and you will find every group and then some these book cons and how to get tickets and etc but I have seen a number of people post on these sites like pictures of their stuff and just like and not even ask for anything let's mind out the two it's more just like I got all the way home and my book stuff got damaged April: the number of authors or like PR people or whoever who work for these authors, PAs, you name it, are commenting. Like, give me your address, give me your address, give me your address, we're gonna take care of this, we're gonna take care of this. That is the type of people that are in these book conventions and that is the only type of people I even wanna associate with, but also too, how great is that? Like your stuff gets damaged, you get on this thing, you're not even asking for anything, and I've seen it a number of times and it always happens and it's like so fabulous and wonderful. Tay: the number of authors or like PR people or whoever who work for these authors, PAs, you name it, are commenting. Like, give me your address, give me your address, give me your address, we're gonna take care of this, we're gonna take care of this. That is the type of people that are in these book conventions and that is the only type of people I even wanna associate with, but also too, how great is that? Like your stuff gets damaged, you get on this thing, you're not even asking for anything, and I've seen it a number of times and it always happens and it's like so fabulous and wonderful. April: And I'm not wishing awful things on your books at all. I don't want it to get to that point, but it's also like, amazing. Like how great that they would go out of their way ⁓ make sure that that fan was taken care of. Like a true fan that lost their stuff and is absolutely devastated. So. For sure. Now I always say the book community is the best people. They hands down, bookish people, y'all are the best. For sure. And we deserve to have these nice books taken care of. So. Tay: And I'm not wishing awful things on your books at all. I don't want it to get to that point, but it's also like, amazing. Like how great that they would go out of their way ⁓ make sure that that fan was taken care of. Like a true fan that lost their stuff and is absolutely devastated. So. For sure. Now I always say the book community is the best people. They hands down, bookish people, y'all are the best. For sure. And we deserve to have these nice books taken care of. So. April: Just a tip if you're traveling or shipping books just to kind of be aware of. I'm also a fan of using sticky notes in my books. And I feel like most people know this tip or trick, but if you don't, if you're new to it, hey, we all were new once too. I went to like my first signing and had no idea about any of this. And I was like, what is happening? But you can actually use sticky notes to make it easier for the author to sign your name in the book. For me, like, Tay: Just a tip if you're traveling or shipping books just to kind of be aware of. I'm also a fan of using sticky notes in my books. And I feel like most people know this tip or trick, but if you don't, if you're new to it, hey, we all were new once too. I went to like my first signing and had no idea about any of this. And I was like, what is happening? But you can actually use sticky notes to make it easier for the author to sign your name in the book. For me, like, April: I have a really easy name, April, but people, especially with harder names, it's nice if you have your name written on the sticky note if you're wanting it personalized that the author knows how to spell your name correctly. I also think it's great to bring extra markers just in case and extra sticky notes because it's everybody's first time. my first book signing and I didn't know to put sticky notes my book and it was a really nice ⁓ in the bookish community who like, ⁓ Tay: I have a really easy name, April, but people, especially with harder names, it's nice if you have your name written on the sticky note if you're wanting it personalized that the author knows how to spell your name correctly. I also think it's great to bring extra markers just in case and extra sticky notes because it's everybody's first time. my first book signing and I didn't know to put sticky notes my book and it was a really nice ⁓ in the bookish community who like, ⁓ April: You just use this and she gave me everything that I needed and I was so grateful for that. So I always bring extras now. Yeah, having those is like wonderful doing it ahead of time. I even use them sometimes just in my book cart so I can see what author like you can put the name of the author at the top of your book and just kind of have it partially sticking out that way. because like when all your books are together and squish, you can't really see who the author is and you're not going to have it like pages down. Like I'm not a serial killer. like if you had it like you can't read what book it is. Tay: You just use this and she gave me everything that I needed and I was so grateful for that. So I always bring extras now. Yeah, having those is like wonderful doing it ahead of time. I even use them sometimes just in my book cart so I can see what author like you can put the name of the author at the top of your book and just kind of have it partially sticking out that way. because like when all your books are together and squish, you can't really see who the author is and you're not going to have it like pages down. Like I'm not a serial killer. like if you had it like you can't read what book it is. April: So having it like that and you can kind of look to the side of your cart and see, ⁓ okay, that's Holly Renee. I need to grab my Holly Renee books. Makes it definitely more visible and it does, it helps the authors. So definitely recommend it. Another thing you can do is do book maps ahead of time. ⁓ Now, I mean by book maps is a map of the venue. So they will normally post a seating chart. I recommend doing it a couple days before, like maybe like three days before because me and April have been plenty of conferences Tay: So having it like that and you can kind of look to the side of your cart and see, ⁓ okay, that's Holly Renee. I need to grab my Holly Renee books. Makes it definitely more visible and it does, it helps the authors. So definitely recommend it. Another thing you can do is do book maps ahead of time. ⁓ Now, I mean by book maps is a map of the venue. So they will normally post a seating chart. I recommend doing it a couple days before, like maybe like three days before because me and April have been plenty of conferences April: and the map changes a number of times. So doing it three weeks ahead of time, probably not the move you wanna make, do it a couple days before. And it's something at that point in time, give you a pair of highlighters, get some pins, maybe circle the authors that you absolutely have to see. Highlight the ones that are maybe interesting to you, that maybe you haven't read something that you're like, wanna stop at, and have a different color of a highlighter for maybe like, this is author that Tay: and the map changes a number of times. So doing it three weeks ahead of time, probably not the move you wanna make, do it a couple days before. And it's something at that point in time, give you a pair of highlighters, get some pins, maybe circle the authors that you absolutely have to see. Highlight the ones that are maybe interesting to you, that maybe you haven't read something that you're like, wanna stop at, and have a different color of a highlighter for maybe like, this is author that April: I've seen or met before maybe and you're like, I would love to circle back and go back to that one. So that way you kind of have a game plan lined up in your head. Cause that's what me and her did when we were sitting and waiting on this last convention. We're looking at our map I'm going, okay, well I know I want to see this. And we made like, I'm Tay: I've seen her met before maybe and you're like, I would love to circle back and go back to that one. So that way you kind of have a game plan lined up in your head. Cause that's what me and her did when we were sitting and waiting on this last convention. We're looking at our map and I'm going, okay, well I know I want to see this. And we made like, I'm like. April: Okay, so I'm making a C around this way and you're making a C around this way. And like, then I was like, when we come back down, we'll meet in the middle. Like we had like kind of a game plan of where we were going and who we had to see. But like having that map, we were able to see, okay, here's the entrance. You enter in there and then that person is to the right and in the back. Like I was able to like, you know, wrap my head around at least where they were kind of spaced out at. And granted, of course, when you get in the room, everything's spaced. Tay: Okay, so I'm making a C around this way and you're making a C around this way. And like, then I was like, when we come back down, we'll meet in the middle. Like we had like kind of a game plan of where we were going and who we had to see. But like having that map, we were able to see, okay, here's the entrance. You enter in there and then that person is to the right and in the back. Like I was able to like, you know, wrap my head around at least where they were kind of spaced out at. And granted, of course, when you get in the room, everything's spaced. April: you know, way out and your brain's like, wait, that was a map. I have to kind of like relocate where I am in the building. But having that is truly so helpful. highly recommend, but wait, like, like I said, like three days before, it's not super necessary to print way in advance, but it is nice to have for sure. For sure. I will say that I think also are really nice. So fans to keep you cool because it does get hot in those signing rooms. Tay: you know, way out and your brain's like, wait, that was a map. I have to kind of like relocate where I am in the building. But having that is truly so helpful. highly recommend, but wait, like, like I said, like three days before, it's not super necessary to print way in advance, but it is nice to have for sure. For sure. I will say that I think also are really nice. So fans to keep you cool because it does get hot in those signing rooms. April: I actually have heard several stories of people getting overheated in the signing rooms. I think that that's a really great thing to just, even the neck fans that they make, make you feel so much better. On top of that, we learned bringing in, it's not all conventions or book signings that allow it, but some do allow the portable stools, which would have been really helpful for you the year that you were pregnant. Yeah, that would have been super helpful to just take a break every now and then and rest my legs. Tay: I actually have heard several stories of people getting overheated in the signing rooms. I think that that's a really great thing to just, even the neck fans that they make, make you feel so much better. On top of that, we learned bringing in, it's not all conventions or book signings that allow it, but some do allow the portable stools, which would have been really helpful for you the year that you were pregnant. Yeah, that would have been super helpful to just take a break every now and then and rest my legs. April: Should I tell that story? You should tell that story. It's such a good one. It is a good story. So we were at Book Bonanza. This was our very first convention, one as a friend group, but also two just, it was my very first book convention. but I'm also massively pregnant and by massively pregnant, this is in June, I was due the first week of August. So massively pregnant. And this was like at the end of June. So. Tay: Should I tell that story? You should tell that story. It's such a good one. It is a good story. So we were at Book Bonanza. This was our very first convention, one as a friend group, but also two just, it was my very first book convention. but I'm also massively pregnant and by massively pregnant, this is in June, I was due the first week of August. So massively pregnant. And this was like at the end of June. So. April: We go to this book convention and there's a lot of people. I don't know how I did it, even with running around and roaming around, but like there was like a moment when I finally was just like, I'm tired. And I don't know if that was like on my face or whatever, I had somehow, and at the time too, Colleen Hoover was massive and getting in her line was really hard. April ⁓ and and they could not get like a low number. Tay: We go to this book convention and there's a lot of people. I don't know how I did it, even with running around and roaming around, but like there was like a moment when I finally was just like, I'm tired. And I don't know if that was like on my face or whatever, I had somehow, and at the time too, Colleen Hoover was massive and getting in her line was really hard. April ⁓ and and they could not get like a low number. April: of a wristband to get in line. And I was the one who actually had the lowest number and was able to get in. So I'm in this line. I'm like, just like, you know, whatever, like so big and pregnant. one was like, girl, how are you doing this? Like, how are you doing this? I'm like, I am like, just, you know, I just would kill for a seat. And she was like, anybody have a chair? Anybody have a chair? She needs a chair to sit in. She needs a chair to sit in. And like this guy, older guy, Tay: of a wristband to get in line. And I was the one who actually had the lowest number and was able to get in. So I'm in this line. I'm like, just like, you know, whatever, like so big and pregnant. one was like, girl, how are you doing this? Like, how are you doing this? I'm like, I am like, just, you know, I just would kill for a seat. And she was like, anybody have a chair? Anybody have a chair? She needs a chair to sit in. She needs a chair to sit in. And like this guy, older guy, April: He like looks at me and he's like, I'm going to get you a chair. I'm going to get you a chair. He like went running down and like my friend said he ran past them and he's like asking everybody, can I have a chair? Can I have a chair? There's a pregnant lady in line and they're like pregnant lady. Is that like our friend? Like, is that is our friend? I'm thinking that's our friend. he brings me this chair and he's like, no, you are not standing in this line. Like you were going to sit and enjoy it. And like every time I got up in the line moved, like I'm expecting I'm going to turn around and pick up my chair. No big deal. Tay: He like looks at me and he's like, I'm going to get you a chair. I'm going to get you a chair. He like went running down and like my friend said he ran past them and he's like asking everybody, can I have a chair? Can I have a chair? There's a pregnant lady in line and they're like pregnant lady. Is that like our friend? Like, is that is our friend? I'm thinking that's our friend. he brings me this chair and he's like, no, you are not standing in this line. Like you were going to sit and enjoy it. And like every time I got up in the line moved, like I'm expecting I'm going to turn around and pick up my chair. No big deal. April: No, not a single woman in that line let me walk with that chair. They kept picking up my chair and moving it along the line as I went up there. And like by the end y'all, I was a mess. The pictures I have of like meeting, I have like tears just down my face and that's all I could talk about. And I'm like, there was a chair and everything and poor Colleen Hoover's looking at me like, this girl, this girl is crying over a chair. What is happening? Tay: No, not a single woman in that line let me walk with that chair. They kept picking up my chair and moving it along the line as I went up there. And like by the end y'all, I was a mess. The pictures I have of like meeting, I have like tears just down my face and that's all I could talk about. And I'm like, there was a chair and everything and poor Colleen Hoover's looking at me like, this girl, this girl is crying over a chair. What is happening? April: But I, was, it was, then two, the fact that the community like was so sweet and so kind and wouldn't let me do anything. Like they were like, no, we're taking care of you. Like you were getting to one meet this author that you love, but like also to like, we're not going to let you one sit on the floor. We're also not going to let you stand this whole time. You were going to rest, um, because you've got to keep brewing and all the things. So that was like, that was, I. Cannot put to words after that, it was hooked. I was like, I'm going to every book convention after this, cause if this is what everybody's like, and she, she told me. Tay: But I, was, it was, then two, the fact that the community like was so sweet and so kind and wouldn't let me do anything. Like they were like, no, we're taking care of you. Like you were getting to one meet this author that you love, but like also to like, we're not going to let you one sit on the floor. We're also not going to let you stand this whole time. You were going to rest, um, because you've got to keep brewing and all the things. So that was like, that was, I. Cannot put to words after that, it was hooked. I was like, I'm going to every book convention after this, cause if this is what everybody's like, and she, she told me. April: Like April looked at me and she's like, they're all like this. They're all amazing. cause she had been to so many before me and was just kind of like our, our captain into the night. She was like, I'm leading you into this amazing world. in that moment I was like, oh, she's yeah. So sweet. This is a problem. Did you say who that man was? Oh, no, I did not. That man was Colleen Hoover's husband. Tay: Like April looked at me and she's like, they're all like this. They're all amazing. cause she had been to so many before me and was just kind of like our, our captain into the night. She was like, I'm leading you into this amazing world. in that moment I was like, oh, she's yeah. So sweet. This is a problem. Did you say who that man was? Oh, no, I did not. That man was Colleen Hoover's husband. April: Heath is legit. Heath is legit. Quite literally. That was trending during the conference with Heath is legit. And he is legit. Like I am so grateful that he did that for me. And to this day, I think that was so just kind. whatever you want about anybody and the way you feel. But in that moment, that was like to me, super kind. And he did not have to do that. I could not express my gratitude to Miss Hoover. And she's just like, ⁓ a chair? husband brought you a chair? ⁓ Like, I'm confused. Tay: Heath is legit. Heath is legit. Quite literally. That was trending during the conference with Heath is legit. And he is legit. Like I am so grateful that he did that for me. And to this day, I think that was so just kind. whatever you want about anybody and the way you feel. But in that moment, that was like to me, super kind. And he did not have to do that. I could not express my gratitude to Miss Hoover. And she's just like, ⁓ a chair? husband brought you a chair? ⁓ Like, I'm confused. April: And then she was like, ⁓ honey, you are so big and pregnant and emotional. I like, I am. know, it's such a hard time. It was so But I will also say that's the same book Bonanza that, and I can only just speak to my own experiences, but I'm sure many people out there have experienced the same thing, that year, I think like my number was in like 700s Colleen Hoover. And so like, Tay: And then she was like, ⁓ honey, you are so big and pregnant and emotional. I like, I am. know, it's such a hard time. It was so But I will also say that's the same book Bonanza that, and I can only just speak to my own experiences, but I'm sure many people out there have experienced the same thing, that year, I think like my number was in like 700s Colleen Hoover. And so like, April: By the time the signing was ending, she was only maybe in the 300s or so. And like, you were the only one who had gotten to see her. so sweet. She didn't have a limit. She was signing whatever. And people were doing the thing that I talked about that you don't do, was bring a bunch of books and like, you can tell they were trying to resell she was like, you know, I'm signing everything. I'm signing everything at this point. And like, you know, and the line got cut off and it was a whole And granted, Tay: By the time the signing was ending, she was only maybe in the 300s or so. And like, you were the only one who had gotten to see her. so sweet. She didn't have a limit. She was signing whatever. And people were doing the thing that I talked about that you don't do, was bring a bunch of books and like, you can tell they were trying to resell she was like, you know, I'm signing everything. I'm signing everything at this point. And like, you know, and the line got cut off and it was a whole And granted, April: there were tons of people that were upset and I could feel how they were upset. But I also like me and true people knew what the reason was is that one, she didn't have a limit and two, she was so big at that time. There was more people at that event than she could sign per capita of people. But what she did. Tay: there were tons of people that were upset and I could feel how they were upset. But I also like me and true people knew what the reason was is that one, she didn't have a limit and two, she was so big at that time. There was more people at that event than she could sign per capita of people. But what she did. April: I will say though, and I've seen other authors do this too, but then like later on that same night, she set up a table outside of one of the other events that was going on for Book Bonanza and she signed my books. Like she was like, ⁓ I did not get to you during the signing, please come see me. I will stay here as long as I need to, to sign everybody's books. And I just really appreciate that about an author, especially ones who are really huge and have huge followings. Tay: I will say though, and I've seen other authors do this too, but then like later on that same night, she set up a table outside of one of the other events that was going on for Book Bonanza and she signed my books. Like she was like, ⁓ I did not get to you during the signing, please come see me. I will stay here as long as I need to, to sign everybody's books. And I just really appreciate that about an author, especially ones who are really huge and have huge followings. April: Because I know that takes a lot. Like I would be so exhausted even after like a six hour signing myself. I can't imagine doing it for even longer into who knows how long that went on for. I want to say it ended at like six or seven o'clock for signing and then the party started at eight and she signed till like 11 p.m. Girl's hand probably felt like it was falling off. she to do that. ⁓ granted too, know if mentioned at the time Tay: Because I know that takes a lot. Like I would be so exhausted even after like a six hour signing myself. I can't imagine doing it for even longer into who knows how long that went on for. I want to say it ended at like six or seven o'clock for signing and then the party started at eight and she signed till like 11 p.m. Girl's hand probably felt like it was falling off. she to do that. ⁓ granted too, know if mentioned at the time April: Colleen Hoover and her sisters were the one who were running this event. So think of like, just had a day of signing, you're probably just wanting to enjoy your event and like do the things. she was like, no, my fans are mad. ⁓ I don't to do that. Like I want to sit and get their things signed because that's, you know, what I'm here for. And she signed all night. She signed all night. Which is awesome. ⁓ And that of like leads me back to all of this. One of the best things about book conventions is yes, you get to meet your favorite authors. Sometimes ⁓ you may be ⁓ Tay: Colleen Hoover and her sisters were the one who were running this event. So think of like, just had a day of signing, you're probably just wanting to enjoy your event and like do the things. she was like, no, my fans are mad. ⁓ I don't to do that. Like I want to sit and get their things signed because that's, you know, what I'm here for. And she signed all night. She signed all night. Which is awesome. ⁓ And that of like leads me back to all of this. One of the best things about book conventions is yes, you get to meet your favorite authors. Sometimes ⁓ you may be ⁓ April: been times when I've gone to signings ⁓ I haven't gotten to see an author that I really wanted to see for whatever reason. They canceled or ⁓ didn't have a high enough number for them, whatever it is, different reasons. But I will say some of my best experiences at book conventions have been going to authors that are not on my radar ⁓ all, that I have no idea. I just walk by your table and I'm like, I want to go to you and they end up, you end up having these incredible experiences with these people. Tay: been times when I've gone to signings ⁓ I haven't gotten to see an author that I really wanted to see for whatever reason. They canceled or ⁓ didn't have a high enough number for them, whatever it is, different reasons. But I will say some of my best experiences at book conventions have been going to authors that are not on my radar ⁓ all, that I have no idea. I just walk by your table and I'm like, I want to go to you and they end up, you end up having these incredible experiences with these people. April: like our whipped cream shots. ⁓ my God. ⁓ my God. That was something. We are in this event and this is just the recent one that we just went to is the holiday with the bells. are plenty of authors I think that are new to the book convention world, but they have enough books now where it's like, okay, they can fill a table. They can have like a somewhat of a crowd. So you kind of like look and you look around and you're like, ⁓ you know, nobody's at that table. I'd like to stop and see what they're doing. Tay: like our whipped cream shots. ⁓ my God. ⁓ my God. That was something. We are in this event and this is just the recent one that we just went to is the holiday with the bells. are plenty of authors I think that are new to the book convention world, but they have enough books now where it's like, okay, they can fill a table. They can have like a somewhat of a crowd. So you kind of like look and you look around and you're like, ⁓ you know, nobody's at that table. I'd like to stop and see what they're doing. April: one caught our eye, not from like the books or anything, but quite literally what she was doing. We saw a girl on her knees and we saw a whipped cream shot and she was feeding whipped cream shots. Me and April looked at one another and said, ⁓ I want be a part of that. We want that. I don't know what she writes. I don't know what she does, but I want to do that. I want to, I want to be a part of that. Tay: one caught our eye, not from like the books or anything, but quite literally what she was doing. We saw a girl on her knees and we saw a whipped cream shot and she was feeding whipped cream shots. Me and April looked at one another and said, ⁓ I want be a part of that. We want that. I don't know what she writes. I don't know what she does, but I want to do that. I want to, I want to be a part of that. April: She writes Kinky Romance, which now I'm thinking about it. I'm like, I don't know her name and I want to share that. But she does books on kink. And so very fitting for her books to be this way. I went up first. I'm like very bold in that regard. I'm like, yeah, sign me up. I'm doing that. I go up there and like I get on my knees and do the thing. Meanwhile, April's watching me and I'm like Tay: She writes Kinky Romance, which now I'm thinking about it. I'm like, I don't know her name and I want to share that. But she does books on kink. And so very fitting for her books to be this way. I went up first. I'm like very bold in that regard. I'm like, yeah, sign me up. I'm doing that. I go up there and like I get on my knees and do the thing. Meanwhile, April's watching me and I'm like April: red and I'm like, ⁓ and she and April's like laughing at me because she thinks it's just like maybe the taste of the whipped cream. But what ⁓ didn't know and she got to experience right after me is that when you got on your knees, she goes, you going to be a good girl and take this whipped cream shot and like feeds it to me and she goes, ⁓ you were such a good girl. You did so well. I'm like, ⁓ I was dead. I was dead died. ⁓ Like I even Tay: red and I'm like, ⁓ and she and April's like laughing at me because she thinks it's just like maybe the taste of the whipped cream. But what ⁓ didn't know and she got to experience right after me is that when you got on your knees, she goes, you going to be a good girl and take this whipped cream shot and like feeds it to me and she goes, ⁓ you were such a good girl. You did so well. I'm like, ⁓ I was dead. I was dead died. ⁓ Like I even April: She's like, ⁓ I'm probably so red. And then this one goes up and got the same thing. And she was like, now I know why. Now I know why. I was shook. Yeah. And meanwhile, 10 out of 10, we get back to the house and you know, your husband roast you on it. And he's just like, like she was made to do it. And I was like, yes, April was made to do this. Yes. It was so good. What a great way though, to get people interested in your books. Like shout out to the author. Tay: She's like, ⁓ I'm probably so red. And then this one goes up and got the same thing. And she was like, now I know why. Now I know why. I was shook. Yeah. And meanwhile, 10 out of 10, we get back to the house and you know, your husband roast you on it. And he's just like, like she was made to do it. And I was like, yes, April was made to do this. Yes. It was so good. What a great way though, to get people interested in your books. Like shout out to the author. April: Honestly, we'll probably talk about that forever because it was such a great experience and I'd never seen anybody else doing it. Now I've seen like Kandi Steiner will do the whiskey shots with you sometimes. I don't know if she still does that at signings, but she used to do that. I just think that's a great way to get people interested in your books. And what a fabulous thing that she did. Adrian R Hale sorry, I it Oh, is that the author? Adrian R Hale. Tay: Honestly, we'll probably talk about that forever because it was such a great experience and I'd never seen anybody else doing it. Now I've seen like Candy Steiner will do the whiskey shots with you sometimes. I don't know if she still does that at signings, but she used to do that. I just think that's a great way to get people interested in your books. And what a fabulous thing that she did. Adrian R Hale, sorry, I it Oh, is that the author? Adrian R Hale. April: you're watching on our YouTube, ⁓ out of 10. Adrienne Hale, your book is on my TBR. I'm so looking forward to it. Yes, because we know it's going to be good and it's going to be spicy. Yeah, it's going to be spicy for sure. honestly, book conventions are the best. It is such a great time and I feel like I go to one and I always feel like I'm so prepared. I've been to others. I know what to expect. But then like something different, it's always different every time, a different experience. Tay: you're watching on our YouTube, ⁓ out of 10. Adrienne Hale, your book is on my TBR. I'm so looking forward to it. Yes, because we know it's going to be good and it's going to be spicy. Yeah, it's going to be spicy for sure. honestly, book conventions are the best. It is such a great time and I feel like I go to one and I always feel like I'm so prepared. I've been to others. I know what to expect. But then like something different, it's always different every time, a different experience. April: But at the end of the day, I leave feeling so happy and full of love and appreciation for the bookish community. They are incredible. Every single one of you is just incredible. If you take anything away from our talk of book conventions is I hope you ⁓ one, get out there and research just what's out there. A book does not have to be as massive as we're talking. could be a small close to home one. I've seen them do it. Tay: But at the end of the day, I leave feeling so happy and full of love and appreciation for the bookish community. They are incredible. Every single one of you is just incredible. If you take anything away from our talk of book conventions is I hope you ⁓ one, get out there and research just what's out there. A book does not have to be as massive as we're talking. could be a small close to home one. I've seen them do it. April: definitely possible, especially if there's local authors in the area where you live. ⁓ couple of them might do a one day, know, half day type thing. If the way you want to start into it and dip your toe in the water and see how you like it, I definitely recommend that. But if you're also like, you know what, I want to do what you did, that sounds great and fantastic, sign up for one of these major ones. It's so worth it. It's so fun. when you to these book things, they also do like ⁓ discounts at the hotels. So look out for the discount links and stuff. So it might be like a nicer hotel that you wouldn't normally stay at, but because of this book convention and that you have a ticket, you get a discounted rate it makes it definitely more worth it to do something like that. So highly recommend, I hope you enjoy. Small side note is there has been some bad experiences with book conventions. So definitely as as like, It has set the tone for my shopping of certain authors because of these book events. And if an author is listening, you know, that's a mindful thing to be aware of is like how you present yourself when you're going to these things. And if you feel an act annoyed, it probably is coming off that way. It shows. Yeah. I'm not, you know, saying everybody should have a great day because there are days when people have a bad day, but definitely these people that spend the $300 to come see you because they love your books specifically so much, make worth their while. That way they want to continue buying them. And then two, they cherish book. Because there's authors that I just, I look at my book and I just think, wow, that person I met is so wonderful and I want to buy everything. But also too, it's just, makes it, ⁓ that special. And I have that moment and I can look at that book and remember when I met that author. ⁓ Yes. I will say, even for too, it is what you make of it. Go into it, open to new experiences and having fun. don't take it too seriously. I feel like if you take it too seriously, oh, I've got to get to this person, this person, this person, then you spend your time so stressed out. And don't get me wrong, I have been that person. I have been that person who's like, I need to see you, I need to see you, I need to see you. it takes the fun away. It really does because like I said, Adrian R Hale was not an author who was on our radar at all and probably our most memorable experience from that trip. so I really think take a chance on new authors and be there ready to have fun and make new friends because it's a great time. And you'll be spending lots of money. ⁓ of money. I apologize in advance. Just, just be prepared for that. Have your, have your wallet ready and open. that's why pre-ordering is so nice because you can kind of do it at least a little bit at a time, but it is. Yeah. Yeah. But Hey, you're spending that much money. You should definitely have. And you're going to get special editions that you're not going to get anywhere else. These special editions sometimes are beautiful. They're so beautiful. they're just worth they're worth it. They're worth it just to have it and say you have it. And then, you know, it feels even better when they limit it. And it's like, it's a limited special just for this one event. How lucky am I? Score. Score. we are so happy to have you besties. That was today's episode. Make sure to follow, download, and share our podcast socials with other book besties. We would love to hear your favorite book signings that you've been to and any tips or tricks that you've learned because Lord knows we could probably learn even more. Tay: Make sure to follow, download, and share our podcast socials with other book besties. We would love to hear your favorite book signings that you've been to and any tips or tricks that you've learned because Lord knows we could probably learn even more.