Looks like I missed an interesting week of topics her at SIS. Apologies to my sisters for not chiming in. I had a whirlwind week preparing for and attending Book Expo America in NYC. BEA is a humongous trade show featuring publishers big and small of every genre imaginable. It is immense and overwhelming. Mostly the trade show is attended by librarians and booksellers. Publishers give away a lot of books in hopes of generating interest. Numerous big name authors were aplenty, each signing their latest... if you didn't mind standing in super long lines for a super long time. In years past I've done just that, but this year I wanted to roam and take everything in.
My primary reason for attending BEA was to sign and give away copies of OUT OF EDEN. I was lucky enough to have two scheduled signings. On Wednesday I signed in the RWA booth--48 books in 30 minutes. Woo-hoo! I met some incredible librarians and booksellers who had some very nice things to say about my books. It was an amazing experience.
On Thursday I signed in the Harlequin booth. My editor, Keyren Gerlach, was at my side the entire time, helping me open books to sign--96 books in 45 minutes! I was stunned as I signed one after another book. So grateful for the opportunity to get my books into the hands of people who can help spread the word about my work.
Another perk was seeing many friendly faces! Friends and uber talented authors, librarian friends (Hi, Nina!), reader friends (waving to Elsie and Laurie). I also spent some quality time with my editor and agent (such great ladies!) Unfortunately, there were several friends that I didn't see. I was actually only at the trade show a day and a quarter. Not enough time to see everyone!
I had my Flip video cam with me. I wish I would have been more creative. If I would've been thinking smart, I would've snapped vid of some big names like James Patterson, Debbie Macomber, Lemony Snickett.... But I sort of spaced on that end, taking random show shots. My one goober moment was standing in line for an hour to meet Rick Springfield (yes, the pop rock star) who just wrote an autobiography. THAT I got on my Flip.
Overall it was a wonderful experience... though exhausting. Below are snippets of my adventure. Enjoy!
My primary reason for attending BEA was to sign and give away copies of OUT OF EDEN. I was lucky enough to have two scheduled signings. On Wednesday I signed in the RWA booth--48 books in 30 minutes. Woo-hoo! I met some incredible librarians and booksellers who had some very nice things to say about my books. It was an amazing experience.
On Thursday I signed in the Harlequin booth. My editor, Keyren Gerlach, was at my side the entire time, helping me open books to sign--96 books in 45 minutes! I was stunned as I signed one after another book. So grateful for the opportunity to get my books into the hands of people who can help spread the word about my work.
Another perk was seeing many friendly faces! Friends and uber talented authors, librarian friends (Hi, Nina!), reader friends (waving to Elsie and Laurie). I also spent some quality time with my editor and agent (such great ladies!) Unfortunately, there were several friends that I didn't see. I was actually only at the trade show a day and a quarter. Not enough time to see everyone!
I had my Flip video cam with me. I wish I would have been more creative. If I would've been thinking smart, I would've snapped vid of some big names like James Patterson, Debbie Macomber, Lemony Snickett.... But I sort of spaced on that end, taking random show shots. My one goober moment was standing in line for an hour to meet Rick Springfield (yes, the pop rock star) who just wrote an autobiography. THAT I got on my Flip.
Overall it was a wonderful experience... though exhausting. Below are snippets of my adventure. Enjoy!
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9 comments:
Beth,
I am so jealous right now. I would give someone's (not mine) left leg to attend BEA. So cool! Ah...Maybe next year!
Loved the video. I've got to start using my FLIP camera. Is it easy to edit, add music and upload?
The booksigning looked amazing too!
SIS Barb
Hi Beth
Looks as if you had a wonderful time. Rick Springfield looks great, as do you.
Many years ago when I worked at the University of Texas library, we got to go to a regional BEA event. So much fun!!!
Barb.. you would have been in heaven. :) As for the Flip, you simply MUST take a crack at it. When you plug your flip into your laptop it uploads the software. The program is super easy! I recommend taping short scenes. You can then put them in any order you want. It prompts you to add title and music. Then you save and then you can share (right from that program to FB and You tube. You gotta try it!!!!
SIS Beth
Hi, BJ! Rick Springfield did look pretty darn good. Although I could have done without the black eyeliner. What's up with that?
Tori, BEA is unlike any conference or trade show I've ever attended. Glad you got to experience one.
SIS Beth
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off of my chin. Looks like you had a terrific week! Did your fingers cramp after signing so many copies of OOE? Mine probably would - but it's a discomfort I'd certainly be willing to deal with. Oh yeah. Definitely.
Just so you know, Beth, in the near future, Justen and I will be joining you! With our own books, of course!
Hi Alyson!
Fingers did cramp a bit, but who cares?! *g* It's always a thrill when people want your book (and signature) and an even bigger thrill when they say nice things!
Looking forward to the day when I'm standing in line for you and Justen/Barb/Elle!
SIS Beth
Beth,
Sounds like you had too much fun! Congrats on all the book signing.
I'd love to attend a book expo sometime. I'd love to attend ANYTHING relating to books!
And how fun that you got to see Rick Springfield. I remember him as Dr. Noah Drake on General Hospital....soooooooo cute!
SIS Bren
Bren, lI can say is that BEA is a booklover's dream. :)
As for Rick, S., I remember him as Dr. Noah Drake, too. In fact, I think that's when I first fell for him. Then of course I flipped for Jesse's Girl. And many songs after. He performs at the Borgata every now and then. Steve told me the next time he appears... he'll get me in. Woo-hoo!
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