"Thank you Jill for your welcome. I think your children's book on sexual abuse is much needed. I applaud you for writing it. When my son was in Iraq I wrote a children's book to explain war and separation for my…"
The Techie: Getting Ready for BEA2010
Mia Eaton straps on her walking shoes and preps for BEA.BookExpo America happens next week, and for anyone not already familiar with it, BEA is a massive publishing convention, dominated by the sales, marketing, and distribution of books, taking place in the nexus of publishing, New York City. Only half-jokingly called a "big top event" it really can be a circus, so for BEA-goers of all kinds, preparation and flexibility are the way to go.
At the very least, make sure you wear comfortable shoes (even though this year all exhibits are on one floor, whew!), bring a few tote bags to lug all those new books and materials, and grab the map they'll be handing out. There's even a new web app called BEA Go To, for all the news and reference information you could want. It will work on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad, as well as Android phones and Blackberries. Visit that link for more info and downloading.
This year, new developments like the educational DIY Authors Conference and Marketplace held the Monday before BEA opens, Let's Get Digital have me really excited. This year's also looking super librarian and educator-friendly.
Whether you're an industry insider, a book-blogger, author, or member of the media, the hardest part is pinpointing which panels and discussions you want to make sure not to miss, which exhibitors to visit, and who to plan to meet or interview. This is where you really need to do your homework beforehand, make a schedule and familiarize yourself with who and what will be there. Some like to make epic spreadsheets or use the searching and planning tools available on the BEA site. A hearty mix of flexibility and extroverted energy will help you get the most out of your day.
At the very minimum, you'll want to attend at least one of the Author Breakfasts or Lunches, and this year, there will be a mad rush to hear Barbara Streisand's opening keynote. I'll be jumping up and down (on the inside) for Jon Stewart and Condoleeza Rice, and a whole bunch of others.
As for picking the other events, I'll be looking for things that will give me a feel for the way industry winds are blowing (that's really the whole point to BEA), and keeping an eye out for people I already follow with interest. You might want to check out the websites and twitter feeds of publishing houses and professionals who interest you, to see where they'll be, or who they'll be checking out. For example, I'm super excited about this year's 7x20x21!
For anyone in the NYC area who won't be attending this year's BEA (since it's not really "for" authors or readers as much as for industry insiders), I'm excited to see that BEA has done some reaching out to local booksellers and venues, to host New York Book Week with (free and ticketed) evening events at the 92nd Street Y, NYPL 42nd Street building, and other libraries and bookstores citywide.
For book bloggers, there is the aptly-named Book Blogger Convention held Friday after the main hustle of BEA is over, also at the Javits Center, and a ticket to BBC will get you onto the BEA exhibition floor so you can check out the vendors.
For more about BEA and getting the most out of it, check out these podcasts on WriteOn blogtalkradio.
Check out Publisher's Weekly, and their news devoted to this year's BEA.
And be sure to catch up with posts on BEA's own blog, The BEAN.
So, will any She Writers be there, presenting, exhibiting, or attending? What will you be doing? What are you hoping to learn? Tell us! I hope to see you there.
Comment
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Comment by Victoria Janssen on May 21, 2010 at 12:10pm -
I'll be there! On Wednesday and Thursday, at least.
I'm hoping to tweet at least some of it here: http://twitter.com/victoriajanssen
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Comment by Binnie Klein on May 20, 2010 at 12:07pm -
Hi....great to have the inside info! I am signing books on wed may 26 from 1-2......please come by and also stop at the indie lounge to vote for the book trailer for blows to the head: how boxing changed my mind ---- its a finalist in the foreword reviews contest!
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Comment by The Techie on May 18, 2010 at 1:56pm -
Awesome Debbie! Glad there's going to be a second chance for anyone not able to make it to the She Writes Knowledge Faire next week.
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Comment by Deborah Siegel on May 18, 2010 at 10:56am -
Let's get digital, Mia! And please, Rachel! Love it. BTW to all: We scheduled our first ever She Writes Knowledge Faire in conjunction with BEA in the hope that folks coming in from out of town for BEA might be able to benefit. We sold out -- and quickly -- and are planning a second one for August, timed with the BlogHer conference, so stay tuned. (Watch our Events tab for details.)
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Comment by The Techie on May 18, 2010 at 10:18am
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p.s. (for anyone looking) On twitter, you are @raquelita and I am @VictoriaMia
p.p.s. Free buttons! I LOVE buttons.
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Comment by The Techie on May 18, 2010 at 10:14am
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I can't wait to see you there, Rachel! I follow you on twitter and love how you share the highs and lows of your writing, editing, and publishing process. You're an inspiring model for anyone wanting to see how it's really done!
Thanks for the great info, I hope to get a book signed!
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Comment by Rachel Kramer Bussel on May 18, 2010 at 10:09am -
So cool about the app, I hadn’t heard. Downloading it now.
I love BEA and have been going for I think the last 8 years. It’s an amazing event, filled with free books, fascinating people and the chance to really see what the book marketplace is like. I live for it and encourage all authors to ask their publishers for a pass and go. This year I’ll be signing free copies of my new anthology Please, Sir: Erotic Stories of Female Submission twice on Thursday, May 27th – from 11-12 at the Cleis Press booth and from 3-4 in the autographing area AND we’re giving away free Please, Sir buttons. Can’t beat that!
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Comment by The Techie on May 18, 2010 at 9:29am
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Update! So many good posts from people preparing for BEA10 - This one from Library Journal (via @hmccormack)
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6726940.html?rssid=191
On Twitter, follow the #BEA10 (and/or #BEA and/or #BEA2010 since there's confusion about hashtags) to see all the latest tweets.
http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23BEA10
Yay!
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Comment by Kelly Dobek on May 18, 2010 at 7:37am -
Very Cool!
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