BookExpo 2017: Day 2 Recap

BookExpo (previously known is BookExpo America) is book industry trade show that will took place May 31, 2017 to June 2, 2017 at the Javits Center in New York City. This is an awesome event to network, to learn about upcoming titles and to immerse yourself in everything bookish. BookExpo is the leading book and author event for the North American publishing industry. I was fortunate enough to attend this year as an educator and blogger. I only attended the expo on June 1st and June 2nd. Check out my recap for Day 1 of BookExpo here.

Day 2 of BookExpo

Selina and I woke up around 7:30, got ready and went to Starbucks for a quick breakfast before gathering all of belongings to bring to Javits. We Ubered to the Javits and checked all of our bags since we plan to head to Penn Station from the Javits in the afternoon. This time we got to the Javits earlier than the previous day and had time to skim through the Show Daily for last minute galley giveaways. I was successful in securing a copy of There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins which was one of the priority books of the day. It was dropped right when the Exhibit Hall opened and I am so glad to be one of the lucky ones to get a copy.

I went to Macmillan to get a ticket for the 10:00 Dan Santat's  signing before heading to Penguin for the 9:30 Celeste Ng signing. Celeste was signing Little Fires Everywhere. Although she is lives locally to where I live, I wanted to meet her for the first time since I wasn't able to attend any of her events when her debut book came out. Her line was fairly long but the wait wasn't too bad. She is so nice too. I was able to chat with her for a bit while she signed my copy.

I went to Macmillan afterwards and stood in line to get a copy of After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). I was chatting with a librarian behind me who traveled from Virginia for BookExpo. Her sister was also in the city but she was sightseeing. I found out she was planning to head to Boston after the BookExpo on the weekend to visit for a few days. Of course I had to ask what her plans were and gave some suggestions. I love how Macmillan entertained people waiting in line with those cartoon cutouts where you put your head in. We also got After the Fall tote bags too. They are fairly big and have a front pocket.

Afterwards, I went to the Autographing Area to get a copy of You'll Never Know, Dear by Hallie Ephron signed. I met Shelley Michael who wrote All Aboard. Unfortunately, I did not get a ticket for Jan Brett but that's okay since Jan Brett line was super long. The line for Jason Reynolds was too long and apparently Simon & Schuster cut the line fairly early for Long Way Down. Jason Reynolds is pretty amazing. I managed to meet him a couple times at past events. I did manage to stop by to get a copy of The South's Best Butts: Pitmaster Secrets for Southern Barbecue Perfection by Matt Moore. Matt couldn't make it to the signing because his daughter was born the previous day. Congrats to Matt!

I ended up taking a lunch break and went to retrieve my left overs from the previously day from my suitcase after I dropped off my books. I met up with Selina in the food court to relax, eat and to chat for a bit. I had a lot of free time since my next thing on my schedule wasn't until 1:30ish.

MarcyKate signing Shadow Weaver

I went to the Exhibit Hall after eating and just walked around until about 15 minutes before the Shadow Weaver signing at Sourcebooks. MarcyKate Connolly was signing galleys of her upcoming MG fantasy novel called Shadow Weaver. This title is my second priority book of the day. I have met MarcyKate several times and it was nice seeing her again. I wasn't able to meet Kerri Maniscalco in person at BEA because of her signing line being so short. I was hoping to see her on the floor between signings but no avail. I have a copy of her upcoming book, Hunting Prince Dracula, and I didn't want to take time away from those who want to get an ARC signed. Kerri will be attending the Boston Teen Author Festival in September so I will definitely have a chance to chat with her then.

I probably stood in line to see Anna-Marie McLemore for awhile. That line was fairly long but I wanted to say hi and also to obtain a copy of Wild Beauty. I was surprised Anna-Marie said I looked familiar and asked if we met up sometime in the past. We did meet for the first time last year at ALA Midwinter in Boston. Crazy how she vaguely remembered me. She is too sweet and I love how she signed galleys with a teal sharpie!

Julie Dao signing Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

The next and last thing I did for the day was to meet Julie Dao who wrote Forest of a Thousand Lanterns! That's my last priority for the day and every minute waiting was worth it! Marci, Ashley and I didn't have to wait too long. Julie is oh so nice! She remembered me on twitter and we chatted about the upcoming title and I mentioned about how Melody kept raving about the book.

Selina had one more signing while I retrieved my bags and reorganized my books in my luggage. I
met up with Selina and after she got her bags and we Ubered to Penn Station for our train that was departing around 4:40ish. We got there at 4:00 to give us time to get food and do a bathroom trip. Unfortunately, our train was delayed an hour or so so we chilled in the waiting room the whole entire time. I couldn't wait to arrive at South Station in Boston. I felt like the trip home took forever. Selina and I hugged and said our farewells before I took the silver line to the airport where by boyfriend picked me up to head home.

Overall, BookExpo and NYC was a memorable trip even though Selina and I were only there for about 50 hours. I thought it might be my last trip to BookExpo but I might end up going next year since it will be in NYC once again. Some of my favorite moments including new people in lines and chatting with them and having mini chats with Emma from Miss Print and Nicole from The Bookbandit Blog. I am glad I was able to see Emma and Nicole at least a couple times during BookExpo even though it was for a short time.

BookExpo 2017: Day 1 Recap

BookExpo (previously known is BookExpo America) is book industry trade show that will took place May 31, 2017 to June 2, 2017 at the Javits Center in New York City. This is an awesome event to network, to learn about upcoming titles and to immerse yourself in everything bookish. BookExpo is the leading book and author event for the North American publishing industry. I was fortunate enough to attend this year as an educator and blogger. I only attended the expo on June 1st and June 2nd.

Off to NYC

BookExpo went by so fast but I had so much fun meeting people and reuniting with friends. On Wednesday, May 31st, Selina and I met up at South Station and took the Amtrak to Penn Station. The trip felt fairly quick. After we arrived at Penn Station, we ended up Ubering to the Javits Center to pick up our badges and then headed to our Airbnb. I got to see the Warcross banner go up when I was wandering around the Javits for a bit which was pretty awesome.

I totally forgot how small NYC apartments are but it was doable for our needs for the next couple of nights. Our Airbnb host was super nice and her apartment was located in a good location of Hell's Kitchen. It was very convenient to get around the city. We ended up getting some Italian food at 44 Southwest Ristorante & Bar near by the apartment and I ended up picking up a milk tea at the Vivi Bubble Tea shop. Both of us were excited about the first day of BookExpo and unfortunately for me, I didn't really get much sleep.

Day 1 of BookExpo

Selina and I woke up around 7:15-7:30 and went to a diner down the street for some breakfast. We didn't get to the Javits until a bit after 9:00. I believe we were on the floor by 9:04 and it's nuts how most of the galley giveaways were gone in minutes. We unfortunately didn't get anything in the morning and we decided to focus on our signings for the AM. I ended up going to Macmillan to get a ticket for the Katherine Applegate Wishtree signing at 10:00. I love how Macmillan paired up with First Book to give a book per wish initiative. For every wish written on a paper leaf sticky, a book is donated to a child.

After that I went do a quick round of the show floor to familiar myself with my surroundings before heading to the Autographing Area for the Margarita Engle and Mike Curato signing. It was so nice to see Mike again and he let me page through his upcoming Little Elliot book, Little Elliot, Fall Friends, while he signed my copy of All the Way to Havana. Everyone also got a Little Elliot signed print.

I proceeded to HarperCollins for a drop of Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire. The novel sounds interesting and it's a retelling of the Nutcracker. Some how I found Marci from The Plot Bunny wandering around the exhibit hall and I met her friend Ashley from The Tattered Page. We ended up chatting for a bit before heading to Macmillan for a galley drop for Girls Made of Snow and Glass. Then we proceeded to Bloomsbury for a drop of The Unicorn Quest: The Whisper in the Stone. Afterwards, the three of us went to the Rules of Magic signing line to meet Alice Hoffman at Simon & Schuster. I was so excited to meet Alice and the Rules of Magic is one of my most anticipated books to get for Thursday. The novel is the prequel to Practical Magic.

The Warcross line was super long but so worth it! The Penguin Random House are was swamped with people but I know Warcross is on a lot of people's TBR list. Disney was having a drop of The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken which is MG novel. Marci, Ashley and I were able to get a copy. I had a quick lunch afterwards before heading toward HarperCollins for a drop of They Both Die at the End. It was interesting that the drop was during the same time as Adam Silvera's signing of the very same title. Since I've seen Adam so many times before and he will be at the Boston Teen Author Festival in Cambridge, MA in the fall, I didn't need to be in the signing line. I heard the signing was quite lengthy and some people couldn't meet Adam.

After the drop, I went to the Autographing Area to meet Rossella Rago and to get a finished copy of Cooking with Nonna. I cannot wait to try these fantastic Italian recipes at home. One of the adult fiction novels on my list was The Twelve-Mile Straight. I couldn't wait to meet Eleanor Henderson and she was super nice. I was excited that she recognized me from Twitter. Next on the list is Ringer by Lauren Oliver. I am looking forward to reading this sequel in the Replica series. Also, It's nice to see Lauren again. I had my ARC personalized to Elizabeth and Lauren told me how her sister got named after Elizabeth Bennet and how she got named after a neighbor. Lauren is always a pleasure to chat with.

I stopped by Sourcebooks for a drop of The List by Patricia Forde and totally forgot that Tamara Ireland Stone was signing Click'd at Disney. I had to meet Tamara since I loved Every Last Word and I definitely wanted to tell her how much I liked the book. I succeeded and was able to see her at 2:50. I can't believe I almost missed the chance to meet Tamara! 

Bloomsbury had a drop of Reign the Earth at 3:00 so when I was waiting in line for the Meg Kassel signing, I was able to get a copy. Entangled Teen had a booth for the first time at BookExpo and I was excited that Meg Kassel was going to be signing copies of Black Bird of the Gallows. This book has been on my TBR list for quite sometime and I wasn't sure if it was ever going to be published since it was dropped from Egmont when Egmont closed. I am so happy Entangled Teen picked it up! Meg is such a sweetheart too. She was definitely enthusiastic to be at BookExpo and I don't blame her :).

My last thing of the day was the pick up a cocktail and a finished copy of The Wildcrafted Cocktail. I have to say that the drink was delicious and very smooth. Cheers to the end of the first day of BookExpo!

I went to get my bag and met up with Selina. We caught an Uber back to the apartment and then we took a nap for an hour or so before we headed out for dinner. Selina and I met up with Josh, one of the MISTI-Con staff members who also happens to be Selina's friend. We ended up eating at Southern Hospitality BBQ for some pulled pork sandwiches. Selina wanted some Pink Berry so she got some froyo afterwards. Let's say we spent a good amount of time talking about the MISTI-Con that occurred last month and we came up with some ideas for MISTI-Con 2019. I can't wait for the next MISTI-Con!

After a long day, we got some sleep for the next day, which happens to be our last day in NYC. We had to make sure all our bags were pretty much packed before hitting the hay.

BookExpo 2017: Where to Find Me

BookExpo is around the corner and I still keep calling it BEA. Maybe it's because it's been BEA for many years and it's easier to say. For those who plan to be in New York during the last week of May going into the first week of June, I hope I can meet you somewhere at the Javits Center or somewhere in New York City for a bite to eat or for a coffee break. Below you can find a outline of some of the places I may be at during the week. I'm only planning to stay in the city from Wednesday, May 31 to Friday, June 2. Due to my previous trip in May, MISTI-Con, I can't stay in the city too long.

Check out some of my BookExpo tips from a previous BEA.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

I will be taking the Amtrak from South Station located in Boston late morning to arrive at Penn Station in NYC mid-afternoon. My friend Selina and I will be checking into out Airbnb before venturing the city. Most likely we will pick up our badges that day but we don't mind picking them early Thursday morning. This year the floor is not open until Thursday.

I am not sure what we have planned but most likely a place to eat and maybe I can see if she wants to visit places like Books of Wonder, The Strand or maybe even stopping by the Jefferson Market Library for BlogBound Con.

Thursday, June 1, 2017  

Selina and I plan to wake up early this day but we'll see how things go. I am hoping that I can meet Katherine Applegate this year since I was not able to meet her in 2015. Her upcoming novel, Wishtree, is definitely on my TBR list. Obtaining All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle and Mike Curato is a must! Not only have I heard great things about the book but I love anything Mike Curato writes or illustrates! I would love to meet Alice Hoffman when she signs the prequel to Practical Magic called The Rules of Magic. The Twelve-Mile Straight by Eleanor Henderson sounds like a fantastic novel and I would love to meet the author. Amy Tan will be signing Where The Past Begins samplers at the end of the day and I definitely want to meet her. I have been reading her books since 2001 and she's one of the authors that I want to meet in my lifetime. Meg Kassel will be signing her book Black Bird of the Gallows. The book has been on my TBR for awhile and I would love to meet Meg! The last thing on my list is to hopefully obtain a copy of

So the above are musts but there are a couple other things you might find me doing during the day depending on timing. I would love to obtain a galley of Hiddensee by Gregory Maguire, Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust and seeing Adam Silvera again when he is signing They Both Die at the End. I've met Lauren Oliver a couple of times and she's super nice. She is signing Ringer, which is the next book in the Replica series. Of course it would be nice to meet Rossella Rago who wrote the cookbook, Cooking with Nonna. There are also a few other cookbooks being highlighted on Thursday afternoon which I would love to chat with publicists about.

Friday, June 2, 2017

At the start of the day at 9:30, Celeste Ng will be signing Little Fires Everywhere. I have a feeling the line will be long for this one but it doesn't hurt to try to see if I can meet Celeste. Marie Lu will be signing Warcross around 11:00 and I have a feeling that the line will be super long but I will try my chances in trying to meet her. Jan Brett is signing The Mermaid and hopefully I will be lucky in the morning to obtain a ticket for this signing. I MUST obtain MarcyKate Connolly's upcoming novel, Shadow Weaver! I will have to make sure that I make this a priority and I plan to line up very early to make sure I get to say hi to MarcyKate again. Kerri Maniscalco is someone who I have been dying to meet ever since I heard about Stalking Jack the Ripper. Although I was lucky to get sent a copy of Hunting Prince Dracula, I would love to finally meet the lovely Kerri. I am excited that she will be visiting the Boston area in the fall for the Boston Teen Author Festival. To end the day, I would love to see if I can score a copy of Julie Dao's debut novel, Forest of a Thousand Lanterns and to meet Julie. There is much buzz about this novel so we'll see how crazy it gets for the signing. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert during a galley drop! This novel has been hyped a lot online and the synopsis sounds fantastic. I probably won't be able to get Hazelwood because I need to leave the Javits by 3:45.

Some of the other things I would like to do but aren't musts include meeting Kamilla Benko who wrote The Whisper in the Stone. The middle grade novel sounds like a fantastic read. Amanda Foody who wrote Daughter of the Burning City would be awesome to meet but I know Harlequin does the multi-author signings and it requires at least a 1.5 hour line up before meeting authors. Anna-Marie McLemore will be signing her upcoming book, Wild Beauty, which sounds fabulous!

Selina and I are leaving NYC around 4:45ish from Penn Station. This day will be a long one since we will be waking up early in the morning for BookExpo and we will be leaving the Javits early enough to head to Penn Station in order to get some food before departing to Boston. Estimated arrival time at South Station is a little bit after 9:00.

Are you going to BookExpo? If so, what are you excited for? Are there certain authors you hope to meet and titles you want to check out? Follow me on social media via the has tag #NicoleAtBookExpo. 

BEA and ARC frenzy

I know a lot of people are upset about the current news about the BEA and HarperCollins limiting physical ARCs. However, it's not the end of the world. BEA is a trade show mainly for the industry. Bloggers have been invited to BEA in the past but now there are restrictions about who can attend BEA. People need to realize that BEA is not an event for free ARCs. Yes, it can be an event to meet up with people but there are other events where you can meet up with friends. Other book festivals and book events are great places to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones. You can read more about the new BEA which is now called BookExpo here.

HarperCollins has been reducing how many physical ARCS are being sent out which is understandable. I knew for some quite while that many ARCs were going to be available in e-ARC format instead of print format. For publishers, it is an easier and a cheaper option. ARCS are quite expensive to produce so those who promote books to a larger following would be able to obtain physical ARCs. e-ARCs are not bad at all. Being offered the chance to read something early is called a privilege.

People also need to realize that you can blog without reading and reviewing ARCs. There are plenty of backlist titles out there to read. There are plenty of author events out there that you can attend and recap on your blog. And you know what? It can be pretty much almost free! The library provides free books to borrow. You only have to pay for transportation and food for the author events. There are also other things you can blog about. You can create your own feature, post about a book tag or even do a collab with other bloggers or even authors!

Also, this is a great way to return to your roots. Why did you start blogging? I am pretty sure it wasn't for free ARCs or books. In fact, many people don't even know what an ARC is when they first started blogging. Return back to the days where you will blog for fun and when you didn't stress out about reading, obtaining more titles and trying to outdo other bloggers.

Do you know what has been refreshing lately? Not reading ARCs all the time. Yes, you heard right. I have been taking a break from reading ARCs for awhile and it feel amazing! I am not saying that ARC reading is bad but sometimes I need a break from the ARC frenzy. Of course I am still reading but I am reading at a slower pace. I am not putting myself on a reading schedule and I am reading when I feel like reading. I will read some ARCs here and there but reading what I want and when I want is great. Toss out that reading schedule!

Lately, I have been utilizing my library for books. There are also many backlist books I want to pick up. Of course I have some pre-orders for books too but I am trying to budget since the holidays are around the corner. Instead of buying books for myself, I am buying books for friends and family.

With ARCs, it's best to read them before the publication date. I don't like reading ARCs after the titles have been published due to the many changes the finished copies have. ARCs are best promoted prior to the publication date to spread the word around. An ARC is usually given to someone in exchange for a review. Many times, people who love the ARC will spread the word about the title to their friends and readers of their blogs and reviews. However, sometimes it's nice to take a break and read what you want.

To tie this in with the BEA and ARC frenzy, I noticed many people wanting and taking ARCs but not reading them. This is actually more of a disservice for the authors and publishers. I mean, it's okay to read the title and passing it along if the book is not for you but the fact that people are purposely hoarding books to sell or trade is not that great. Also, the running to get ARCs at BEA is horrible. Seeing people swarm over publisher booths is distasteful. It's unprofessional and it gives a bad name for bloggers and that is why the publishing industry is changing their marketing tactics. These new tactics also might spark some new originality for your blog. ARC reviews are not everything.

Instead of quantity of books I read, I want to focus on the quality. I know not all books are for everyone but there has been some books that have been over-hyped and I am disappointed when I read them. I am hoping to read more books that I truly want to read instead of being sucked up into what is popular because frankly most of my well loved books are not popular titles...well maybe except Harry Potter but that's a different story.

Do you ever have an ARC break? Do you toss out that reading schedule and read what you want? What do you think about the current BEA and ARC controversy that has been going around social media? What do you think about returning back to your blogging roots? Share you thoughts in the comments below.

BEA 2015 is Almost Here!

 

After months of waiting, BEA will be here in less than a week! I am currently at MISTI-Con from Thursday, May 21 - Monday, May 25 for 5 epic days of Harry Potter fandom fun! But after Monday, it will be BEA mode all the way. I will be leaving from Boston on Tuesday, May 26 in the late morning for Penn Station.

Check out my BEA series

Part 1: Pre-BEA tips
Part 2: Things to do in NYC
Part 3: What to expect
Part 4: BEA Essentials
Part 6: Etiquette
Part 6: How to work the lines

Where to find me during BEA week

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

My train will be arriving at Penn Station sometime after 3:00 p.m. and I will most likely be checking into the hotel with my friend Selina. I want to pick up my badge if the registration area is open on my arrival day. I am not sure if Selina is attending the Teen Author Festival but I plan to attend Jenny Han's P.S. I Still Love You Release Party hosted by Powerhouse Dumbo in Brooklyn. Make sure you RSVP if you decide to attend. I would love to meet up with anyone who plans to attend the event.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

BEA Day 1 is quite short with the Exhibit Hall being open from 1:00  to 5:30 p.m. This day will be my chill day to scope around the area and to meet up with people. The only author signing I plan to attend is the Mike Curato signing and I plan to attend the galley drop for Tonight the Streets are Ours by Leila Sales. Other than that, I am pretty much free to do whatever I please.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

BEA Day 2 is tame but a little bit more busier than Wednesday. The Exhibit Hall opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. Authors that I must meet include Carolyn Mackler and C. Alexander London. If time allows, I would also like to meet Josephine Angelini and Soman Chainani.

Friday, May 29, 2015

BEA Day 3 is my crazy day and it should be interesting how I plan to prioritize everything I want to do. Selina and I plan to attend the Children's Author Breakfast from 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. I would love to meet Richelle Mead! Her signing is a must!  Other authors I would love to meet include Kim Liggett, Liza Wiemer, Marie Lu and Jennifer Walkup. I also plan to pick Dream Things True by Marie Marquardt at a galley drop. There are plenty of other things I want to do this day but it depends on how much free time I have. We'll wait and see since my train leaves sometime after 5:30 p.m. from Penn Station to head back into Boston.

Are you going to BEA 2015? If so what are you looking forward to?

BEA Tips (Part Six): How to Work the Lines

BEA is a few weeks away and I know everyone is getting anxious. It's exciting and there are so many things to plan out. You should be expecting different types of lines at the Javits for BEA.

If you missed part 1,  part 2,  part 3,  part 4 or part 5 of my BEA series, make sure to check the previous posts out.

Tip # 1: Autographing Area 

Meeting an author is always a wonderful experience. Even though you have only a couple short minutes with the author, it's pretty awesome. The Autographing Area can get a bet hectic sometimes. If there's an author that you are dying to meet and somewhat popular, I highly suggest waiting in line 1 to 1.5 hours prior to the signing. The lines get long pretty quickly. Most authors will be signing ARCs and finished copies that just came out.

If the author is a ticketed author, you must have a ticket. Usually these authors are quite popular. These tickets can be obtained either at 7:00 in the morning at the Javits or you can receive 10 preselected tickets with your badge if you purchased the Avid Reader Pass. If you plan to use the Front of the Line pass, you must have both the ticket and the Front of the Line pass.

The Front of the Line pass can be used on non-ticketed authors too. Just show your ticket to a BEA staff member and indicate what author you want to use the pass for. The good thing about the Avid Reader Pass and the Reader Pass is that you already donated for the ARCs you are planning to get signed. BEA recommends attendees to donate a dollar per book they get signed at the Autographing Area. ARCs are more expensive to print than finished copies due to the small amount being printed. There is a donation box at the Autographing Area for you to donate money if you did not purchase one of the reader passes.

This year the Autographing Area is located on the far right of the Exhibit Hall. It will be further away from the major publishing booths. This is something you might want to consider when you are making your schedules for signings, panels and galley drops.

Check out the 2015 Autographing Area author signing list.

Tip # 2: In-booth autographing

Sometimes author signings will occur at a publisher's booth. These signings also require lines ahead of time and are a bit tricky. You cannot block booths and aisles so you will see lines wrapping around several booths. It's best to ask where the line starts and ends so you know where line up. I remember lining up at least 1.5 hours ahead of time for the Harlequin Teen hour last year. It was a long wait but I was able to meet 5 authors in one go. Some in-booth signings are ticketed. You will need to obtain tickets earlier on the day of the signing. If you have a ticket, you will be allowed to join the signing line later in the day.

Check out the 2015 in-booth author signing list.

Tip # 3: Galley drops

ARC/galley drops are quite popular at BEA. There are two types of drops. There are drops where the ARCs are places in stacks on the floor and attendees can pick up an ARC from the pile at a certain time and go to their next destination. However, some publishers will have lines for certain drops. You will need to line up ahead of time and an employee of the publisher will hand you the ARC. When the Exhibit Hall opens, usually the first come, first serve grab and go method occurs. The lines for galley drops happen throughout the day.

One tip is to visit the publishers you are interested in and pick up a galley drop schedule in the morning. The schedule will list what ARCs will be dropped and at what time. This will help you plan accordingly for the rest of the day. Some publishers will list the ARCs and times for that particular day only and you will have to visit the booth each day for the schedule. Other publishers will have three days worth of drops on one schedule.

Publisher Weekly posts some information regarding galleys being available at BEA. This will help you create a schedule beforehand. Some publishers will release their drop schedules ahead of time on their websites. However, there are times where drops occur randomly and do not follow a schedule. This is where being at the right place at the right time comes in handy.

Check out Publisher Weekly's  2015 children galleys to grab.
Check out Publisher Weekly's 2015 adult galleys to grab.

Tip # 4: Swag drops

ARCs aren't the only things being dropped at BEA. You will find a good variety of swag being dropped. I have accumulated coveted tote bags, buttons, hats, t-shirts and etc. at publishers' booths. Some booths will even have food related item to promote a certain book. Kiera Cass had chocolate covered Oreos (some bride and some groom) to promote her book The One. Disney-Hyperion had some kind of frozen hot chocolate or something of that sort to promote John Rocco's picture book, Blizzard. I was also able to pick up a red beanie hat that said Blizzard on the front and had a white pom pom on top.

Tip # 5: Panels

I know it is easy to get swept away with the ARCs, swag and the autographing but make sure you attend at least one panel at BEA. Not only do you get to sit down and rest your feet and shoulders, you will enjoy authors and other industry people talk about upcoming books, trends, etc. Some panels are geared toward certain interests. I always find it fun to hear what my favorite author has to say about certain topics or just to hear them talk about their latest book. I also love finding out more about upcoming trends. As an educator, I love attending panels geared toward children's literacy in schools. I used to work in magazine and academic book publishing and I often find panels about the publishing industry quite fascinating. The line for the panels are not horrible but if there's a panel you must attend, I suggest lining up early to get a good seat. Some panels will take place on main stages in the Exhibit Hall and some of the smaller panels will take place in the basement of the Javits.

BEA Tips (Part Five): Etiquette

Remember, BEA is a trade industry event. Etiquette is super important especially when a huge crowd of people are in such a small space. You want to be polite, courteous and patient.

If you missed part 1,  part 2,  part 3  or part 4 of my BEA series, make sure to check the previous posts out.

Tip # 1:  Don't take everything that is handed to you. Take books you know you will read.

At first you will be overwhelmed with all the free stuff you can take. But think about it, how are you going to bring all of that stuff home. Are you going to read the book? Or are you just taking it because it's free? Prioritizing what books you want ahead of time will help alleviate some of the stress. However, sometimes you might stumble upon a book you were not aware of prior to BEA but definitely are interested in reading said book. Just don't be too grabby. You want make sure there are plenty of ARCs for everyone. Be selective!

This year I am limiting myself to books that I am super excited about reading. Not only will my bags be lighter but I will have a small but amazing collection of books that I know I will read instead a big pile of books that I might read.

Tip # 2: Chat with other BEA Attendees

Waiting in a line? It doesn't hurt to meet other book loving people! They don't bite! Who knows, you might meet a new friend. You never know who you will meet at BEA. Be open minded. Also, if you are unsure what a line is for, ask a fellow person in the line. I am sure they are more than willing to let you know what the line is for. Same goes for if someone picked up an ARC or tote bag you are dying to have. Ask nicely. Everyone at BEA is super helpful.

Tip # 3: Be patient. Be respectful.

I understand that it will get crowded at the Javits but there is no reason why you need to push and shove people. This is not the Hunger Games. ARCs are not weapons and supplies at the cornucopia.  Please be patient and treat everyone with respect. Remember, this is an industry trade event. Publishers are working at the booths and many meetings are taking place at BEA. If you meetup with someone at BEA, please do not block the aisles. Please stand on the sidelines or find somewhere to sit down to chit chat.

Tip # 4: Recognize the staff for what they do.

The BEA staff is doing everything they can run the expo as smooth as possible. Things happen and most often it is not the fault of  the person that you talk to. Do not blame and point fingers at a staff member. They are trying to do everything they can. Make sure to be courteous. I am sure they will try to help as much as they can or refer you to someone that you address your problem or concern.

Tip # 5: Stay calm and collected. 

Take a breath and take one step at a time. Do not stress out. BEA is a fun social event to network with others and to discover new authors and books. Do not get upset because you meet a certain author or obtain a certain book. It is not the end of the world. You can always pick up the book at a later time via library or through purchasing it at the bookstore. I am sure authors will be visiting your home state so take advantage of those events.

BEA Tips (Part Four): BEA Essentials

 

BEA is around the corner in no time and you might be wondering what to pack for the trip and also what should you have prepared before the first day of the expo.

If you missed part 1,  part 2 or part 3 of my BEA series, make sure to check the previous posts out.

Tip # 1: Comfortable shoes

No matter what shoes you pack, your feet are going to be aching. I am not joking. I wore a very comfy pair of flats and my feet were aching by the end of the day. Do not wear new shoes to BEA! Seriously, just don't do it. Make sure you bring shoes that you know are comfortable for long hours of walking. I also put insoles into my shoes which helps a lot! During the day, make sure you sit down once in awhile to rest your feet and to rest your arms and shoulders. 

Tip #2: A Sturdy all-around bag

I didn't bring a purse to BEA last year but I did bring a tote bag which carried my essentials such as a small pouch that acted as my wallet, a bottle of water, a gallon size Ziplock bag (containing business cards, a pen, highlighters, my schedule, a map of NYC), snacks, lip balm, phone and a portable charger. There is no need to bring a bunch of tote bags to the Exhibit Hall. Publishers will be handing out tote bags like it's no tomorrow but it is nice to have a tote to start with when the Exhibit Hall opens. The great thing about all the free tote bags is that you will find favorites which you will use everyday to haul your books. The big flat bottomed ones are my favorites. If they have pockets, even better.

Tip #3: Rolling luggage

In a previous post, I mentioned you can check in rolling luggage for $3.00 per luggage at specified bag check areas at the Javits. Rolling luggage is not permitted in the Exhibit Hall. When you have filled your tote bags with ARCs or if your shoulders are killing you from all the ARCs you are carrying, it's time to swap out those ARCs into your suitcase. Definitely make several ARC drops. Your shoulders will thank you. Keep bottles of water in your suitcase. When you make an ARC drop, swap ARCs for water. This will help alleviate excess weight on your shoulders throughout the day and you will still stay hydrated. You can also bring a refillable water bottle and refill the bottle at water fountains.

Tip #4: Schedule

Make a schedule prior to BEA. There is also a BEA Show Planner app you can use on your smartphone. However, mobile reception at the Javits can be spotty at times. I opt for a print out schedule. Last year I made a spreadsheet and color coded it with different signings, panels, galley drops, etc. There will be times where events overlap and you will need to prioritize. Another good tip is to be flexible with your schedule. Every day a Show Daily is released with information about the publishing industry and BEA. Sometimes there will be information about a signing or a galley drop that was not mentioned on the BEA website previously. I like to write in last minute events in the margins of my schedule. Also, publisher booths sometimes will have galley drop schedules which are super helpful. Not all ARCs have specified drop times. Some are random and it's one of those be at the right place at the right time kind of deal.

Tip #5: Portable battery

If you plan to attend BEA or any event at the Javits, you need one of these babies. The Javits will drain your battery dry if you don't have a portable battery to juice up your smartphone. If you plan to follow Twitter, text and/or call up your friends to meet up, a portable battery is a life saver.

Tip #6: Clothing layers

The weather at the end of May can vary. Sometimes it can be super hot but sometimes there is a nice breeze. However, the Javits is always cold with the AC blasting. I highly recommend bringing a cardigan or light jacket for wearing inside the Javits. You will be fine with short sleeves outside.

Tip #7: The 5-2-1 Rule 

I have been to several conventions and expos and this is the what I follow to be physically and mentally happy. I understand that there are a lot of things that you want to see and do but it is important to take care of yourself first.

The rule of thumb for the 5-2-1 is the following:

1. Get a minimum of 5 hours of sleep per day.
2. Eat at least 2 real meals per day.
3. Take at least 1 shower per day.

If you want to sleep more, eat more real meals and shower more than once a day, then do it! This is just a minimum framework to follow.

BEA Tips (Part Three): What to Expect

So you're at the Javits and what now? I've only been to the Javits twice in my life. I've been there in 2012 for New York Comic Con and for BEA in 2014. Below are some tips based on what I've learned last year when I was at BEA.

If you missed part 1 or part 2 of my BEA series, make sure to check the previous posts out.

Tip #1: Pickup badges early

It is wise to have your badge ready in tow before the day of BEA. Not only will you already have your badge before the exhibit and panels open, you will also be picking up your badge when there aren't a ton of people around. Picking you badge up early means shorter lines. 

Tip #2 Arrive to Javits early 

Even if you picked up you badge ahead of time, it is wise to arrive to the Javits early. Lines for the Exhibit Hall form usually about two hours prior to the opening. Many attendees will sit on the floor chatting with their neighbors and ultimately revising their schedule for the day. This is a good time to veg out on some food, use the restroom, pick up author tickets, etc.

Tip #3: Luggage check in

Rolling luggage and carts are not allowed in the Exhibit Hall. However, there are three areas where you can check in your luggage for about $3.00 per luggage. This makes it easy to make ARC drops throughout the day. This is definitely a life saver. Walking around with tote bags full of books definitely hurt the arms and shoulders. Your body will thank you for the multiple luggage visits.

Tip #4: Food and drink

Don't forget you need to eat and hydrate. One tip is to store water bottles in your luggage. Between ARC drops, you can take out a bottle of water and empty out your tote bags full of books. This way you don't have to lug the bottles around.

Bring snacks to munch on whether it be granola bars or an apple. Depending on your schedule, you might not be able to eat lunch at a reasonable time but you want to make sure you are not starving. Depriving yourself of food and drink is not a good idea. When time allows, make sure to eat a real meal.

Tip #5: Shipping

Depending on your mode of transportation, you might want to consider how you are going to transport your books from the Javits to your house. Some people will pack all of their books in suitcases. Some will bring some of their coveted ARCs in their suitcase and will ship the rest home.

For those who decide to ship their books home, there is a shipping area at the Javits but the price is quite high. The boxes are unsupervised so if you have a coveted signed ARC, just be careful if you decide to do an ARC drop at the shipping area. I would definitely keep that coveted ARC on you in a tote bag.

You can also opt for USPS, FedEx or UPS for shipping. Just a FYI, be careful when shipping books home. Make sure you package the box well and tape it up well. I have heard horror stories about packages being lost in the mail or packages being damaged. Ship at your own risk.

Tip #6: Restroom breaks

I often venture to restrooms in areas away from big halls. The lines are shorter and you'll be in and out of the restrooms super quick. One of the last things you want to worry about is waiting for over 15 minutes in line to use the restroom with tons of totes. I highly suggest restroom breaks after an ARC drop if possible. Not only will you have a lighter load on your shoulders but you also won't have to worry about running to the restroom when you start lining up again for an autograph signing or a panel.

BEA Tips (Part Two): Things to do in NYC

You've purchased your badge, booked your hotel and finalized your transportation. Now what? It's time to prepare for one amazing bookish week of fun and networking! New York is not just a publishing mecca in the United States. It's a city that offers so much more. Definitely take advantage of what NYC has to offer. 

If you missed part 1 of my BEA series, make sure to check it out.

Tip # 1: See a show

If have a night with no plans, why not see an Broadway or Off-Broadway show? There are plethora of musicals to choose from whether it be Aladdin or Wicked.

Image from girlswhomakelists.files.wordpress.com

Tip #2: Check out bookstores and the New York public libraries

There are so many bookstores around in New York City. Some of my favorites include the following: Strand Bookstore, Books of Wonder, Barnes & Noble, McNally Jackson Books and the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. Make sure you check them out not only for their amazing selection of books but also for their events. During New York Book & Media Week, there are plenty of author events happening all over the city outside of BEA at bookstores and at New York public libraries. Definitely check out the Teen Author Carnival and the Kids Author Carnival. Updates will be made throughout April and May. 

NYPL from newyorkhistoryblog.org

Tip # 3: Savor some amazing food

The Javits has mediocre food and I am sure you want something tasty for dinner or even for a nice lunch. Definitely check out Hell's Kitchen, Chinatown and Koreatown for some amazing eats. Also, there are some fabulous bakeries and food carts to check out as well. Bakeries are the best for breakfast or for a nice treat. Some of my favorite places to eat at include the following: Amy's Bread, Bouchon Bakery, Momofuku Milk Bar, Luat, il laboratorio del gelato and Kunjip Restaurant.

Korean food from Kunjip Restaurant

Tip #4: Explore and sightsee

Haven't been to NYC before? Want to visit some of the famous landmarks in the area? Check out the MoMA, the MET, Statue of Liberty, 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center. Explore the city! Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, stroll around Hudson River Park or Central Park, take in the lights of Times Square or just wing it! 

9/11 Memorial from media.cleveland.com

Tip # 5: Go shopping

Do you love to shop? There are so many stores in New York to check out whether it be the latest fashion at well known stores to little mom and pop boutiques. 5th Avenue and 34th Street have plenty of stores to check out.

BookExpo America 2015 Registration

BookExpo America (BEA) online registration is live! BEA 2015 is a book industry trade show that will take place on Wednesday, May 27, 2014 to Friday, May 29, 2014 at the Javits Center in New York City. This is an awesome event to network, to learn about upcoming titles and to immerse yourself in everything bookish.

The best thing about next year is that BEA and BookCon will be separate events. After last year's fiasco of a mess, it was a smart decision to separate the events instead of having them overlap.

Make sure you register early for the early bird prices! Also, if you plan to obtain a Reader Pass or an Avid Reader Pass, I would highly suggest grabbing one as soon as you can. The passes sell out very quickly.

If you plan to attend BEA, I hope to see you in NYC!

MISTI-Con 2015: The Wizarding World Fair

Are you a big Potter fan? Love the books and movies? Do you want to meet up with other Potterheads and share your love for Harry Potter and the magical wizarding world?

Check out MISTI-Con, a Harry Potter convention. According to MISTI-Con's website, MISTI-Con creates an immersive magical experience at the Margate Resort in Laconia, NH, filling the need for a smaller, more intimate Harry Potter convention designed for adult fans.

MISTI-Con 2015 will take place at the Margate Resort in Laconia, NH. The Wizarding World's Fair will be from Thursday, May 21, 2015 to Monday, May 25, 2015.

Image from misti-con.org

It is a more intimate gathering than LeakyCon. Having been to MISTI-Con 2012 and Ascendio 2012, I can say that I loved the smaller crowd at MISTI-Con.

This year there is a 24-hour common room, wizard rock, a craft fair, awesome panels, amazing cosplay, lit track, a masquerade ball, an opening gala, murder mystery dinner, a keynote luncheon and more! If you like Wrock shows, you must attend MISTI-Con's Wrock in the Wizengamot!

I hope to see you at the wizarding fair, but if I don't see you, MISTI-Con will be covered sometime after the convention. Most likely it will be the end of May or beginning of June since BookExpo America (BEA) is right after MISTI-Con. I plan to attend BEA if I can get the time off for work. And if I can, this will be an amazing week and a half. I will be covering BEA as well. 

Have a magical weekend.