Why Attending Events like ALA is Awesome by Mira Reisberg

I'm usually really good about getting my blog posts in on time but with 3 course critiques today and our course webinar with Kelly Delaney tonight, I'm a bit overwhelmed and I goofed preparing a post on a topic that's already been done. Plus I was a bit disheartened  by the zero comments on my last post :( 

I know that there's a ton of info out there but just a wee thanks or this was helpful comment makes a huge difference. So enough with the guilt. :) 

Instead I'm going to write a wee post on why attending big arena conference exhibits like ALA (American Library Association) and BEA (Book Expo America) are fabulous. You don't need to pay for the whole conference, just the exhibits, which can range from $30-60 depending on where it is (but well worth the money). I always prepare in advance by going to the website and making a list of who I want to see where in terms of publishers and another list of authors and illustrators who are signing at the same times and order it by location (booth rows and numbers) and time. I also bring a big book cart on wheels. So here are the big bennies!

You get to:

1. See what is getting published right now and coming out in the future
   
2. Collect tons of free books
   
3. Collect tons of highly discounted books
   
4. Get gorgeous free tote bags and tons of other free promo items
   
5. Get catalogs from publishers to see if your stories or art is a good fit for them and find new treasures
   
6. Discover new smaller publishers who are more likely to want your manuscripts or art
   
7. Meet editors at their booths including big names and make connections
   
8. Meet beloved authors and illustrators at their book signings, get their books free or highly discounted, get them signed sometimes with illustrations, and profess your undying love and admiration (we love that)
   
9. Meet up with your agent (if you have one) who most likely will be there
   
10. Go with a group of friends and have the time of your life like a kid in a candy shop!
    

And for my final tip, if you can, go on the Monday when the publishers are giving away most of their books rather than shipping them back. Wahoo! Talk about excitement.
If this was helpful, please leave a comment and share :)

Yours in children's book love,
Mira 
And if you are going, see you at the big SCBWI conference in LA beginning July 31st. 

After signing books at the Lee & Low booth. Gobs of fun with great people.

Being a total blissed out fan girl with Lane Smith who was absolutely lovely xoxoxo