So Misguided

I’m preparing to go to Toronto next week for BookExpo Canada (BEC). What is BEC? Well, it’s the Canadian version of BEA, BookExpo America. I know, clever name. Anyway, BEC is a book convention. Canadian publishers gather in the convention centre, they have booths, and booth parties, and in the booths are typically sales and marketing folks who talk to booksellers and media about the upcoming season and the fantastic books on the list.

Why do we do this? Some publishers offer discounts on book orders at the show, but in recent years the number of book orders taken at the show has dropped off. It’s not really the purpose of the show. Ok, so what is the purpose? Authors often attend and sign books for booksellers, who already love or know about the author. Signings for unheard of authors don’t draw a crowd so publishers have stopped inviting unknown authors. Unpublished authors sometimes come and try to meet the editors and pass off a manuscript, but generally the editors don’t come or don’t want to carry around manuscripts, which eventually get lost in the booth anyway. So why, why do we spend the money every year to participate in this event? I’m not sure, but I’m going to start asking people who might know.

Hi Monique,

Perhaps you might enjoy visiting my book website for reviews from ordinary readers and more about LightStream, my 400 page novel. And latest issue of The English Bay Banner just posted… Prince George story has funny written somewhere like graffiti on coliseum wall. After nine years, interesting to note no agent, publisher or Canadian reviewer of note has read this book. Still floating through the abyss of the incurious. -Harry Langen

Hey, I heard of a couple of guys who at an expo, their product being boring financial planning stuff, set up a ring toss with prizes. 
They had the most popular booth, and people went to it, and enjoyed it.  You might want to suggest this fow your booth.  At least people will be interested in coming to your booth, and you can give self serving prizes, like Harry Potter magnets, to show your employer as handling big releases, and other items to get people to buy or read your books.  (Books or gift certificates).
This would make your booth the funnest place, and would also increase your fun in being there. 
What is the point, other than to get your company’s name out there, and their products. 
Just some ideas, and I hope it isn’t too late for an overhaul of what your booth is going to look like. 
Oh yes, I’ll also be living on your couch when you get back.
StheB