Book Signings and Festivals by Susan Sheehey

Today we’re talking about book signings.

Whether at a small bookstore with only one author, or a large 4-5 day convention with hundreds of authors, there’s something special about holding a precious, autographed novel. I like all kinds of signings, even the ones that are more taxing on the checking account.

What kind of book signing do you like going to?

A small book signing at a local bookstore or coffee shop with one author? All you have to pay for is

the novel itself. Unless you have your own, you can bring it in and have them sign it for you. By far, the most economical.

A larger local book signing, perhaps at a bookstore or other venue with anywhere between two to ten authors present. Once again, you only pay for the book itself, unless you have your own you can bring with you. Like the one I’m attending this Saturday at the Half Price Books in Dallas.

A bigger Book Fest with more than a dozen authors of all kinds of genres, where they tend to have raffles and other prizes. There’s a small entry fee into the book signing, and you still have to pay for the books themselves, but they offer more with it. Some even a small box lunch and/or minor refreshments. Examples of this are the Deliciously Dirty in Dallas signing or North Texas Book Fest.

A large book convention that lasts 4-7 days with a hundred authors or more. This has a hefty registration fee, but the offerings are massive. Not just a book signing, but multiple book signings, and parties every day, author panels, smaller meet and greet where you get to chat and laugh with the authors, including meals, drinks, and more prizes and raffles. And not just little prizes like a Christmas ornament or box of chocolates, but big ones. Like a free registration certificate for the next year’s conference, a tablet computer, small vacation packages, and so many free books. And that’s just the start. The parties are all themed from steampunk, to Hollywood, to formal. Or just go in jeans. Whatever you’re comfortable with. But RT Convention.

these large conventions involve a hotel stay and possible airplane ticket (depending on location). Which are all additional costs, and normally not included with registration fees. An example of one is the

I’ve been to all kinds. I like all kinds, depending on what my pocket book looks like in a given month. 

What about you? Which kinds do you like the most?

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense and contemporary romance. Her latest series, Royals of Solana, is currently being recovered and packaged, and will be available soon, along with her original debut novel, Audrey's Promise. Susan is a strong advocate for autism awareness and acceptance, and includes the healing element of water in every story. She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys. Follow Susan on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and her website.

Romance Reader Conventions: What You Love Most

Readers, how appealing are major reader conferences to you? Conferences such as RT Convention (RomanticTimes), RWA Conference (Romance Writers of America), and RomCon (RomanceConference)?

For those of you who have never been to one, or don’t know what they are, they are massive conventions where readers can not only have their books signed by the authors, but you get to mingle, party, and become friends with these authors. Most of the time they are a Saturday or Sunday event, sometimes a full weekend, or even a week-long event in large hotels with events going on all day and into the evenings. There are huge giveaways, free swag, great food, and even plenty of chances to meet a bunch of cover models, depending on which one you attend.

Susan Sheehey at RT Convention 2015, Dallas, TX

Last year was my first RT Convention in Dallas. The year before, was my first ever RWA Conference in San Antonio. I loved both conferences tremendously. It was a huge bonus that I was a published author by then, and could participate in the book signings.

As a brand new published author, though, I was an unknown. Therefore I didn’t sell many novels at either, so the cost of the conference registration alone put me in the red. But bottom line, I’d never had so much fun at an author event ever.

For those who know what they and have been to one, do you think the registration fees or ticket prices are worth it? Do you like to bring in your own books to have them signed, or do you like purchasing brand new books on the spot? Do you attend these events for specific authors, or are you that avid a fan of the genre, and love the opportunity to meet new authors and find new characters to read?

Swag from RWA Conference 2014

As a fairly new published author, I don’t have the budget to attend all of the events I’d like to in a given year. I normally have to pick 1 major conference a year, and then attend small signings more local to home. I LOVE interacting with readers, making new friends, and of course I always love an excuse to party! Not to mention all of the fabulous books! This year I’ll be attending RT Convention again, this time in Las Vegas in April.

Here are some of the major reader conventions coming up throughout the year. Can you add more that I’ve forgotten? Let me know which ones you’ll be going to!

The Novel Experience Event, Atlanta, GA – April 7-11^th, 2016

RT Convention, Las Vegas, NV – April 12-17^th, 2016

Book Con, Chicago, IL – May 14^th, 2016

Romance Novel Convention (RNC), Las Vegas, NV – June 1-5^th, 2016

Fresh Fiction’s Boas & Tiaras, Allen, TX – June 11^th, 2016

RWA Conference, San Diego, CA – July 13-16^th, 2016

Authors After Dark, Savannah, GA – August 3-7^th, 2016

Historical Romance Retreat, Spokane, WA – Sept 22-25^th, 2016

RomCon, Denver, CO – Sept 30^th-Oct 1^st, 2016

InD’Scribe Author & Reader Con, Burbank, CA – October 6-9^th, 2016

Fresh Fiction’s Readers & ‘Ritas, Allen, TX – Nov 11-13^th, 2016

Susan Sheehey writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.She lives and laughs in Texas with her husband and two boys.  Water plays a crucial element in all of her novels, and she is a huge advocate for Autism Awareness. Follow Susan at SusanSheehey.com, on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, and Amazon.