Book Con Attendees discussion

Are the autographing booths separate from the panels? I only ask because unfortunately one panel I want to go to overlaps with another one that I'm going to.

so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any tips for navigating the place because I'm going by myself

Stephanie wrote: "Are the autographing booths separate from the panels? I only ask because unfortunately one panel I want to go to overlaps with another one that I'm going to."

Yes, the panels and autographing are separate, but the autographing times haven't been released yet.

Kaylee wrote: "so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any tips for navigating the place because I'm go..."

I suggest getting the BookCon app, which has a map in the app. Also, last year there were little borchures given out with maps in them that were super helpful!

So download the app and if you see someone giving out maps in front of of the show floor entrance, grab one of those. Don't worry though, after about an hour you figure out the general layout.
Also, you can always ask a staff member for assistance.

I've never been to Bookcon before so thank you so much for answering my questions. Very appreciated!!

I've never been either but I'm excited. So thank you!

How early should I be to autographings and panels? 30 minutes? 45?

Kaylee wrote: "so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any tips for navigating the place because I'm go..."

I'm going alone too. Maybe we could meet up and hang out! So we're not alone!

Wren wrote: "How early should I be to autographings and panels? 30 minutes? 45?"

It really depends on the author.
For big authors you may want to show up even a hour before. However, they may not let you start to line up because of limited space. If that happens, ask them the earlierst time you would be allowed to line up and maybe go then.

For smaller authors, a half hour to fifteen minutes before should be good.

No guarantees though!

Wren wrote: "Kaylee wrote: "so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any tips for navigating the place..."

Yeah that sounds like a lot of fun! I was hoping tom meet some new people there!

Kaylee wrote: "Wren wrote: "Kaylee wrote: "so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any tips for navigat..."

Cool! Should we PM about meeting up if you're interested?

Wren wrote: "Kaylee wrote: "Wren wrote: "Kaylee wrote: "so this may be a dumb question, but I've never been to bookcon before and I was looking at the map and the Javits Center is SO big. Do you guys have any t..."
yeah definitely! Sounds good, I'd love to hear from you! :)

Hi guys I just wanted to mention that since Bookcon is filled with thousands of people, it can get ridiculously hot in that building. I wore a t-shirt, shorts, and a light sweater, and I was sweating! Highly recommend you guys wear a t-shirt and shorts and comfortable footwear.

Also, I cannot stress how important it is to plan ahead

Hello!
I really want to go to BookCon this year but I have never gone before and my sister will be in town so I have to buy two tickets so its kind of expensive for me. I just want to know if its gonna be worth the money. When it comes to free books, what does that mean? Do you tend to get a lot of free books at a convention like this or is this more place that wants you to buy things? I just want to make sure i am getting my moneys worth bc if its just a big book store with panels/and autographs i can just go where i always get my books. Any info would be appreciated! Thank you!!!!

Barry wrote: "Hello!
I really want to go to BookCon this year but I have never gone before and my sister will be in town so I have to buy two tickets so its kind of expensive for me. I just want to know if its g..."

Whether or not it is worth it will depend on you and your experience. For me, it was COMPLETELY worth it. I mean, now I'm answering questions for random people I barely know about it because I loved it so much. In response to your comment, I'll answer your questions, but whether or not it will be worth it will be up to you in the end.

Free books: Most autographing sections in the autographing area will give out the books they are signing. For in booth signings it is more likely you must pay, but most authors in the autographing area will be giving away copies of the book they are promoting. If you go to like three or four of these, you will have made up how much money the ticket costs.
How many: Most books for free are in the autographing area but are sometimes also offered at the booths on the show floors, in giveaways, and through other prizes. Some things WILL require you to buy a book, but if you don't want to make the purchase, chances are you won't be missing out on something really major or there will be other things you can do. Most things are free.

I had an amazing time and was satisfied beyond with my experience (even though there were a few organizing mishaps) and am so excited to go for a second year. I hope this helps!

Sarah wrote: "Barry wrote: "Hello!
I really want to go to BookCon this year but I have never gone before and my sister will be in town so I have to buy two tickets so its kind of expensive for me. I just want to..."

Thank you so much for your response!
One question. What is the difference between the autographing area and the booth signing? And do we know who will be at each yet?

Barry wrote: "Sarah wrote: "Barry wrote: "Hello!
I really want to go to BookCon this year but I have never gone before and my sister will be in town so I have to buy two tickets so its kind of expensive for me. ..."

The difference between the autographing area and the booth signing is simple.
The autographing area is a table of one or two authors that will sign the one book they are there to promote (you get it for free) and any books you bring (usually one or two). Each author's session there is only an hour long and there will be a line. You will get about a minute with the author or maybe more depending on how long the line is and how popular the author is.
The booths are on the show floor and occur for a MUCH longer period of time. The author will be more available to talk and take pictures. However, there is a higher chance that you must buy the book to get it signed. Still, there are plenty of exceptions.
To find out who is coming, what day they will be coming, where they will be, and what book they will be promoting check this link: http://www.thebookcon.com/guests/

Happy to answer any more questions!

What is the difference between an In-Booth Signing and the Autographing Area?

**Also, where can I find out what authors I need to actually purchase a book for in order to have something signed?***

Sorry if this question has been asked and answered already.

Laura wrote: "What is the difference between an In-Booth Signing and the Autographing Area?

**Also, where can I find out what authors I need to actually purchase a book for in order to have something signed?**..."

In-Booth Signing is on the show floor and you will most likely have more time with the author. However, it is more likely you will have to buy the book, but it isn't definite. The autographing area is for autographing only, you will have about minute with the author, and it will be much more organized and less chaotic.

To find out whether or not you need to make a purchase check out BookCon's schedule of autographing and click on the event to show the cost.

Hi this question has probably been asked already so sorry but for in-booth signing and/or autographing does the author have to sign a book or can it be anything? And do you have to purchase the book there or can you bring it from home?

Hiya! This will be my first time at bookcon! So excited.

A couple of random questions:

Is there AC in the Javitts Center?

Do they give out free tote bags? I plan on bringing a smallish to medium sized backpack and a tote bag. But I'm not sure if that's enough.

Thanks!

Noir wrote: "Hiya! This will be my first time at bookcon! So excited.

A couple of random questions:

Is there AC in the Javitts Center?

Do they give out free tote bags? I plan on bringing a smallish to medium..."

There is a bit of AC but with so many people it is not really noticeable and it is still kinda hot. Just wear short sleeves and bring a sweater. Odds are you will be hot over cold but some rooms are still pretty cool.

Free tote bags may be given away, but it is random and not guaranteed. You won't be give one upon arrival or anything like that. The amount of bags you are bringing seem to be okay but remember books are heavy and keep track of what you plan to carry.

Thanks Sarah for the quick and helpful answer!

Just one more: for signings/autograph sessions that say free or 0 under cost, does that mean we don't have to purchase a book and we can bring our own?

Hey guys so I just posted my Bookcon preparation videos check it out! I may answer your questions or give you some cool ideas https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nni3s...

What are special events?

Kat wrote: "What are special events?"

They are just panels in a really big room because they are going to be very popular.

a minor tip that makes a huge difference:

book con goes by very quickly and every second counts. nothing sucks more than losing an hour of precious time that could be spent hugging Sarah J Maas or making new friends.

my friend used a cheap lanyard and lost her badge last year and had to go to the help desk for a while. don't make this mistake! she was really bummed for the rest of the day because we missed chances to go to panels and such.

the best lanyards IMO are lobster claw lanyards. they won't be handing them out for free at the event, but they seem to be the most secure.

the clasp should look like this:


i know this seems like the dumbest, most ridiculous tip ever, but losing your badge sucks, so i really recommend carefully choosing your lanyard :)

a really good tip for planning is to make a schedule and make it easy to access. i used superimpose (phonto would also work really well for this) to make a lock screen schedule for myself. here is an example:



other people attached their schedule to their water bottles, so that might work too. you just probably don't want to have to dig through your bag to find your crumpled up paper schedule every five minutes, you know?

What time is the autographing part? Is it all day and are the lines long?

The autographing only lasts for a certain time during the day. When i went to see Danielle Paige, i planned my schedule to be there at least an hour to two hours before she comes out. Lines can be really long so make sure you are there in good timing. Also if there is something else going on at the same time and you are with someone, ask them to hold your spot so you can do both!

Check out my recent blog post with all sorts of tips for enjoying BookCon!

http://novelideareviews.blogspot.com/...

Check out the newest post on Novel Idea Reviews for tips on surviving BookCon 2017!

goo.gl/CmCvJV

Thanks

Anyone going to Book Con 2018?? This is my first year going with my best book nerd friend and we are super excited! The tips here are awesome - has anything major changed that we should be aware of? Our biggest question is what to bring in for books - should we bring our own or do most people get the books at the event? Anyone ever brought book plates for signing? we are thinking of that as a lighter alternative to bringing all kinds of books.

Abigail wrote: "Anyone going to Book Con 2018?? This is my first year going with my best book nerd friend and we are super excited! The tips here are awesome - has anything major changed that we should be aware of..."

This is my first year going to (also with my nerd friend haha)! This is my second time reading through these tips, and they're amazing!

Good idea with the book plates, I wonder if that would be allowed?

Abigail wrote: "Anyone going to Book Con 2018?? This is my first year going with my best book nerd friend and we are super excited! The tips here are awesome - has anything major changed that we should be aware of..."

Hey, this is my fourth year going and book plates I believe are allowed depending on the author. The Bookcon website will usually say if a book purchase is required or other limitations. Also there is a bag check if things get too heavy but things do go missing from time to time. People also use rolling bags but they're not aloud on the show floor and checking them takes time when you first get in if you don't have VIP. Hope this was clear!