BEA, 3 days away.

Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYC. Home to annual car and dog shows. In a few days, host to something a bit more interesting. The biggest author and book event is the US, Book Expo America.

A general description:

BookExpo America (commonly referred to within the book publishing industry as BEA) is the largest annual book trade fair in theUnited States. BEA is almost always held in a major city over four days in late May and/or early June. Nearly all significant book publishers in the United States, and many from abroad, have booths and exhibits at BEA, and use the fair as an opportunity to showcase upcoming titles, sell current books, socialize with colleagues from other publishing houses, and sell and buy subsidiary rights and international rights (although not on the scale of the rights negotiation that occurs at the Frankfurt Book Fair in October). Authors, Readers, librarians, and buyers for book retailers also attend the event.

Keyword: READERS.

Did I drop $100+ for a badge, granting me admission to the exhibits and events? Nah.

I don’t need to sign up and have breakfast with a published author. I do that every day.

I won’t be standing in lines or listening to panels or filling a bag with publisher swag. No.

I love books. I love authors. But I’m going there for another reason, to work, to spread the word, to market, promote, and advertise.

During the last few months, I received several emails from the BEA, asking me if I wanted to pay (a lot) for placement in their showcases or purchase similar services. I declined. I’ll be out front, on the sidewalk, in the parking lot, near the front door if security allows, reaching the readers before they even enter the convention center. No fees, free. As an indie, my budget is low, but I’ve got time, tenacity, and comfortable shoes.

If you are attending, enjoy. Say hello if you see me.

I’ll be wearing this:

Handing out 5000 of these:

And 1000 of these: