So you’re a reader going to your first bookish event and you’re a little overwhelmed.

If having a plan would ease your anxiety and help you enjoy yourself, then read on, friend.

Book events aren’t new. But it seems that the millennial desire to recreate the excitement of the Scholastic Book Fairs of our youth have led to an explosion in number. Some are big, some are small, all have the potential to help you discover your next favorite author.

What you can expect will vary from event-to-event but here’s a primer on the basics and how you can make the best of your time amongst fellow book nerds.

Dress for Comfort

The temperature at indoor events is predictably chaotic. They skew colder in smaller rooms for panels and workshops, and hotter in signing spaces. Regardless of the season, expect it to be too hot and too cold all on the same day.

+ If you’re experiencing perimenopause or run hot, a battery operated fan will be your best friend.

+ Dress in layers.

+ Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet, walking from table-to-table, and then standing while chatting with authors and vendors.

Sensory Self-Care

Book events are loud in every sense of the word. The chatter from hundreds of people in one space, plus music, plus all the moving bodies can result in overstimulation and sensory overload. 

+ Take frequent breaks in a quiet space. Could be a random corner in the hotel or your car.

+ Loop earplugs filter out the extra noise allowing you to chat with authors and your friends.

+ Bring a fidget that helps calm your nervous system.

Hydration and Full Bellies

Sexy people don’t do book events hangry. Food isn’t always available at book events, but if food vendors will be on hand, they’re usually advertised. 

+ Eat a meal before attending the event and have an idea for what you’ll do for your next one.

+ Remember your emotional support water bottle

+ Consider keeping Gatorade or LiquidIV on hand, especially if the event is outdoors and in a hot climate.

+ Channel your inner toddler mom and carry all the snacks. In this case you are the mom and the toddler

Buying Books

I mean, that’s why we’re all there right? Like any other fair, expo, or convention, authors pay to have a table/booth at book events. We only make money if we sell our books and at minimum authors want to make back their table fee. 

But that’s not the only reason we’re there. We want to connect with readers and people in our community. Sometimes an event that’s a financial loss is also one that’s incredibly soul filling.

+ Do an author deep-dive beforehand. Book events usually have a list of attending authors. It may help your overwhelm to get an idea of which books you’re interested in and which aren’t for you.

+ Take our free shit. If we have bookmarks, postcards, branded swag, stickers out for grabs, please take it. We paid for it with the intention of giving it away.

+ Bring some cash. Every author I know takes electronic payments of some kind in some way. But it’s good to have a cash backup if card readers die, there’s crappy wifi, or some kind of unplanned technical mishap.

+ Bring a card or sticky note with how you’d like authors to personalize your books. I keep a stack of sticky notes at my table and ask readers to write down their names regardless of how simple or common it is. I have made my actual friends do it because in that moment my ADHD will completely erase my ability to remember how to spell.

+ Bring a tote bag. The book fair is like going to Target and picking up a basket. In 15 minutes your basket is heavy and overflowing, you’re pissed you didn’t grab a cart.

Embrace the Awkward

As awkward as you feel, the author on the other side of the table probably feels 10 times as awkward. And they’re so happy you’re interested in their book and just trying not to make it weird.

If you want to witness how truly awkward I am IRL you can see me at a growing number of events in central North Carolina. Most are free for readers with only a handful requiring a separate ticket.

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