Tod Langley's Blog - Posts Tagged "lessons"
My First CON (SFF Convention) … Where I failed, What I learned, Why I still had Fun!
I attended my first Sci-Fi/Fantasy Convention, the PhilCon 2009 (Philadelphia), last weekend. My primary goal was to promote the release of my first Fantasy novel, Prince Kristian’s Honor. I planned to establish a dealer’s table to use as a platform to introduce myself to convention participants, fellow authors, as well as industry insiders. My (overly) optimistic goal was to sell 100 copies of my book while there (to pay for the expenses of the convention and to put some money aside for my next book project).
I sold one book in three days … compared to the 25 books I sold in just four hours at a Border’s book signing the evening before the CON. So what happened? What did I do wrong? Is my book horrible? Should I give up!?!
Putting things into a "calmer" perspective, I met my primary goal and I learned a lot of useful information about the traditional and self-publishing businesses, conventions, and the great people that attend them. I failed because I confused and combined two very different objectives; promoting and selling. I did, however, learn a lot about how to work a convention and I had fun because I met people with similar interests.
Here are some of my lessons learned:
1. Selling vs. Promoting = Dealer Table vs. Panels. As a new writer, you want to be seen and heard more then you want to sell books. The best way to establish credibility is by sitting in on discussions, asking valid questions, listening and learning. Don’t be afraid to provide your own opinion/observations (when appropriate), but don’t showboat either. If panel members and the audience consider your comments valid, their opinion of you will rise. That could lead to people wanting to know more about your published works. Potential readers will then connect with you during breaks or parties to find out more about you and how they can get a copy of your book. If you have the time and resources to participate in panels AND run a dealer’s table you can do that too. That works best if you have a second person at your table that can answer questions about your book, point readers to additional resources on the book and sell the book while you are away. This option comes in handy if people want to go directly from an outstanding conversation with you to your table and buy a copy of your future bestseller!
2. Networking = Get to Know the Graybeards and the Up and Coming. I found there were two types of dedicated writers/insiders at the CON. There were those staffers, insiders and writers that had made a successful career through the CON circuit (Graybeards) and there were those, like me, that want to become the best new writer. You can, and should, learn from both. Questions are encouraged and all of the people I had conversations with enjoyed talking about their passion for Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing. There will likely be parties (some large and rowdy and some more subdued) every night of the CON. I’d encourage would-be writers to attend these parties. It’s a great way to meet new people in the regional industry, talk about the CON, and even a little about future business opportunities. Though I didn’t walk away from the CON with an agent, larger publisher, or 100 copies sold, I acquired a lot of contacts for potential business, references, and continued dialogue.
3. The Lexicon of the CON = Know the Language. There’s got to be a site out there that will help you understand the lingo better. Find it and be ready for the “Non-traditional” lifestyles, behaviors, costumes, attitudes and expectations of a CON.
4. Table Display = Professionalism but Not Necessarily Sales. I had an AWESOME table. I had a professional sign, a lot of neatly arranged books, bookmarks, a binder full of sample blogs, reviews, and proof of rankings on Amazon. I even had a personalized table cloth! All of those things demonstrated that I took my promotion seriously, but it didn’t necessarily mean people were interested in the book. I think a good way to look at a table is to consider what draws people in, what keeps them there long enough for conversation, and what will convince them to make a buy. More than one product on the table certainly brings over more people; even if they’re things unassociated with your novel. Things like collectable badges, magnets, buttons, bookmarks, stickers, and candy would have brought more people over. I also thought candy was an inviting way for a few of the more savvy writers to encourage dialogue with people. A huge part of the CON is about establishing a longer term presence within the community. Being friendly, open and honest about what you are doing and what you hope to do are big part of what people want to know about you before making a book purchase.
5. Essential Supplies = What do I need and what can I forget about?
a. Professional Sign – advertise your book and ensure it includes the Title, Cover Picture, portion of a review or synopsis, and your name.
b. Table Cloth – one may be provided but you should have a back-up.
c. Book Stand – a book that stands up catches the eye better.
d. Books
e. Bookmarks
f. References – Reviews, Biography
g. Sales Receipt Book
h. State Sales Tax Registration/Confirmation papers
i. CON Dealer Acceptance Letter
j. Pens – medium tip marker or pen
k. Cash bag – at least make sure you have something secure to put your change in. Make sure you are also prepared to make change.
l. Calculator
m. Notepad – I used this to write down all of the contacts I made, as well as the notes I took for this blog.
n. Business Cards – have something prepared to hand out to agents, writers and other dealers.
o. I also tried to run a looping slide show of photos (of me and the book) to entice people to stop and look and ask questions. It didn’t work well. I wouldn’t put a lot of time into Fantastic Effects … focus on engaging people when they stop by.
6. Follow-up. When you’ve survived your first CON, make sure to recontact those that you met. I think it reinforces how much you appreciated meeting, talking and learning from those you encountered. It may also demonstrate how committed you are to becoming better … and who knows … maybe you’ll make a new friend, associate or partner in the process.
7. FUN = Embrace Your Geekiness! Hey! It’s a CON … people are attracted to these things because they get to express themselves in ways they normally can’t. My biggest regret is that I didn’t have my wife with me to watch the table so that I could visit the PA Jedi table, grab a custom made lightsaber and perform my newest Jedi Master Kata Form 6! There are a lot of things to participate in at a CON, from lightsaber duels, re-enactments, card games, panels, Philking, and parties to masquerade contests, art exhibits, auctions and concerts. Promoting your new release is very important, but having fun and learning are probably equally (if not) more important.
I hope these lessons learned helped out other new writers preparing for their first CON.
Regards and Good Luck! Tod
I sold one book in three days … compared to the 25 books I sold in just four hours at a Border’s book signing the evening before the CON. So what happened? What did I do wrong? Is my book horrible? Should I give up!?!
Putting things into a "calmer" perspective, I met my primary goal and I learned a lot of useful information about the traditional and self-publishing businesses, conventions, and the great people that attend them. I failed because I confused and combined two very different objectives; promoting and selling. I did, however, learn a lot about how to work a convention and I had fun because I met people with similar interests.
Here are some of my lessons learned:
1. Selling vs. Promoting = Dealer Table vs. Panels. As a new writer, you want to be seen and heard more then you want to sell books. The best way to establish credibility is by sitting in on discussions, asking valid questions, listening and learning. Don’t be afraid to provide your own opinion/observations (when appropriate), but don’t showboat either. If panel members and the audience consider your comments valid, their opinion of you will rise. That could lead to people wanting to know more about your published works. Potential readers will then connect with you during breaks or parties to find out more about you and how they can get a copy of your book. If you have the time and resources to participate in panels AND run a dealer’s table you can do that too. That works best if you have a second person at your table that can answer questions about your book, point readers to additional resources on the book and sell the book while you are away. This option comes in handy if people want to go directly from an outstanding conversation with you to your table and buy a copy of your future bestseller!
2. Networking = Get to Know the Graybeards and the Up and Coming. I found there were two types of dedicated writers/insiders at the CON. There were those staffers, insiders and writers that had made a successful career through the CON circuit (Graybeards) and there were those, like me, that want to become the best new writer. You can, and should, learn from both. Questions are encouraged and all of the people I had conversations with enjoyed talking about their passion for Sci-Fi/Fantasy writing. There will likely be parties (some large and rowdy and some more subdued) every night of the CON. I’d encourage would-be writers to attend these parties. It’s a great way to meet new people in the regional industry, talk about the CON, and even a little about future business opportunities. Though I didn’t walk away from the CON with an agent, larger publisher, or 100 copies sold, I acquired a lot of contacts for potential business, references, and continued dialogue.
3. The Lexicon of the CON = Know the Language. There’s got to be a site out there that will help you understand the lingo better. Find it and be ready for the “Non-traditional” lifestyles, behaviors, costumes, attitudes and expectations of a CON.
4. Table Display = Professionalism but Not Necessarily Sales. I had an AWESOME table. I had a professional sign, a lot of neatly arranged books, bookmarks, a binder full of sample blogs, reviews, and proof of rankings on Amazon. I even had a personalized table cloth! All of those things demonstrated that I took my promotion seriously, but it didn’t necessarily mean people were interested in the book. I think a good way to look at a table is to consider what draws people in, what keeps them there long enough for conversation, and what will convince them to make a buy. More than one product on the table certainly brings over more people; even if they’re things unassociated with your novel. Things like collectable badges, magnets, buttons, bookmarks, stickers, and candy would have brought more people over. I also thought candy was an inviting way for a few of the more savvy writers to encourage dialogue with people. A huge part of the CON is about establishing a longer term presence within the community. Being friendly, open and honest about what you are doing and what you hope to do are big part of what people want to know about you before making a book purchase.
5. Essential Supplies = What do I need and what can I forget about?
a. Professional Sign – advertise your book and ensure it includes the Title, Cover Picture, portion of a review or synopsis, and your name.
b. Table Cloth – one may be provided but you should have a back-up.
c. Book Stand – a book that stands up catches the eye better.
d. Books
e. Bookmarks
f. References – Reviews, Biography
g. Sales Receipt Book
h. State Sales Tax Registration/Confirmation papers
i. CON Dealer Acceptance Letter
j. Pens – medium tip marker or pen
k. Cash bag – at least make sure you have something secure to put your change in. Make sure you are also prepared to make change.
l. Calculator
m. Notepad – I used this to write down all of the contacts I made, as well as the notes I took for this blog.
n. Business Cards – have something prepared to hand out to agents, writers and other dealers.
o. I also tried to run a looping slide show of photos (of me and the book) to entice people to stop and look and ask questions. It didn’t work well. I wouldn’t put a lot of time into Fantastic Effects … focus on engaging people when they stop by.
6. Follow-up. When you’ve survived your first CON, make sure to recontact those that you met. I think it reinforces how much you appreciated meeting, talking and learning from those you encountered. It may also demonstrate how committed you are to becoming better … and who knows … maybe you’ll make a new friend, associate or partner in the process.
7. FUN = Embrace Your Geekiness! Hey! It’s a CON … people are attracted to these things because they get to express themselves in ways they normally can’t. My biggest regret is that I didn’t have my wife with me to watch the table so that I could visit the PA Jedi table, grab a custom made lightsaber and perform my newest Jedi Master Kata Form 6! There are a lot of things to participate in at a CON, from lightsaber duels, re-enactments, card games, panels, Philking, and parties to masquerade contests, art exhibits, auctions and concerts. Promoting your new release is very important, but having fun and learning are probably equally (if not) more important.
I hope these lessons learned helped out other new writers preparing for their first CON.
Regards and Good Luck! Tod
