ConQuest: The Art of Selling At Cons

by Megan Mackie

Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

Megan Mackie is a writer, actor, and playwright. She started her writing career as an indie author and had such smashing success in her first year with her inaugural book The Finder of the Lucky Devil. She has become a personality at many cons, recognizable by her iconic leather hat and engaging smile.

She is also a contributing writer in the role-playing game Legendlore and Legendlore: Legacies by Onyx Path Publishing and Sirens: Battle of the Bards through Apotheosis Studios. Outside of writing, she likes to play games: board games, RPGs, and video games. She has a regular Pathfinder group who is working their way through Rapanthuk. She lives in Chicago with her husband and children, dog, three cats, and her mother in the apartment upstairs.

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nonfiction/self-help/business book with spunk and fun. Who woulda thunk it?

I'm simply in love with this book. The author approaches what can be a daunting topic or idea with truth, insight, tips, and levity. This book isn't just good for tips for selling your item(s), ideas, trade, etc., at Conventions, but can easily be applicable to everyday life aspects.

Some things are common sense, but it's nice to have the reminder of things when making that checklist or practicing your sales pitch. Here, she also explains how sometimes not quite meeting a goal can be a good thing and better for you in the long run (gasp!).

I also enjoy how the author broke down each aspect that she was talking about and took you step by step through things, starting at the beginning: create your thing, then look into how to sell your thing (here, at Cons!).

I loved the way the author wrote and the way things flowed. This may be a nonfiction slash self-help slash business based book, but it has me interested in her fictional work(s), which I will be seeking out to add to my TBR (to be read) list.

[Carrie Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

The information in this book is great. The amount of tips and tricks is amazing, and what I think would be really helpful if I were to sell at a con. It is nice to see authors helping other authors get off their feet. I didn’t know there were different types of “cons”, I just assumed comic con was the only one. The information in this book is also nice for me as a reader to know, being respectful to the authors is a given, but knowing the amount of work that goes into set up, and getting everything together really makes me want to start watching out for any troublesome con goers and to show the respect and love the authors that they deserve. I also feel like this book shows me how most authors should be, in how friendly and engaging and polite they are to perspective fans and buyers, I don’t want to purchase or support and author that has no interest in giving me the time of day, even just a polite smile. I would highly recommend this book to any new book seller looking to start out at cons, I believe all the tools in this book will set you up for success.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars
ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons by Megan Mackie

ConQuest : The Art of Selling at Cons is a wonderfully written self help book by an amazing author. This is a guidebook with all the steps one would need to sell books by the hand at geeks and nerd cons. She gives many examples of how she sets up herself and many tidbits about how you could as well. She goes into great detail all the steps to make a Con successful, and she has a checklist of things one would need for each. I truly enjoyed reading this and I gained a lot of information. This may be a shorter book but man its packed with lots of great information. Im a huge fan of this author and this is not her normal type of work but I love that she stepped outside the box and is showing a different side. So if you’re looking for ways to sell books by the hand then this is a definite tool you need. I look forward to many more books by this author.

[Ash Bash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised in a great way while reading this book. The author does her very best and succeeds at keeping you entertained! I felt very intrigued by every step and care for detail and now feel more knowledgeable and prepared to write and present a book! Not only did the author prepare you to present a book at various Cons, she helped you learn how to properly market yourself, your book, your table, and all with example photos as well. Every step of the way, a do and a don’t is given. I feel as if this is helpful in every area, whether you need to get your book sold, or if you need to get ready for the next job interview. There are many hidden skills that help you to know how to make your product stand out in a crowd! I was excited to read about each level of con, and where you will take too many chances, and when it is worth the money. Great tips. Very well written and entertained me all the way through! Quick yet informative read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This self-help book did deliver on giving clear and concise advice on making good decisions for selling your work at Cons aka Conventions. But what I thought would only be a swiftly spoken manual on what to do or how to attain sales turned out to be a guide on the do’s and don’ts – but also answered some questions I didn’t think of before reading this. Everything from what kind of Cons you should be thinking of selling at to how to stack your books is given in this book, along with a few side stories from the author about other things you may encounter at Cons. I really enjoyed the way everything was lain out in the book and the tips/tricks given. This was a quick read that really opened my eyes to the selling of books at Cons, and I recommend this for anyone who’s looking for some information on selling at these types of events!

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock full of information for authors on how to sell at geek and nerd cons. The author shares her wisdom on everything she knows about how to sell your book successfully. Her knowledge stems from years of experience selling at cons and she includes personal stories of learning experiences from selling her books over the years. It includes tips on how to set up your table, how much inventory to bring, and how to pitch your book to potential buyers. It even includes pictures!

I loved how this book was laid out and found it very easy to read. It was informative and packed full of information. The author clearly knows her stuff and has gained her knowledge from her own personal experience. I highly recommend this book to anybody who is considering selling their books at geek and nerd cons.

[Naomi Valkyrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I’ve been considering branching out into working events. It’s a quick read, which is nice. There’s not a bunch of unnecessary stuff to weed through. I liked the personal examples the author gives. Most of what is included in this book is common sense stuff and yet simple things that often end up being forgotten in the hustle and bustle of preparing for an event. If you’ve worked events before (even if not as an author) you’ll recognize a lot of the tips in this book because some things are universal, no matter what you are selling. One thing I thought was awesome is that the author included a small section on interacting with neurodivergent people. As a neurodivergent person myself, this is really important thing to know!

[Caralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I wasn't quite sure what to expect when starting this book but I certainly was not disappointed. I think that this book is a very good resource for authors. This author does a fantastic job of setting up the foundations on how to get more traffic for books and find audiences. I was very impressed with the detail and step by steps. I was not aware of all the different types of conventions. I personally have met two authors at a convention and was introduced to their series and I have to say I was hooked on both and I think that this book is a great tool for authors who are starting out and also those who are well versed as they can always find new audiences as well. I find it impressive of the knowledge shared and look forward to more from this author.

[Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an author, and I have no intention of attenting conventions to sell my unwritten book...but my husband and I do operate a home business, and intend on branching into more areas. We have attended and sold at many farmers markets and vendor fairs, and learned many things about selling to people walking by with trial an error - and this book is really, really great and informative.

It gives you all the tools you need, and it starts with the basics - where to put your name on items, etc. It is the best kind of guide - open, honest, and with lessons learned through her own trial and error. Even if you have no intention of selling items at events, this is an informative read that might help you in other ways. Highly recommend. Outstanding advice. Well done book.

[Kayla Kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a writer myself, when I saw this book I knew I had to read it, and I wasn’t disappointed one bit! The book wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I went into thinking it was geared for writers that wanted to sell at ComicCon. I was pleased to see that she wrote it so that writers could go to all kinds of Cons and be successful, as that is what initially appealed to me when choosing the book to read. There were definitely many points in the novel that might be common sense to established authors that were of great help to me, so I was very thankful that she wrote it to benefit all sorts of authors, whether they are just starting out in the publishing world or have been on the top of the New York Times Bestseller List.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan has put together a self-help book to help authors with the art of selling their books by hand. She gives you all the tools that she uses at geek and nerd cons, from how to research, schedules, know your buyers, calendars, what you will need, how to get contacts, swags etc. They may seem like simple things, and some are but things like knowing to make sure to put your name at the top of banners as you are the product, she has learned from making a mistake. She holds nothing back and openly shares what works and what doesn’t.
Grab a copy if you are a writer and investigate what will work for you.

[Book.Athlete · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of "ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons," by Megan Mackie. This is a non-fiction work which provides useful information and details on how to successfully market and promote self-published works. These strategies are best used for markets such as comic-cons or other events that would be considered targeted towards the sci-fi crowd. What makes this book particularly helpful is its organization. Mackie provides such useful tools as a checklist to help you prepare for your promotional events. Even if your book is of a different genre, you could apply Mackie's strategies to help market your work. This was an unexpected read that was both wonderful and useful.

[Lorrene Huisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, loved how the author kept you interested and wanting more information as you read on! Cons are a big world event, and a lot of vendors do sell books, but something I always wondered how do they do it with out being a flop? This wonderful author gives not just strategy, but also methods that can and do work! I was very much impressed and enlightened with the author's words of wisdom. I was very happy to read this, and learn as well! The information was not light, but not overwhelming. Wonderful read. If your looking to promote at a con, this is the book for you!

[Anantha Rusum · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons," by Megan Mackie is a very useful book which gives a lot of detailed information on how to successfully market and promote self-published works. I picked this book as I do intend to self publish my books and I was looking for guidance. I know of many first time authors who struggle to promote their books and end up paying tons of money to the retailers to place them in the stores. The checklist is very useful for the promotional events. Though she does center the book around a particular genre, I think the strategies could be applied across genres to market your book. Very useful book. Definitely recommended.

[Ashley Hasting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Con Quest was a great beginners guide on how to sell at cons. While the book focuses on selling books the principles mentioned in this book would work for any item you're selling at a con. The book also mentions the networking involved that happens before, during, and after cons. If I ever decide to open a venture that would have me running a booth and making sales at a con you can bet that this book will be tagging along to help me with its tips and tricks on the trade. For instance she mentions the benefits of your booth neighbors and even some of the benefits of being friendly to security and staff.

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect with this book, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Comicon is foreign to me having never been (always wanted to go), but after reading her book I was ready to pack up and go. The information she gave was fun, insightful, and given in a way that I did not feel overwhelmed. All the facts and advice given felt practical and something that a beginner starting at Comicon would use to be successful. I loved the pictures and side stories she shared, and especially enjoyed the ways she gave to sell yourself. This book genre is one I have not explored before, but I would definitely pick up again, and I plan to also make sure I check out one of her books!

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fantastic for anyone looking to break into selling at con's. It is a how to guide to get you through and help you make the most of it. I really enjoyed the fact that this is all clearly based off of the authors own experiences. It made the book more relatable and therefore more useful.
I also loved the fact that the author is showing that it doesn't all have to be about "you" when it comes to selling. You can share your thoughts and experiences to help others. This is an easy to follow and helpful book that us definitely useful for anyone looking to sell this way.

[Rachel Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to start my review by saying this: I have never wrote a book, I have no intentions of writing one, and I never plan to get a booth at a con. However, if I ever were to do so, this book had a lot of good advice on doing so and how to go about it! The author included checklists, life stories about her experiences, and well meaning advice. For a quick help guide I thought this was very practical and straight to the point. For an author or artist trying to get involved in a con I highly recommend this book! I think it could help anyone who's wanting to get out there and do it!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help any author thinking of selling at cons- whether the con is small or large. The author breaks it down for the reader on what to do and not to do at cons of all sizes. I personally would have never thought of many of the key points the author brought up. From how to lay out your table to individuals you will encounter on your con quest, you will be more prepared than other first time authors at cons.
I recommend this book to any author who is going to or is thinking of selling at cons.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

ConQuest: The Art of Selling at Cons by Megan Mackie is an interesting and informative guide for authors who may be looking at other ways to promote and sell their work. Ms. Mackie speaks from her own experience, sharing methods that have worked for her. The guide is easy to follow and understand, with simple suggestions that are fairly easy to implement.
This guide may be aimed at authors and their books, but a lot of this information could also be useful in selling other products too.
Informative and thought-provoking!

Thank you, Megan Mackie!

[Jo Frizzell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was spectacular. I decided to read it because I have always wanted to write a book but have never had any idea how I could successfully sell it. I tend to have a hard time reading non-fiction books, or how-to books and that was not the case with this book. I appreciate the way the author wrote it, almost like they were standing in front of me sharing this information. It also made it very easy to read because it gave information in a clear and concise manner without being condescending.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was filled with what I thought was useful information. Some seemed like “common sense” but for me, it was important because I often forget the “small details” or what seems like common sense, so it was nice to have that as a reminder. I really enjoyed the use of personal examples, it helped things click a lot easier for me. I plan to keep this around and use it for reference in the future. I believe the advice and examples in this book could be used for a lot more than selling books! I would recommend it!

[D. Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how much could be packed into this beginners' guide for selling at Cons but it pleasantly surprised me with the useful categories arranged into snack-sized pieces that covered everything I needed to know, including stuff I didn't know I needed to know!

From the practical (I'm getting a wagon!) to the more circumstantial, the book was an easy, fun way to pick up the basics, fill in holes I have in my own strategies, and open the way for new approaches. Plus some warnings about the 'monsters' we might face and how to vanquish them!

I highly recommend!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this author from the first book I picked up from her. This is a little different type of book for her. It is a nonfiction book about selling your books at Cons. It is a shorter book but it packs a ton of useful information. It will show you how to start and what to do. It is a great book for anyone looking for another place to sell their books. It is well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

[Jenny See · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely informative. The author breaks down what to do (and not do) to help future authors sell their books at cons. She tells what she does to be successful so that the reader can be too. She explains how to everything that needs to be done and how to do it successfully . There’s a lot of information in this little book, do yourself a favor and read it, it gives you all the tools you will need to succeed!

[Nicole Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super informative and helpful. As a hopeful and blossoming writer, I hope to some day be able to promote my works and have been looking for ways to do so. This book was well written, informative and funny. You can tell she has real-life experience and every bit of this title was helpful. I've never actually read any of her books, but now I certainly want to! I'd give this book a solid 5/5.

[Alison Risher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover grabbed my attention. As my first non-fiction read of 2022, I can say that this book is captivating, as well as informing. The author gives witty tongue-in-cheek advice to her audience. I learned about selling to cons (which are conventions, typically sci-fi or fantasy conventions), and how to set up a vendor booth. This is information which can actually be applied to anything you sell, or even display. I find myself re-thinking some of my classroom displays now.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good sense, well organized, with examples.

I knew most of the lessons in this book, but it never hurts to read them (and have them to refer to). The lessons are nicely organized and explained, with lots of examples from the author’s personal experience.

No book can teach you to be outgoing. That’s the secret ingredient you have to provide for yourself. But this book teaches everything else.

[Jerricka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informational. I love that it gave tips and examples of how to better yourself in this venture. It has opened my eyes to what authors go through when starting out. It also informed me of different “cons” which I found very nice. It was a quick read with tons of great information. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to venture out in the “con” world.

[Lydia Pelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been going to conventions since high-school and absolutely love interacting with the authors in the dealer room. This is such an awesome eye-opening way to see the behind the scenes. It has so many good tips and strategies to approach. This is definitely a must read before taking that big step!