Andrea's Book Expo America Wind Down

Andrea’s BEA Wind Down

So, maybe you had no interest in Book Expo America (BEA), you didn’t have a clue what it was and when it was, or you weren’t able to take a trip to New York City at the end of May. If you have a book brewing in your head, have a published book you’re pushing, or you want to work in the publishing industry, BEA is a must-see. I highly recommend adding it to you must-do list. As mentioned in one of our issues of Grove Street Ezine, BEA is a super duper tradeshow where book rights are sold internationally, appointments are made, book giveaways are in cue, book signings help promote forthcoming/current titles, and networking goes on and on and on. It’s usually in The Big Apple, and it’s usually crowded, busy and when you first get there, you have an overwhelming sense of asking yourself, “Where do I start?” It’s really as much or as little as you make it. Truly. I'll use myself to prove that very point.

I went to BEA incredibly cheap; I paid for it by being up and about nearly a day straight. My journey began at 1:16 AM while waiting in the bus area of Union Station. One of my pals couldn’t make it, due to logistics. We’d gone around and around, trying to find an economical way to travel. Amtrack (the train) was as much as the plane. I almost bit the bullet and paid three timesas much as I wanted to. Luckily, while I was contemplating the bill—even with the show discount—the return seat was taken. Ugh. Was it all a sign that I wasn’tmeant to go at all? Maybe. I’d been to BEA one other time. I signed my craziest novel there. Moving right along...I really didn’t get a lot of time to do much else before heading back home, almost four years prior.

 Initially, bus schedules didn’t match my plan of arriving in New York early, then takingan evening bus back to Maryland.  Evenso, I rushed to Office Depot to get some emergency business cards made. My son tookoff his shoes, charmed a woman out of her bag of popcorn, and tried to type gibberish in the fields on the computer. I guess the clerk wanted to get rid of us. I discovered that day that I could type with one arm while wrestling with the other. “I’ll run your order now,” she informed. I had my cards in my hand without waiting two hours. In about thirty more minutes, I had something to pass out, in case anyone cared who the heck I was, and what I claimed to do. One problem remained: I still had no way to get to BEA.

I’d almost given up. Somehow, one last shot while browsing the Internet on my smart phone turned up a nocturnal discovery of a 3:00AM bus arriving in NY City. After locking in a ticket that was $47.00 roundtrip, I spent the next hour and a half running around like a chicken with my head cut off, searching for camera batteries to recharge, bags to stuff withbooks, vegan snacks, hunting for my license—then nothing. No license! Ugh #2. Thatsmall detail could’ve shut down everything...again. I was nearly moved to tears as I envision my opportunity to cover the show slipping away, due to my son lifting it out of my purse, or some random episode of being a distracted mom. I sprinted to my secret document stash. There it was. I called and was told that a passport would suffice. So, I had to use my passport. “I need to get to the bus in an hour and a half,” I shouted at my brother. He was on the phone and didn’t appreciate my curt announcement. We exchanged a few words about me not telling him my plan. Well, I had no plan. The ticket appeared in the system unexpectedly. That's what I was trying to tell him. I felt bad for disturbing him while he was on vacation, but oh well. Sorry, dude. I needed a ride. One that didn't add to my limited budget, I mean.

Amidst all of the chaos, I grabbed my bags, and buckled my boss into his car seat, realizing that I could have a disastrous trip, and return toa destroyed abode. I slipped off into the darkness while gulping hard. It had been a long time since I’d been any place without pushing a stroller or packing diaper bag.  Single mom duties don't have an off button. I felt like I was cheating, but there was no way I could take my boss along. I was already about four arms too short. Taking him would've added up to eight total. Everything was dark and eerily quiet. Plus, New York intimidated me. However, I ended up sitting next to a very interesting entrepreneur. After chatting, we dozed off to sleep. At 5:57 AM, I emerged from the belly of Port Authority to cover BEA as media for the first time.

I walked about 4 New York blocks, feeling uneasy stepping on wads of gum. I figured I could save cab money for the return tripat night. Although the main hall wasn’t scheduled to open until 9:00 AM, I wasable to find the media room, check in and charge my cell phone while snacking on a few things. BEA had a mobile app in place this year. I admit that I didn’tuse it but probably should’ve. I turned the corner and bam. The first thing I saw was some really buff guys in tank tops in a booth. Suddenly, I was awake!That did it.

I interviewed Justin Whitfield and Taylor Cole. Their inviting smiles and friendly demeanor made it hard not to stop and ask what kind of books they were touting. Okay. I had to ask. I got an answer.Elora’s Cave is described as “the world’s first and foremost publisher oferotic romance.”

My eyes scanned the branded bags, catchy slogans printed on giveaways and calendars. Elora’s Cave was the #1 fun booth at BEA. It only seemed right that Justin and Taylor’s book about male exotic dancing would’vebeen published by them. After recording an express interview, I walked a bit more. Harper Collins has a Christian division? I never knew that, so I noted itin my trusty tape recorder.

Chelsea Handler was taking pictures with fans. An assistant, publicist, or someone on her team had a stack of forms with preprinted links ofwhere to find the photos. How many times could one woman smile? She did it—again and again. Although she’s famous, even she had to put in promotional time. Books don’t sell themselves. People do. She looked as cute as a button, but her feet probably hurt, thanks to the price of beauty and fame.

I walked along picking up books as they were offeredto me—or anyone who would listen and grab. It was like a sugar addict shopping unsupervised in a candy store. My tote bag was getting heavier. My eyes were glazing over from the sight of what I love...books! I had to lug the tote bag backand forth to the media room, so I could recharge my phone. I paid for my greed, but it was worth it. If I could’ve carried more, I’m sure I would’ve. At least I will have a few books to blog about later. See, this is where my plan started making sense. Sort of.

Along my travels, I spotted another booth. I’d never heard of Akashic Books, but I'd heard of the runaway bestselling book, Go the F*** to Sleep. My godmother mentioned it to me, while I was a new sleep derived parent with a screaming infant that was new to my life. I didn’t realize that  I was speaking with the senior editor, but I later found out that Ibrahim was the individual who took the time to answer my questions at the booth. I asked to interview him. I’m excited to say that he kindly agreed. It turned out that has an exciting adventure lined up just around the corner. Super star, Prodigy—of Mobb Deep—willbe teaming up to launch an imprint with the publisher. Cough. Cough. Note to self: If you're going to jump in the ring, hit hard. If you’d like the inside scoop about the project, and which street lit authors are already signed up toparticipate in the book line, please stay tuned for an extensive interview in Grove Street. I’ve been saying for years that it makes sense to market hip hop music and street lit together. It seems like some publishers agree. Sorry for the shameless plug, but there will be more.

Harlequin was a popular area. I attended BEA Thursday. Unfortunately, the Kimani booth was only full of deal makers, not authors I knew anything about. Their other areas were buzzing with signings there, and people such as librarians asking questions. I recognized Brenda Jackson taking a breather at a corner table. Okay, I was getting warmer. Stalker mode awakened within. I’d tried to set up an appointment with a publicist before the show, but I guess she was swamped with requests. I eased in that direction and explained my plight. I was told that she’d return in about thirty minutes—maybe they could squeeze me in for an interview then. I ended up waiting way longer than that, but  hey—we’re talking about a writer who had written nearly 100 books. I did the right thing by hanging around like I was waiting for my lucky break. My shoulders were getting very sore from tending to my tote bag. The experience was becoming hellish, but I tried to pretend that I didn't fantasize about having a rolling suitcase. (They weren't allowed on the floor. I do believe it was for safety reasons.) My cell phone rang to notify me of the revised plan. I lugged my bulging bag of books back to the  media room. By the time it was my turn to speak to her, I was informed that the poor woman hadn’t eaten lunch. I agreed not to keep her long. Ms. Jackson was sweet, professional and the things I asked her brought out points that I’d never know. I felt honored to interview her. Really.

The one appointment that I did have was with theFounder of The Reading Room. I met Kim Anderson in the VIP Lounge. She was ajoy to talk to about technology, online book clubs, book selling, and all thatgood stuff.  Her interview will beanother feature that you don’t want to miss in Grove Street. Technology is really changing how consumers find, buy and discuss books. Start ups are booming.

After that, the tables were turned on me, when Ishot back to the media room to recharge my devices and sip lukewarm water. I was interviewed by a very sharp, ambitious group of New Yorkers who were trying togrow their media pursuits. I lost their card, but I wish them well. They were working it with cameras and mics and all. Ralph Baker Jr., author of The Shock Exchange, was busy pursuingthe sites, looking for opportunities to network. He gets the self-published author hustle award. I ended up interviewing him, too. It turned out that he penned avery interesting book linked to economics, the downturn of the economy, andhas a very impressive scholastic background. I remember the days of authors being hungry for any and all publicity. He seemed very passionate about his project. Kudos. Well wishes. All of it, Ralph. I give respect to hard grinders.

When I returned to the media room, I noticed another interview unfolding in a corner. I decided that I’d ask more about who the author was, after she finished. It turned out to be Carol M. of Black Expressions Book Club! Yes, the icon herself. When I introduced myself, she remembered who I was. I had a book in the club, during my last publishing deal. First, I was afraid to go to New York. Then, I found myself calling the bus company to see what would happen if I didn't take the specified bus back home. I decided to extend the evening, and ended up taking car service over to the Kensignton party. It was a nice affair in a super cool location. How did I get that lucky? At any rate, I met some people there while admiring the views of the city in a penthouse. Beautiful.

The publisher didn’t have a booth but did have that nice, private bash. My previous two books were linked to Kensington through distribution, so attending was a nice memory to tuck away in my mind. Toward the middle of the evening, Mr. Steven Zacharius, president and CEO of Kensington Books, summoned everyone’s attention. He spoke about his ninety employees—1 of whom has been working there for 30 years. It was Kensington’s 39^thanniversary as a publisher. He thanked everyone for coming, and shared they’d had a pretty good run of things the last 3 years. That was good news. Yes. Although I'm not signed to Kensington, I took that as a sign that the publishing industry hasn't completely dried up. Rumors have sent many authors into panic mode. Is America only interested in reading electronic books? Well, maybe so, maybe not. From what I've been hearing since I've been asking publishing professionals questions for Grove Street, it's evening out. It's become a preference issue.

I finally found the Maryland book people in thatparty—the infamous marketing guru, Ella Curry, Sharon Lucas of the Reading Divas Book Club, Jackie from another local book club, and Ms. Ella’s helpers.It was nice to see them all—it had been a while. Remember that big old bag of books of mine? I meant to admit it was more like two. A small one and a bigger one. "We" left on foot, headed toward the metro to get to another party in Harlem. I felt like a fish out of water, because I really hadn’t been before, and I felt like many people knew each other. It seemed like an informal reunion of sorts. I did spot Zane and her affiliates. Wahida Clark is someone that I’ve been trying to catch up with for an interview but no such luck yet. She did agree to let me take a photo, before easing out of the door. Of course my phone died, so how can I post it? Ispotted Ella and friends again. I was able to tag along with them for thirty minutes or so.

I was starting to get tired. It was getting late. We finally left, headed back to the other side of New York. I lost my transit ticket, or whatever that thing is, but with one golden swipe given by someone who kindly took me under her wing, I was headed back to Port Authority. That was the longest, drama-filled three hours ever, but leaving late was worth it. By 6:09AM the next morning, I arrived in Union Station. After taking a nap, I scattered the books in the floor, like a Halloween windfall. My son picked the Elmo children’s book out of the pile. Then I knew phase two of follow up had begun. Attending BEA as media gave me the inside view I needed to get a glimpseof where the book industry is headed, and how book sellers and publishers planto wake up sluggish sales—when and if that’s the case. I enjoyed expanding my horizons. As stated before attending, BEA isn’t the place to pitch a bookon-site, but I do fathom how it’s possible to make connections that may lead toa future opportunity. Below, you will find other noteworthy points. Please readthe next issue for specific literary news that you won’t want to miss.

• Some publishers were willing to snail mail ARCS when they became available. Others offered shorter excerpts in printed booklets, instead of giving away tons of books. Some smaller presses were more conservative with their giveaways.

• Technology was a bit part of the show. The formerchief evangelist of Apple and author—Guy Kawasaki—provided the Keynote atuPublishU. BEA E-Galley preview catalogues could be downloaded, but they would expire.(For example, Little Brown and Company is slated to publish Nelson Mandela’sLong Walk to Freedom. That caught my eye, when I looked at a link post BEA.)

• There were many virtual bookstores. E books were presented on touch screens.

• Self-publishing tools and services were significant in the show’s programming. There wasn't an air of stigma associated with not being traditionally published. However, it was clear that advisors were helping people to understand tips to do it right.

• Book previews seem bigger. For example, Publishers Lunch will offer excerpts from “40 of the most buzzed-about books.” A consumer’sedition will be available.

• Ingram now offers color POD services. By visiting www.ingramcontent.com, there’s also information to be found about life print. It's described as Ingram now delivering print manufacturing solutions for the entire cycle of the book.

• Alternative imprints like Harmonyinkpress.com had apresence. They publish LGBT Young Adult fiction. Dreamspinner Press is another.There were plenty of niche publishers, from Inspirational titles now also offered in Spanish (www.SummitUniversityPress.com);Michelin Travel & Lifestyle (featuring maps, travel guides, etc.) ; The Naval Institute Press, and business and children’s book publisher’s too.

• Mexico was a guest. Hablamos Espanol.

• Bloggers are gaining more respect and position. Inoticed that some are even quoted on some books. There was a bloggers conference as well. More publishers are incorporating blog tours into their online media campaigns. I predict that blogger outreach will continue to grow in the publishing industry, so keep blogging away, my writing friends!

 

My Hot Picks from the day that I attended are:

Sistergirls@ Work by Carol M. Mackey. I will provide a book review inthe Ezine. I loved it.

TheStiletto Network: Inside The Women’s Power Circles That Are Changing The Faceof Businessby Pamela Ryckman. This career book is getting good buzz.

TheOne Thing by Gary Keller with Jay Papasan. It’s already a NewYork Times Bestseller, although the book was released in April. Visit www.the1Thing.com. The book helps readers to achieve extraordinary results in work,personal, family and spiritual areas of life. I have a good feeling that I’ll like this one, too. A lot.

AkashicBooks will be on my watch list. I predict huge growth spurts for them, moving forward.

SweetDebbie’s Organic Treats; Allergy Free & Vegan Recipes from the Famous Los Angeles Bakery by Debbie Addler is a Harlequin title.Yes, that Harlequin. As Americans become more health conscious, I think more books like this stand a chance of getting published.  After flipping through the sampler that I picked up, it sounded perfectfor someone like me on a special diet.

TheManager The Politician and The Thief by Judivan J. Vieira.The book was a finalist as best fiction of 2013 for the International LatinoBook Award. Visit www.thesaurus.com.bror  www.doctorjudi.com.brfor more details about the author.

ModernDating: A Field Guide  is an offering from the experts of howaboutwe.com.  It mayevoke a look from twenty somethings with a sense of humor.  I didn’t read the entire book yet, but the authorsdon’t make being single a bad thing, and they take a comical look at moderndating. Consumers get a 3 month free trial to their dating website. The offer is in the back of the book. Interesting marketing strategy. The verdict is out, but I’m adding it for the time being.

Kid Stuff

LolaGoing Green by Christine Pakkala. Bonus points to Boyds Mills Press for having a Black History Month section in their catalogue. I liked what I saw in their catalogue very much. As far as this title, I will be passing it on to one my guest kid bloggers. I thumbed through it. Lola seems like lovable character. 7-10 year-olds are the target audience. The character seems quirky but interesting.

UnitedWe Spy by Ally Carter gets my “intrigued vote.” I think I've heard of this New York Times best-selling series (gallaghergirls.com). However, the branding pulled me in. It worked. It earned a trip in my bag. The excerpt will soon be in the hands of one of my other teen bloggers.

ZombieBaseball Beatdown by Paolo Bacigalupi geared toward 8-12 year olds. Hardcover publication is scheduled for September 2013. It looks likea boy’s book. Themes are said to range from food safety to immigration and racism.

AuntieM Children’s Book Publishing (www.ambcpublishing.com) even offersonline workshops, I heard. Tina Morgan is the owner. I’m shouting her out, because she had a great presence at her booth.

StorySticker is my top children’s technology pick. Anybook can reportedly become an audio book, by purchasing story sticker, downloading thefree app, scanning the code, recording the book, then placing the sticker in the book. It's supposed to play back when the code is scanned. The technology is designed for children to use 6 months and up. It records a family member reading a book. The recordings have no expiration date.  I'm motivated to give it a try.

What exactly do people do at BEA? I hope this wind down gave you a better idea. I'll upload pictures as soon as I'm able. I greatly appreciate the good people at BEA who approved me to cover the story. And that's why I want to bring you more dish, too. The bottom line is that publishing is a full-time business. Not every author is a full-time writer, but those who keep abreast of changes, and the state of literary affairs, have the benefit of knowing what's coming. I feel that investing in professional development is a smart strategy for anyone in any business. On the publishing end, just because the economy and technology has contributed to adjustments across the board, it doesn't mean that books and book business will be going anywhere. Thank God for that, because I'm addicted to books. They're like dear friends of mine who I never want to leave.

All the best,

Andrea

 

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. There was no African-American pavilion this year. And if any words are stuck together, it's the good old blogging gods playing tricks on all of us who now need technology.