I’m going to more conferences this year than I usually do.
That’s because I have a new release in a new series coming out this year, in
March. That’s what I tell myself.
Will going to more conferences help me sell more books? Will
it help me get more name recognition? More readers?
As many writers have pointed out in the past, you never know
what works and what doesn’t. There’s no way to quantify it. What I know, is
that if I do nothing, no publicity at all, no conferences, no blogs, no guest
blogs, my sales dwindle drastically. When I do everything, my books sell. If I
only knew which things to do and which things I could let go! I doubt that will
ever happen.
So this year, in addition to Malice Domestic, which I nearly
always attend, I’m going to Left Coast Crime in San Diego (my third one), and
to Killer Nashville (I think it’s my third one there, too.)
I’m doing as much as I can at each conference. The only one
all set up so far is LCC and I was fortunate to be given two panels. I was also
fortunate enough to have Maya Corrigan pair up with me for what they call an author-reader connection. This is new to me, but it’s going to be great fun, I
predict. We’ll meet at a Greek restaurant and give out books and buy baklava
for our guests. That ought to create fans, don’t you think? If it doesn’t, what
will?
I’m not looking forward to spending all this money on the
conferences, but I will try to forget all about that while I’m doing them. Hope
to see a lot of you there!
If nothing else, going to writers' conferences is a lot of fun. I hope you have a terrific time. I will be a Malice in May and am looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteSee you at Killer Nashville.
ReplyDeleteThey are a luxury, at least, aren't they, Grace? See you at Malice, and you--Margaret--in Nashville!
ReplyDeleteI didn’t quite know what to expect when I went to my first conference. I found it was great to meet the authors I’d only read about. I’m trying Left Coast Crime this year, so I’ll see you there!
ReplyDeleteYes, Susan--we can finally meet!
ReplyDeleteSee you at Malice!
ReplyDeleteYes, see you there, Josh!
ReplyDeleteConferences is where I make connections and find out things about publishing that aren't posted on social media. They are invaluable. It's also lovely to meet people who go out of their way to tell me that they like my books. See you at LCC! I'm also going to B'con. Are you?
ReplyDeleteI agree, Keenan! When you DO make the connections, it's totally worth it. No B'con, but see you at LCC!
ReplyDeleteI love going to conferences! I built my retirement budget around a plan for three conferences a year--Malice (I live close enough that I can drive there, so minimal transportation costs) and two others, including airfare if need be.
ReplyDeleteAlas. "The best laid plans of mice and men..." I am now caretaker for my husband, and while I can ask my daughters to help out once in a while, both are in graduate school & working, so it has to be only an occasional request.
I really miss seeing everyone! I may make it to Malice for one day this year, but that's about it.
Have a drink for me and enjoy all the opportunities that conferences offer.
Kathleen
Kaye, you'll have so much fun. That author connection sounds cool - I've got to get to LCC one of these days. My niece had the effrontery to put her wedding on Malice weekend, so my only conference this year will be Crimebake. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, if you make it to Malice one day, I hope I'm free to see you!
ReplyDeleteShari, the nerve of the niece! I've never done Crimebake, but must--one of these years. Have fun there!
Hey, Kaye, see you in San Diego! Are you going to skip Bouchercon?
ReplyDeleteGood! Glad you'll be there. Yes, skipping B'con. I did Dallas and don't think I can do to many of those in a row.
ReplyDeleteThe few conferences I go to are lots of fun. A chance to see friends and readers. See you at Malice.
ReplyDeleteI do love going to them, Marilyn. I'd go to all of them if I never had to write a book and had endless funds. Yes, see you at Malice!
ReplyDelete