J. L. Willow

One of my favorite times of the year is almost upon us — Bookcon! This Saturday and Sunday, some of the best writers and most avid readers will meet in New York City and share their love of books. (If you’re new to Bookcon, check out their awesome website here!)

If you’re attending Bookcon this year, you’re in luck — I’ll be there! Stop by Booth #1133 and say hi 🙂 I’ll be selling copies of The Scavenger as well as giving out bookmarks and fun prizes!

Whether or not you’re a Bookcon pro, it’s always a little overwhelming when you first arrive at the Javits Center. Through my experiences, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite tips to make sure you can make the most of your Bookcon! Enjoy!

1. Make sure you have your Exhibitor Pass

This seems pretty straightforward, but it’s SUPER important to have your exhibitor pass ready (and activated if you preordered it). Otherwise, be sure to pick them up at the desk when you get there. You’ll need to keep it with you at all times during Bookcon. They’ll give you a handy (and usually nerdy) lanyard to use so you won’t have to worry about losing it as long as you’re wearing it.

2. Check out the program

Right when you enter Bookcon, you’ll notice Bookcon provides flyers for the event. In it, you’ll find the list and locations of all the authors and exhibitors that can be found at the Center. Be sure to check every page carefully for freebies, giveaways, and ARC releases that occur through the day! It’s a great way to make sure that you make the most of every opportunity.

3. Download the app

Bookcon has an awesome app that provides an even easier way to access all the Booth locations and events. It has a handy schedule, search bar and blurb for every booth so you know what to find where. Most importantly, if you allow notifications to be sent to your phone, you’ll be notified of important events like speakers, giveaways and more! It’s another way to make sure you don’t miss anything important.

4. Keep your eyes open at ALL TIMES

Booths and publishing companies are constantly giving out free books, merch, ARCs, even bags! Make sure you’re on the look-out for any freebies you can get your hands on. Aside from the books (of course), the bags are probably the second most important. You won’t believe how many books you end up taking home at the end of the day! I

5. Don’t be afraid to approach authors

I can not express how excited I am to meet all my readers this coming weekend! I completely understand how nerve-wracking it can be approaching your favorite authors, but the reward is well worth the risk! Bookcon is a great opportunity to ask your favorite authors questions about their writing or work, or just say hi! I can tell you for sure that we are more than willing to talk to excited readers (we might be just as excited ourselves!).

And those are my tips for making the most of your Bookcon experience! Again, if you’re heading to the Javits Center this weekend, be sure to stop by Booth #1133 and say hi!

Hope to see you there! 🙂

— J. L. Willow