tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post6134690007124036505..comments2023-12-12T11:49:36.184-06:00Comments on GreenBeanTeenQueen: Everything I Need To Know About Conferences I Learned in KindergartenGreenBeanTeenQueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-54400083336656862542012-06-12T10:36:24.268-05:002012-06-12T10:36:24.268-05:00Hey Sarah! I'm a little late chiming in here ...Hey Sarah! I'm a little late chiming in here but, as you know, I'm grateful for this post on multiple levels: as a librarian and also as a former publishing rep. <br /><br />Pam's right - getting books signed is one of the best parts. First, you get to meet the author (you love it, the author loves it, and the publisher loves it - happiness for all). Second, a lot of times you get to know the people in line around you - good chance to network. Third, sometimes it gives you some much-needed rest time. Lastly, when I was in publishing and was "working the line", that's when I made some of my best connections with teachers and librarians..."working the line" was my favorite (I also took that opportunity to ask the librarians about the awesome books they were getting in other booths...since I couldn't escape from mine!). As an attendee, waiting in line could be your chance to bend the publishing rep's ear about upcoming books, etc.<br /><br />Melissa, my recommendation is Make A Plan! Check out all the author signings in the ALA schedule BEFORE the conference and plan which ones you want to go to. Also note that a lot of authors sign in multiple publishers' booths so, if you miss your fave author in one booth, you might be able to get a hold of them somewhere else. If you make a loose plan/schedule, it can help you stay sane. (Also note: there are often nooks and crannies on the exhibit floor to look out for. One year, one of the database vendors had a TWO-STORY booth. Hardly anyone was going up to the second story...but guess what was up there? FREE COFFEE!!!! And GOOD coffee!!! People in the know were sipping free java while everyone else waited in the Starbucks line that was 30 people long! So keep an eye out!) <br /><br />Lastly, this is in line with a lot of what you said, Sarah, but also remember that the authors are people too. I've seen some truly disrespectful, inconsiderate behavior toward authors, especially the very popular ones. We own and love their books so it's quite easy to feel an unconscious sense of ownership of them. But they are independent people and sometimes that needs to be reiterated, I think. (But don't be afraid to talk to them and approach them! Believe me, they really do like it and they really do want to talk to you!)<br /><br />Phew! Sorry for the long comment!!! So much to say about conferences...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02237921600705834870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-81439714041752073552012-05-31T19:15:22.952-05:002012-05-31T19:15:22.952-05:00I'm so happy you posted about this, Sarah. I s...I'm so happy you posted about this, Sarah. I saw most of this on the exhibit floor at NCTE and was disgusted. It's true about remembering people. I was with my friend Jillian, and we were remembered because we asked the reps the same types of questions you suggest. It was nice talking with them because we both discovered quite a few books we didn't know anything about. It pays to be nice and polite.Sarah @ Y.A. Lovehttp://yaloveblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-14529524330253096532012-05-31T13:46:39.891-05:002012-05-31T13:46:39.891-05:00I'm finally getting to ALA this year, but only...I'm finally getting to ALA this year, but only the exhibits (oh the budget woes). I'm actually feeling a bit terrified of the exhibit hall, though, after all the horror stories. I think I'll definitely be limiting what I take home, if I can even find my way around the hall :)melissa @ 1lbrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292714636311546457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-2371202257498931242012-05-31T13:29:12.945-05:002012-05-31T13:29:12.945-05:00This is a great post! The best part of going to AL...This is a great post! The best part of going to ALA for me is getting to meet wonderful people like you. I can't wait to see you SOON!!Lisa Schroederhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10677227681455190084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-81530831650283239002012-05-31T12:44:58.203-05:002012-05-31T12:44:58.203-05:00Not taking too much was helped for me by mailing m...Not taking too much was helped for me by mailing my books home from BEA. Limiting my selection to one shipped box - or you can limit to your suitcase or whatever - helps prioritize what you take. Look for the conference <i>experience</i>, not just any free ARC. I like the signings the most because meeting the author - and even the waiting in line - makes the book mean a bit more to me.MotherReaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11274509991340797264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-38770758542500859012012-05-31T12:25:33.745-05:002012-05-31T12:25:33.745-05:00Wonderful advice!Wonderful advice!Midnyte Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10411332857885069319noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-15992430254972730602012-05-31T11:52:11.227-05:002012-05-31T11:52:11.227-05:00"Be nice" and "You will be remember..."Be nice" and "You will be remembered" at the two biggies for me. Because guess who I remember? I remember those who were very nice and I remember those who were unable to be nice the most. <br /><br />Great reminders, Sarah!Kelly Jensenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14288216494070095497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-2728154762908699272012-05-31T09:15:51.650-05:002012-05-31T09:15:51.650-05:00Great post! This will be my fourth year at BEA, an...Great post! This will be my fourth year at BEA, and each year I learn a little more and I approach things a little differently. This year I am finally going with the tack of actually talking to all of my publishing rep contacts and I actually have several appointments set up! Yes, there are a few major titles that I'm hoping to snag, but I have also experienced taking home WAY TOO MANY books, so I will be cutting way back this year... :)Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06493359469313592497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-42085451631791575062012-05-31T08:38:12.867-05:002012-05-31T08:38:12.867-05:00I'm particularly feeling the ARC overdemand. I...I'm particularly feeling the ARC overdemand. I have a box of books left from ALA last year (I hope to be able to give them away as prizes this year but who knows) so no more. I have a couple titles I would really love to read this year but I am going to be very conservative about ARCs at annual this year. It costs money and time I don't have to lug them around. I'd rather be using that time in a smarter way at ALA.<br /><br />Excellent post! It truly does come down to those early, fundamental skills we learned way back in the day. Be nice, share, give thanks, etc.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03143076553082307597noreply@blogger.com