Let's Discuss: Multi-Author Events

 

Two discussions in one week! Who am I?! Lol. Another idea popped up in my head and thought it would be fun to discuss since I'm going back and forth on the subject in real life now as well!

Multi-Author Events

So I'm curious, what's your criteria for attending multi-author events? Things like YALLFest or the other bigger events like Book Harvest Con and all the other bookish cons, even Book Con since that came back around! Whether it's a "free" event like YALLFest or paid ticket format like the others, what are things you consider before attending?

For me, the first factor is always, WHO'S ATTENDING? Who's going to be there that I want to see? There's usually a handful at least, whether I am a die hard reader fan or they're on my TBR pile or I've just read one book, there's usually always a small few on the list and I am always happy to meet more authors too!

Then it's the where. Where is this? How much will it cost me to get there? Because let's face it, it's likely going to be somewhere that requires traveling in some way. Then I have to start weighing out the costs of travel, hotel stays, food, transportation if it requires airfare as well. Then it becomes is this cost worth meeting the amount of authors in attendance that I want to see? How many of their books do I have, is there a signing limit mentioned? 

So for instance, though YALLFest is FREE to attend, the cost of flights, hotel stays, transportation, and food costs is pretty high. I've attended a few times before, always love it, but my goodness that is a PRICEY trip to take for a free author event. So sadly, I didn't go this year as I just couldn't reasonably afford it. I should try throwing caution to the wind and book a flight when they are cheap before they even announce the author listing and play that gamble and just go as the pictures posted always leave me with KOMO.

While it's rare, there is occasionally that FREE event that takes place within my area. For instance there's a one day event next month filled with YA authors. Sadly, there's only like 2 authors in attendance that I would like to get books signed from. 1 I have met, 1 I haven't. But since it's free and local, I am definitely going! Lol. But if this were an instance of travel costs and hotel stays, I'd definitely have to pass. There's also one more author I just met earlier this year but I want to see if I can get her to sign the book's title page versus the Owl Crate title page that was already signed. For some reason, she skipped signing that particular title page and it's probably weird of me wanting THAT page signed too, but I thought, why not try again since I'm there! Lol.

But yes, author attendance is always the main factor for me. And then it's punching in the numbers to see if the costs justify the means and I'll play it by ear at the time! Sometimes I sadly have to pass, but other times, I grant myself permission to go! Lol. I'm already attending one event next year in Nashville that so far really only has 3 authors that I know, 2 I still need to read, but the other is Stephanie Garber, so it will already be worth it! Lol. And it's drivable, so no flight costs for me! 

What are some of the factors you have to consider before attending a multi-author event?