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Marshall S Thomas
Awareness Member
Post Number:
30
Registered: 07-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 07:14 am: |   |
Hello gang!
I've been away awhile but thought I'd let y'all know about my adventure at MarsCon. That's a fan-based SF/fantasy convention, mostly gaming, that came to Williamsburg, Virginia, where I live. It was kind a a stealth convention - I didn't know about it until I saw an article in the local paper a day before it hit town. My publisher Timberwolf had recently sent me 10 copies of my book Soldier of the Legion so I walked in and the folks at MarsCon said sure, you can sit at the writer's table in the dealer's room. They even gave me free admission, although I understand that doesn't usually happen.
Well, it was fun. I made a lot of good contacts, picked up some good ideas from the three other writers that were there, and learned about other SF and book conventions in this area. Everybody there was very friendly and I enjoyed it. Also I saw a lot of way out costumes from the gaming people. I stayed there three days and sold two books! That wasn't so bad because I outsold the lady next to me who sold one. The other two writers sold a few more, but not many more. They said the idea is to get publicity for your book, and the expenses to get to the convention usually exceed what you make from book sales, especially if it's a gaming convention. Anyway I handed out a lot of propaganda for my web site and I've already seen a spike in visitors.
Best quote: "I'd buy your book, but I don't have any money."
I'm planning to go to SheVaCon in Roanoke, Virginia, late February. It's also mostly a gaming con, but it will have a lot of writers attending.
The impression I have so far is that it's worth going to these things to build publicity. Does anyone agree or disagree? This was my first SF/fantasy convention and I'd like to hear from others who have been to similar literary or gaming or book conventions. What were your experiences? Was it worthwhile or a waste of time?
Incidentally I sold three books outside the convention so I have five left. I hope to sell those in the next few days to friends and acquaintances and once the 10 books are all gone I'll ask Timberwolf for more.
Regards to all, Marshall.
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Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1453
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 04:29 pm: | |
Hi, Marshall!
Dennis is out expert on conventions...with C.E. running a close second. I've heard nothing but positive comments about the benefits. I'll be attending my first Mystery Convention in October.
So...not an expert. But Dennis and C.E. will be able to address your question more completely.
Nancy |
C. E. Winterland
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1332
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 05:48 pm: | |
Hey Marshall 
Sounds like a good time. Hey, if you're at one of these game conventions and you see a tall, dark haired guy walking around with long fingernails and eyeliner on in the shape of crowsfeet named Matthew Weber, say "hi" for me! He is a friend of mine from the big apple who writes gaming books - his first was called "Awakenings" and though I'm no expert, it seemed like good stuff.
CEW |
Claudia Turner VanLydegraf
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
809
Registered: 06-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 06:14 pm: | |
Sounds to me like you did good, and will always benefit from going to conferences that are related to your book genre. Myself, I have been invited to attend and bring books to a Bastard Nation conference in September. They are trying to get the records of adoptees open in all 50 states, so that in the very worst of scenarios, an adopted adult can get access to medical information if need be, and in the best of situations, can get in touch with the birth parent that gave them up, if that is also the wish of the birthparent. I anticipate having good talks with a number of people there, as I have already reunited with my two sons, and maybe being able to make some connections that will help get my book off of the ground and known in some of those circles around the country. The conference is being held in Las Vegas.
Keep it up and get involved in those that you can get to, and your book may start reaping the benefits.
Just my two centavos worth.
Claudia |
Marshall S Thomas
Awareness Member
Post Number:
31
Registered: 07-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 26, 2004 - 07:53 pm: | |
Nancy, C.E. and Claudia - Thanks! I did have a good time although I learned it's a good idea to bring a book that somebody else wrote as well, so you'll have something to read during the down times! I'll keep going to these and see what happens.
Regards to all, Marshall |
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