Everything You Need To Know About Book Events

I’ve not been going to book events for very long, in fact it was only last year that they started becoming my entire personality. I typically go to at least one book event a month, and they seem to have overtaken my frequency of live music events. This is why you know you’ve hit your mid thirties.

There are a few different types of book events. The larger events like YALC (Young Adult Literary Convention) or RARE (Romance and Readers Expo) work in a similar way to events like Comic Con. Typically there will be a schedule for the day featuring author talks, workshops and signings. I’ve only ever been to YALC before but it’s one of my favourite places in the world.

But more often you’ll get smaller book events held in bookshops or event spaces. This is where an author (or two) will discuss their book and work with a host. These are generally much smaller and will include a signing with the author(s) afterwards.

Why I love book events

For me they encompass everything I love about reading. And I get to surround myself with other people who feel the same.

A lot of book events tend to include talks and it’s always fascinating hear authors talk about their work, their inspirations and their passions. I remember coming out of a talk with Taylor Jenkins Reid and wanting to write a book myself. Although that feeling was short lived, she just made it feel so possible.

At these types of events you’ll be in a room with loads of people who also love the same author, book or genre as you. While I tend to go with another bookish friend I have been to some alone and when I’ve built up the courage I’ve had a great time chatting to other fans in the crowd or signing queues.

I also love a good signing event. Usually you’ll get a chance to get your books signed after a talk (unless it’s a very big event). And having books personalised to me (especially ones I absolutely love) are always special.

Where to find out about book events

Most of the book events I find are through Waterstones as they do a lot of awesome ones. Generally I check their website every week or so, and they also promote them on their social media. But for more popular authors they might sell out before they’re promoted on social media.

Other bookshops also do events so it’s worth checking out places like Foyles, or Forbidden Planet who do signings. Or any independent book shops near you. FANE run a lot of much larger book events (talks without the signing) and this is where I booked to see Taylor Jenkins Reid through.

There are also a lot of literary festivals that have a number of book events going on such as the recent Hay Festival, and the Henley Literature Festival that I went to last year.

If you love particular authors it’s worth following them on social media as chances are they’ll announce any events there first.

Useful things to know about book events

If you’re going to a book talk with a signing afterwards try and sit as close to the front as possible. Generally after a talk they’ll bring people up to queue for signings row by row. So the closer to the front you are the quicker you’ll get through to the signing. We went to see Jay Kristoff at a particularly large event in London and were quite near the back so we ended up waiting around three hours after the talk to meet him and get our books signed. If you’re at an event in a book shop you won’t be waiting this long. But I like to be out as quick as I can.

Most events will offer a combined book and ticket price which tends to work out cheaper than buying individually. So if you want to buy a copy of the book then buy the combo ticket. You’ll get the chance to pick up the book at the event when you arrive.

If you’re heading to a large event like YALC you’ll want to plan your day to get the most out of it. In the lead up to this years event I’ll be doing a post all about this event in particular.

Have you ever been to a book event?