So if you were wondering exactly what I pack, here's a checklist for you!
(Attendance less than 10,000)
I pack specifically for the convention. If it is a science fiction convention, I might grab a few more Other Systems. If it’s a comic con, I’ll grab more Out For Souls & Cookies and artwork. I also always consider attendance.
15 Other Systems +display copy
6-10 The Light Side of the Moon +display copy
10 sets of Out For Souls and Cookies (Bagged and Boarded) + loose display copies
5 Additional Copies of Out for Souls and Cookies #1
7-10 Copes of Lure +display copy
3 Sets of Faminelands +display copy
2-5 Copies of 25 or so different prints (Bagged and Boarded)
(Attendance 10,000 – 50,000)
20 Other Systems
10 The Light Side of the Moon
20 sets of Out For Souls and Cookies (Bagged and Boarded)
5 Additional Copies of Out for Souls and Cookies #1
10 Copes of Lure
5 Sets of Faminelands
5 Copies of 25 or so different prints (Bagged and Boarded)
(Attendance 50,000+ ECCC/Comicon)
35 Other Systems
20 The Light Side of the Moon
25 sets of Out For Souls and Cookies (Bagged and Boarded)
5 Additional Copies of Out for Souls and Cookies #1
10 Copes of Lure
5 Sets of Faminelands
5 Copies of 25 or so different prints (Bagged and Boarded)
Why don’t I bring more?
Because the more I drag around, the more likely it is to get damaged. Besides, the most I have ever sold of a single item at a conventions was 35 copies of Faminelands: The Carp’s Eye. That was at its release at ECCC 2008. Once I had more products, each product sells less.
Also books are heavy. Airplanes only let you take so much luggage. Shipping is expensive. Gas is expensive.
Signage/Banners
Marketing Giveaways:
Excerpts, Bookmarks, Buttons, Etc.
Display Stands: I set out everything in display stands before I leave so I can see how it looks.
Sales Sheet, Cash Box and Credit Card Reader:
I personally like to have $100 to open. 10 Five’s 50 One’s.
Tablecloths and cover cloth: I use Queen Size Flat Bed sheets. They come in a wide variety of colors and wash well. At the end of the day, bring another sheet to cover inventory.
Personal Emergency Kit:Band-Aids and Neosporin, Wet wipes, tissues, hand sanitizer, Sanitary napkins, chapstick, nail glue, Zyrtec, Aspirin, and Tylenol, Dayquil, Elastic bands, Comb
Office Supplies: Pens for signing books, Blue Painter’s tape, Scotch Tape, Large Binder Clips, 3 x 5 cards, 1″ price lables
Foam Mat/Tiles: Convention Centers aren’t known for their thick padded carpets.
Food: I don’t leave my table for meals. I eat right there, grabbing bites when I can.
1 liter of water per day
A coffee beverage with 2 shots of espresso
Bag of apple slices and or baby carrots/celery for snacks
Bagel with cream cheese for breakfast
Sandwich with meat for lunch
Final note on Clothing: I wear my good jeans, a loose-fitting peasant blouse type top. Basically, my goal is to look casually business-like. I also bring a light sweater or hoodie, because the environment is constantly shifting from hot and cold as doors open, groups of people move around etc.
On my feet: I wear hiking socks and comfortable MaryJane-style shoes. I personally like Clarks, but have also heard good things about Keens. If my knees start getting really sore, I switch to TEVAs for a little while. Yes, that does mean I am wearing sandals with socks, but no one can see my feet behind the table.
Did I miss anything? Is there anything other authors like to have at conventions? Share in the comments!