BEA.

BEA, as BookExpo America is usually referr to, is an annual trade exhibit to publishing rights forum and industry meeting for consultation that showcases the $25 billion volume publishing industry. Formerly known as the American bibliopoles Association Convention and Trade Exhibit, the BEA parley is not open to the general public. However, volume lovers will likely see the be the effects of the negotiating at the convention in their local bookstores and libraries. More than 20000 bibliopoles publishers, authors, agents, librarians, critics and other industry professionals are reckon uponed to attend.

This year, the 101st BookExpo America will be held at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center in recently made known York City from May 1 to 5 Educational programs and the International Rights Center will be held at the same time, and the exhibition halls will be expand from May 3 through 5 for all non-industry BEA attendees.

above the course of the five-day event--which roll ons from Wednesday through Sunday --there are athwart 100,000 square feet of space brimming with books: Hardbound works paperbacks, books-on-tape and CDs, e-book magazines about parts and merchandise including everything from bookmarks to bookshelves are all forward display. According to Chicago Sun-Times writer Mike Thomas, who attended last year's convention held in the Windy City, it is "the biggest, baddest literary orgy in the English-speaking world."

Hyperbole? Perhaps. unless author Alice Wootson, who attended her first BEA last year, says that while the talk gave her greater insight into the industry as a whole, she ground "the sheer size of it almost overwhelming." on the contrary she adds, "I found it energizing. I went abiding-place ready to get back to work."

Emma Rodger of Black Images part Bazaar in Dallas, Texas, has attended BEA service the late 1970 Rodger has devised a scheme for making the most of her time. She advises bibliopoles to prepare ahead of time before they visit the exhibit area.

"Take 3 x 5 cards and fare through the program to behold where everybody is that you ne to see" she moves "Go through the program and organize your visit by way of sections to make the greatest in number of your time. That way you aren't wandering up and down aisles, criss-crossing or backtracking to descry the people and things you ne to see

"If you have trade rep from the major houses calling upon you, don't go to those publishers' booths" says Rodger "However, you should make a point of visiting the small pres area where you'll find self-published authors and those not exhibited by a major house. fare to the sideline areas to find items like calendars and other merchandise to shortage your business," she says.

Rodger warns attendees not to realize bogged down with the whirl of giveaways at BEA. After 9/11 airports and overall security have increased, and shipping outlays have escalated as well. "Don't stock up forward a lot of stuff you'll have to pay freight for," she advises. "Be selective about what you pick up"

approach away with more than a bump of galleys

Manie Barron, a literary agent at the William Morris Agency agrees."One thing that publishers hate is the `Pac-Man' mentality that encircles readers editions and galleys," he says, referring to novel releases, which are often distributed during BEA. "Readers' editions and galleys are expensive--more expensive than a hardcover book--and collectors should note they're worth more than first editions. They are for bibliopolists Don't grab every one you see" says Barron. "Pick and prefer then ask someone in the booth if you can have a copy"

Barron says for authors, "the greatest in number important thing is to walk the exhibit floor and see what's gone out there." Despite cutbacks by publishers, writers should essay to get catalogs from each house to papal court what is being published now and in succession fall lists.

Authors, particularly self-published authors, should be aware that the publishing race staffing the booths are not editors. "You will excessively rarely find editors attending these shows" says Barron. "The folks in the booths are from sales, marketing and publicity. They can't do anything with your volume so don't give it to them. They are simply going to throw it away after you leave."

Learn while you network

BookExpo has an educational constituent with dozens of industry-related workshops. Rodger advises bibliopoles to attend workshops and roundtable discussions that are important to their personal and business goals. "As an independent bibliopole if your strong suit is romance or mystery, make positive you attend events that focus in succession those areas."

Author Francis Ray says writers who arise to the event "should be prepared to network like not at any time before. They should have a specific number of of the present day booksellers they want to adapted and add to their database.

"Don't suffer any bookseller walk away without exchanging business cards or giving them printed material about your books" says Ray. "However, remember that bibliopoles receive a tremendous amount of printed material by way of the end of BEA, likewise to ensure that your information goe in their luggage and not the trash, please KISS-- `Keep it simple, Simon!'"