I received this email from Michelle, who asked for some advice for the RWA Literacy Signing on Saturday in NYC:
I’m planning to go to the Literacy Signing next Saturday. I’ve never been to it before, but I’m a New Yorker, so why not?
Just wondering if there are any general tips on how to navigate the room or the crowd during the signing. How early should I get there?
Any advice is totally appreciated!
My advice included:
- Definitely wear comfortable shoes
- Be prepared to wait in line
- Try to aim for the major authors you want to see first thing.
I don’t know how early folks should get there, but no matter when one arrives, there will probably be a bit of a wait to get in, if past years are any measure. The good news is, once inside, there will be books to read while waiting! I’m not signing this year, but I know many, many authors are – the complete list is on the RWA website.
What about you? Got any advice for the RWA Literacy book signing for Michelle?
And if you’re wondering, yes! This Saturday, July 27, 3-5pm ET at the New York Marriott Marquis!
It may have changed since this event was in NYC last, but I did go then, so let’s see what I remember from 2015! I’m excited to go again and see what’s changed.
-The hotel did have signage set up and a separate room set aside for people to sit in before the doors opened. I think everyone got a map and/or list of authors attending, so you could start plotting while you wait.
-NO books from home allowed, since the point of the signing is to raise money.
-The room was set up alphabetically by last name, and I think they had the end of the alphabet closest to the front of the room? Bigger-draw authors tended to be at the end of aisles, or at the edges of the room – and the lines got fairly long!
-Authors have books available at their tables, some of them had little swag items as well. The books tend to be their newest release, or maybe a very popular title from their backlist. The popular authors did sell out, so make sure you get your must-have titles early.
-Before you left the room, you stood in another long line to checkout and purchase your books. Remember that you have to pay for all of these, so try to keep a running tally so you don’t get a shock at the end!
-I’m pretty sure that no roller bags or carts were allowed?
-I don’t think most authors did photos?
-Everyone was really nice and happy to be there!
General NYC advice for anyone travelling in from out of town – check mta.info for any service changes to the subway. A lot of trains run to Times Sq/Port Authority, but they don’t run as frequently on the weekends.
-Leave yourself extra time to dodge the crowds in Times Sq as well! Walking on the side streets, or over on 8th avenue can be a bit faster.
-Don’t get suckered into a photo op with a costumed character if you don’t want to. If you do, be aware that the characters will want money for that photo.
-Food in Times Sq is pricey!! Go a couple avenues west for better variety and (sometimes only slight) less expensive options.
-If you get lost, don’t be afraid to ask for directions! New Yorkers have a scary reputation, but pretty much everybody is happy to give directions, though you may get two or more of us giving different opinions on what’s the best route 😉
Check to see if a roller bag or laundry cart is allowed–the NSTA (National Science Teachers’ Association) convention in Los Angeles one year allowed me to roll a laundry cart, probably because my husband was handicapped and used a convention go-cart with a very tiny basket (and I had already been a pack mule at a regional convention). You don’t know till you ask. If not, bring a back pack if only to carry all the weight in a reasonably safe manner.