ABA Programs at BEA Offer Booksellers Opportunity to Meet With Editors and Publicists

American Booksellers Association programming at BookExpo America will once again provide booksellers with two unique opportunities to network with publishers. Last year’s popular “Meet the Editor” program is returning, and new this year is “Publicists Speed Dating.” Pre-registration for each program will open next week and will close May 11.

Here’s a peak at what’s in store:

Meet the Editor
Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at publishing offices around the city

“Meet the Editor” will provide booksellers with the opportunity to experience the book editing process through in-person visits with book editors at their offices. Booksellers will go directly to their assigned publishing house at 9:30 a.m., where they will meet with editors for approximately 90 minutes. 

The structure of the editor meetings will vary by publisher, but all are meant to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the philosophy and process of book editing.  Booksellers will be on their own to return to the Javits Convention Center following the publisher visits. 

Booksellers will be randomly assigned and will receive their publisher information by e-mail prior to BEA. Three booksellers per ABA member store location may participate.

Publicists Speed Dating
Friday, May 29, from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., in the Javits Convention Center’s Galleria Hall

“Publicists Speed Dating,” which is modeled after the popular “Reps Picks” format, will provide booksellers with the opportunity to meet with publicists from a number of publishers for approximately 12 minutes each. These conversations are a chance for booksellers to promote their stores, as well as to discover what publicists look for when they plan author tours.

This event is open to owners, general managers, and event managers from ABA member bookstores. Three booksellers per store location may register. Space is limited and will be capped at 50 store locations.

Watch for more details on ABA programming at BEA and links to pre-registration in next Thursday’s Bookselling This Week.