Galleys Galore – Book Expo Recap

Last week I was in New York for Book Expo America, the largest trade show of the publishing industry.  For this first-time conference attendee and aspiring author, the show was overwhelming but also quite educational and inspirational.  I learned about and met various publishers and got a better sense of what goes on in the professional world of books!

I picked up several advanced copies (one of the show perks!) and I’m excited to dig in.  Plus, I got a sneak-peek at some cool titles coming out this fall including: Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey and the Craft Inc. Business Planner by Meg Mateo Ilasco.  Definitely check these out!  I was drooling.

I was so busy wandering the halls and soaking it all in that I didn’t get to any of the seminars.  Heard there were some good ones on social networking and e-books/Kindle.  During my roaming, however, I happened to bump into the brilliant and witty author Karen Salmansohn who I saw speak last year at a Ladies Who Launch event for her awesome book Bounce Back.  She was tremendously helpful and offered valuable feedback and insights into some of my projects.  I am so grateful!  Plus it was fun to see her in action giving love advice for her new book, Prince Harming: Break Bad Relationship Patterns for Good Using the Timeless Secrets of Aristotle. Man, this woman is sharp and hilarious!

My friend Cami Walker’s forthcoming book 29 Gifts: How One Month of Giving Changed my Life was featured at the Perseus Books booth.  I loved reading an excerpt from the samplers they had out and loved seeing her book cover (different from these samplers) displayed on a big screen at the booth, too.  She has an amazing personal story.  I’m thrilled for her, her book and her giving movement.

And not only did I get to hang out with my college roomie, Matea, in Brooklyn before the show, I also got to reunite with my friends Rae, Moon and Lesley from Kimberly Wilson’s March Hip Tranquil Chick Retreat.  Lesley was actually at BEA as well representing the Girl Scouts.  I was impressed by the programs and accompanying books they have for helping young girls build leadership skills.  Things sure have changed since I was a Brownie!

I’m still integrating all that I learned from my research, the contacts I made and the guidance from my book coach.  And I’m extremely excited about the next chapter of my own book ideas!