One of the most prominent pieces of advice I've been receiving about entering publishing is variations of: "Get to know the industry."
Taking this advice to heart, I've begun researching and reading everything I can about everything publishing. I've dived into issues of Publishers Weekly, "attended" Digital Book World webcasts, scoured the Literary Market Place, scrolled through LinkedIn articles by groups like Society of Young Publishers and Book Publishing Professionals, and, of course, employed uncountable Google searches. Among my findings, I discovered the Book Expo America website. The BEA is the largest annual trade fair in the U.S.A. Now, I realize that the BEA is extremely well-known in the publishing industry--a publishing professional not knowing about the BEA is like a fish not knowing what water is--the BEA is essential in publishing. I initially did not know this! And I admit, I felt a bit silly since I am looking to start a publishing career. But, as a recent graduate yet to land an entry-level job in the industry, I chalked up my unawareness to being a novice and quickly began to research everything there is to learn about the BEA to remedy this.
The BEA serves as a networking mecca for publishing professionals. It is an opportunity for authors, booksellers, and publishers to show off their books, discuss the latest frontiers in publishing, and celebrate quality writing. On the BEA website (http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Home/), you'll find a full list of exhibitors, author events, new books and titles, BEA podcasts, and conference topics that span the gamut in publishing news.
This year, the expo is located in New York City, but the BEA makes a point of ensuring that those who could not attend can still participate. I definitely fall into the category of "those" people and I'm delighted to find way to access part of the BEA experience.
The BEA has integrated the expo experience with online outlets. Tweeting and posting updates about current events, shout-outs to individuals, and sharing favorite quotes, the BEA Twitter page keeps you informed about the goings-on on the floor. Follow @bookexpoamerica and the conversation with #BEA12! Or leave a message on the BEA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/bookexpoamerica.
Want to take a look at the action? Browse through photos of exhibits, books, shops, and NYC sites on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/bookexpoamerica/. Or visit the BEA on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/bookexpoamerica.
Still wish you were there? Take part and check out BEA's live-streaming feature, which I have conveniently linked to below:
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