Okay, I've hijacked J's computer so I could post a few real quick thoughts about BEA. My traveling companions have been lovely and I also had a great time today with Sarah from The Reading Zone. Sarah Darer Littman, author of the upcoming novel Life, After joined us for a mini lunch (8$ crepes eaten on the floor in the back of the exhibit hall!).
- BEA is crowded. OMG. I guess everything is a little more squashed together because it's all on one floor this year, but the signing lines were ridiculous. I still managed to get my hands on Zombies vs. Unicorns (signed by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, among others!) and a couple other choice picks.
- I am somewhat disappointed by the number of galleys that are not here. I know that makes me sound like a complete brat (and I'm trying not to be, I swear!), but there are many publishers who only have a handful of different galleys that they're doing signings for. I mean, of course I'm grateful for free books and I am very grateful for the wonderful publicists who have offered to send me things (a few have done that!).
- Bloomsbury/Walker is the winner (thus far) for niceness. Very enthusiastic publicists, many ARCs available, no qualms about handing them out and talking them up. Nicely played, Bloomsbury/Walker.
- Runner up is Disney/Hyperion for the rep who chased after me to offer to send me the book I had asked about that they didn't have there.
- They're not the only ones who have been very nice. Actually, pretty much everyone has been extremely nice (especially after things settled down a little bit - the mad rush at the beginning was ridonkulous...).
- The shipping area!!! It's my favorite place at the convention! Free boxes, nice people to help you carry them to the table to be mailed, everyone respects everyone else's boxes... It is awesome. I have shipped one box home and I am hoping to have another big box to ship tomorrow.
- KidLit Drink Night was sooo much fun. There were about a million people there. I chatted with the lovely Sheila Ruth of Wands and Worlds and the indomitable Betsy Bird of A Fuse #8 Production, among others. We didn't stay terribly long because we were BEAT, but I'm so glad to have made an appearance.
And that's all I have time for right now. I'm going back to the exhibits tomorrow and hoping to scoop up a few more ARCs before we leave for the airport at 1 (and I begin the almost-12-hour journey home.... oy.....).
More later (including pictures!!!!) when I get home.