We've now started holding these twice a year and we're now
forced to look for bigger venues. Hopefully, this is a sign of success.
We try to find somewhere that will give us the space for
free on the understanding that we will spend generously in the bar. Often we're
asked to cover a minimum spend but that is normally easily met – a couple of
drinks per person and a few snacks usually covers it.
This is what happens at the event:
General mingling
You arrive.
You get your drinks / food and generally chat to anyone.
Cash Bar
London prices
or Manchester prices. No pressure to spend. We seem naturally to cover that
minimum spend. Sometimes it’s possible to order lunch in advance and have it
waiting there for you as you arrive.
Buying books
We sell all
books produced this year at an advantageous rate. If you have author copies
left over you want to sell, you can bring them along.
Speed dating
The bell rings
every five minutes. I have a cute little brass bell I call Esmeralda. I ring it
and you move on to the next person. You get to speak to as many people as
possible. You can promote yourself to readers and swap tips with other writers.
Bring your business cards / postcards / book marks to hand to other people.
Latest news from us
We tell you about what's new. At the December event in
London we also announce the theme of next year's annual anthology. Delegates to
the event may also share their news though this has to be prearranged with us.
Author Readings
Authors read
for up to five minutes each, depending on how many want to read. It needn't be
from work represented here.
Charity collection
We make a
collection for a charity. Sometimes we produce a charity book. In that case,
our choice of charity is obvious.
Big book swap
We ask everyone to bring along a book to swap. You get
to take one home at the end of the afternoon. You can bring along one of your
previous titles or just a book you have enjoyed reading. Your non-writing
friends of course may bring along a book they have enjoyed.
Reviews
Reviews are so important for authors that we hope
everyone will review any books they take home with them.
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