Round 2 of GenCon is over and done with, and the most interesting fact behind our visit back to Indianapolis was not that Margaret Weis took our business card, but that our experience was completely unique from our first trip. We pitched our hearts out and endured the emotional ups and downs of sitting eight long hours every day for four days. We nearly matched last year’s sales—which is either good or bad depending how one looks at it—and we ate Mile-High Pie at Champps. Twice! But there was a different air about this convention, and as a result, our view of the publishing world may be forever changed.Stef and I aren’t salesmen. We hate selling ourselves no matter the reason. We’re writers, and we love to express ourselves creatively through the use of words and art. We understand that the marketing aspect of writing is a necessary evil, but we don’t have to like it. We’re getting better at promoting, but we’re still a ways from Billy Mays status. And in all honesty, we never want to get that good. As we approached the convention floor to perfect our pitch, it became clear to us that we were going to have some stiff competition. We were surrounded by authors who were seasoned pitchmen, the type who push their product upon any all and who come within ten feet of their selling space…even us! While they have every right to promote, we questioned their tactics…tactics that worked! When we hear things like: “I guarantee you will like my book,” or “Look at all the awards my book has won,” we raise our eyebrows. Since when could an author guarantee that a complete stranger will like his work?
Odd as it was to hear such phrases being spoken around us, we were further perplexed by those who flocked to their tables. The display of ego was amazing but entertaining all the same. Stef and I didn’t think people bought into such over-the-top hype. We were wrong. I hope to explore this area of marketing in a future blog. I could easily go on, but it might result in a rant.
As for us, I’ll be the first to admit that we had some deflating moments, especially when nearly everyone around us was selling five books to our one. We went to GenCon during a MAJOR financial crunch and an absurd lack of sleep. Not an excuse, we know, but it was a reason for our early lack of enthusiasm. Potential readers want a book that the unknown authors are excited about. Excitement sells books, but a carefully strategized pitch will do wonders. With masters like C.S. Marks nearby, we drew inspiration from watching her and were able to rise above our self doubt and create a brand new pitch we are proud of. (Don’t worry, Joe. We didn’t forget you. Without your friendship and technical expertise, we would not be where we are today.)That leads me to my next topic: friends. Boy were we glad to have some people to lean on this year. With the lack of sales, the questionable guerilla pitch tactics flying like bullets, the air conditioning cranked a bit too high, and a the long days confined indoors (we’re outdoors people, folks), having other authors on our side really helped keep our spirits from plummeting into self-promotional despair. Last year we arranged to split a room with another author to cut costs. Stef and I are extremely private people, but saving money is much more important than staying in a separate room and collecting a $1,000 bill! It was probably the best decision we could have made. As a result, our friendships grew stronger, and we learned a heck of a lot about where we stand in the writing world.
Overall, GenCon 2010 was a moderate success. Will we go back next year? I ain’t answerin’! There are too many factors to be considered. Rest assured we will continue to write and promote whenever we have the opportunity to do so. It just might be less frequently and on a diminutive budget. Thank goodness there’s the internet and the infinite possibilities of eBooks.
-Matt
