One Promotional Extravaganza! By Arts Editor Pamela Faye

Allan is also the screenplay writer of "Drop", a Photographic Journalist and Graphic Designer, along with an Actor Extra. His sense of humor is sublime.

The New York City 2005 BookExpo was held at the Javits Convention Center where hundreds of thousands of book lovers promenaded past glorious promotional displays of books from Publishing Houses across America, and around the world.

Excitement showered as fireworks over 2,000 exhibitors, 500 book signing authors, and more than 80 conference sessions for Publishers, Booksellers, Book Buyers, Publishing Professionals, Rights Representatives, Educational and Library Institutions, and Authors.

Crowds swarmed the 2005 BookExpo thrilling book lovers from around the globe. Allan Wills was asked about this promotional display of magnificence. His sense of humor and fun never ceases to fail him.

Q: Were you a gust at one of the publisher booths, Allan, and was the New York BookExpo one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for you as an author?

A: It blew my mind. I went with two other writers, and we were expecting black turtlenecks and thick-rimmed glasses poised on upped noses. But we met some amazing people, some freaks, and got very inebriated when the booths each cracked out their own booze at the end of the day. New York knows how to do it.

Q: Which publisher’s display captured your heart more than any in the Javits Conference Center? What made this promotional display so special?

A: I’d have to say Random House for sheer size, sprawl and number of imprints. As an author, you cannot but admire the pinnacle house of publishing. They just had so much!

Q: Did you learn something new and exciting in the way of promotion that you had not seen or tried before?

A: There were many “hack” marketers – people wearing toilet seats on their heads (to promote a novel about toilets), people with strange animals, and some spooky stares from Gothics hovering around religious material. Nevertheless, we three writers noticed that we were the only ones of our kind; Under 30, balls out, working the floor to meet the right people who were fending off the less desirable. The lesson was; never accept others’ opinions, just go and work your magic and dance like nobody’s watching.

Q: Did you rush with others for autographed copies of newly released novels by fellow authors, Allan?

A: When I saw the line-ups to get a book signed, I didn’t bother. None of us did. We were here to meet editors, agents and publishers so that one day people would queue to meet us!

Q: Was there one special author at the BookExpo who left you in awe by their storytelling?

A: Again, I didn’t get to hear or see any of that because of sheer volume of people. We stuck to the upstairs area, which held our targets. We did, however, get served meatballs by an actor from “The Sopranos” TV show. He was promoting his grandmother’s Italian cookbook.

Q: What stands out in your mind as the most exciting promotional event at the BookExpo?

A: The fact that booze comes out at the end of the day so readily, and that speaking Spanish helps much with Latino bartenders…

Q: Did you get the chance to attend any of the conference sessions on promotion?

A: They were all by appointment only. Problem was, you had to call their respective offices to make the appointment, and they are all closed on the weekend. Catch-22.

Q: Would you encourage authors from around the world to visit BookExpo America, a yearly event for the Publishing Industry?

A: I would. This is New York, everything happens here! As a result of my smoozing I had 12 agents and publishing houses request my material. I’ve since popped of 12 “requested” query letters with my book, and will follow up in some weeks.

Q: Do you plan on attending the BookExpo in Washington DC in 2006 now that you have tasted the excitement of this wonderful extravaganza for books lovers?

A: I would like to… but as an invited author.

Q: What is the one lasting memory you take from the New York BookExpo 2005, Allan?

A: The energy I felt in New York at the Javits center.

The AMA BookExpo:

‘Where books matter’ - BookExpo America is one promotional extravaganza that Publishing Industry Representatives, Promotions and Marketing Companies, Book Buyers and Sellers, Libraries and Educational Institutes, Authors, and Book Lovers around the world, should not miss.

Arts Editor
Pamela Faye
pamela@rollingseas.com.au
Ph: 0438 757 138

Rolling Seas Promotions Pty Ltd
Marketing Director
Website: rollingseas.com.au