Attending Events as an Author

[@telltaletwotones4433]

Thank you so much for this. My publisher said they'd send me to an event after my book comes out next spring, so it's good to know that if they suddenly say I need to pay that that's not how it works. Thanks for looking out for us newbies!

[@sirensong3483]

Did anyone else see the fluffy thing in the background 😂😂😂 BTW I love you can’t wait for the stars we steal

[@wanderingteacherbooks]

As a self-pub author who does panels and in-person events a lot, it also helps to start with small cons for panels. When you apply for panels, a lot of them ask if you've done this panel before, and if you have done the panel before, your odds are better (from personal experience). Anime Iwai was a good starting point for me. It helped me get my foot in the door ^^.

[@faithliu7071]

First! I love your videos so much❤️they have helped me so much and inspired me to keep writing when i wanted to give up❤️

[@nikkimilton461]

Saw you at a panel at Denver Comic Con last year and looking forward to your return this year now that I've found your KZbin channel.

[@SashaStar10]

Loving all these longer videos lately!

[@Tenwyg]

Gosh, these are all such fantastic topics to cover. Thanks for making such great videos!

[@juliagane317]

I met u at dragoncon last year and found ur channel and bought Brightly Burning so one towards return on investment! Love ur videos

[@apriltaylor8923]

Another great informative post! Thanks.

[@JoeyPaulOnline]

Another cool video! I've done events as an indie author and it's good to know the other side of things with traditional authors.

[@silent_day]

Thanks so much for making this video! I look forward to the video you make about being on a panel. I'm going to be on my first panel in less than a month and I'm looking forward to your advice!

[@KinglessJester]

Great video! Headed to the Wordplay festival in May, unfortunately strictly as a fan and book lover. Maybe one day I'll be on the other side.

[@wanderingstars4121]

Can you talk about the big 5 publishers and other major publishers out there, and about how to avoid getting scammed when looking for a publisher?

[@yelloworangered]

Querytracker is more than a query tracker -- you can get on for free and look at agents and publishers and see who they represent and publish. You don't have to be anywhere near ready to query to benefit from seeing who takes your genre and who doesn't. I think it's one way to tackle getting ideas of who to approach and a first step to gathering info on their track record. I hope this helpls.

[@madlan633]

Hi Alexa! Do you have a video of how your life/schedule changed once your first book was published?

[@soniaballada]

Events sound like so much fun!

[@wanderingteacherbooks]

Libraries are also good for self-pubs and small pubs at least in the South Florida area. I've gotten 2 events so far this year :)

[@philbe1111]

Regarding author platforms, your website is beautiful. Did you design it? Are you solely in charge of updating it? Etc. Love a video about this specific part of your platform and why/how important it is...

[@AlexaDonne]

I did do my own website! I'm self-hosted and I use the Divi platform (which I pay for). I have a video on author websites if you search my channel. In that, I primarily recommend Squarespace as self-hosted/doing your own layout is very laborious. I may switch over to Squarespace in the future, TBH!

[@philbe1111]

Alexa Donne well, great job! It looks amazing and I love all the writer content on there too. Side note, your publisher nailed the cover for “The Stars We Steal”!

[@angelxxsin]

Is there a point to writing for the English market when you a) live abroad and b) aren't a native English speaker? I feel like no agent would want to work with you, no matter how good your English is. One of the MANY reasons is not being able to attend events.

[@Artraive]

I feel the same. Many times I read online how hard it is to be published by a publisher for non native english speakers. Most say we are better off with self publishing. I find that very sad 😑

[@juliagane317]

darklight, if u have a good command on English, I think it would be awesome to read a book from a non-native speaker. I’m just. Reader and don’t have any agent knowledge, but I would love the opportunity to read something for international authors

[@AlexaDonne]

There are many ways to promote a book, and most authors don't do many events! I wouldn't let international location deter you. Agents do take on, and publishers do publish non-US located authors all the time. And whether you're a native English speaker doesn't matter if the book is good :)

[@angelxxsin]

@@AlexaDonne thank you, it's very easy to get discouraged but you've just given me some hope.

[@persephone3892]

With today's technology, i feel author events are more for major fans and authors/publishers. Writing to the English market can increase your sales if theres only a small number of people who speak the language. Ive seen many eastern European authors publish in both their native language and english. Countries love to support successful nationals and people who make their nation recognized. Theres a good chance you'd end up with free advertising in your native language (via television and newspapers) Of course, this is a general answer as i dont know the exact situation of your native language. (Also fans can always order signed book copies and get them in the mail. Most fans would not be upset if your circumstance didnt allow you to visit their country.)

[@Faerieshimmer]

I love you videos and your skin is amazing! What skin care products do you use? I still get acne and I’m 31 :/

[@AlexaDonne]

I use Paula's Choice! It's my holy grail and I love it. My ride or die products are the toner (I use the anti-aging one), exfoliator (I use the anti-acne one), pimple cream (I use theirs now instead of Clearasil), and then I also use their cleanser (anti-aging) and a few other products. They actually have a whole acne line, and you can buy a travel kit with 3 of the products for $13--that's how I first tried out their products. I bought that (and ended up using two of the products long term) + a basic toner (non-anti aging, and then I switched). Using the products consistently every day, twice a day for 2+ years now and it makes a huge difference! Then on top of that, I wear either Fenty or Lancome foundation, which sit really beautifully on my skin to even out redness, etc.

[@Faerieshimmer]

Alexa Donne Thank you! Yes I used Paula’s Choice before it’s good. I should get it again. My acne is better but it never completely clears up I’m not sure why.

[@brewarsop3867]

I know that you aren't an indie author but do you know how events work on the indie side? I've tried looking for answers but I keep finding different solutions that don't fit together and I really am not sure how that works. If you could help me I would much appreciate it but I do understand that you aren't an indie and might not know. Thank you either way because you really are just awesome.

[@eepmeep8550]

"Maybe next year though" laughs in 2020.

[@KatharineFrancis]

Sadly people are dicks. They think they've made it and only want to talk to their other elites. What they forget is that the small fish will remember that treatment and it will forever ruin their reputation. All authors should treat it like a level playing field.

[@theatheistpaladin]

Nothing wrong with jealousy if you use it to fuel you to work harder to succeed.

[@Faerieshimmer]

Do you need a fan base before going to a fan convention?

[@AlexaDonne]

Nope! Just see that the con has a book or literature/YA track, etc. and apply to be on those panels. Or with some cons, any attendees can pitch panels so it's smart to register for the con yourself (so you have to pay) and then get other writer friends together to do a panel. Then you reach new readers at the con!

[@Faerieshimmer]

Alexa Donne Thank you! You’re awesome! I’ve never been to a book con or book festival someday I will go. I have a feeling the closest is in Boston or near there. Is there a main site where they’re listed? I’m guessing they have them more during the summer and spring?