If you want to start attending more book events but have found it a little nerve-wracking, we got you!
Attending book events is a LOT of fun! You get to be around fellow booklovers and celebrate the books and authors that you admire. But they can be a little nerve wracking, especially if you’re going by yourself. So, here are some handy tips for attending a book event.
1. Make sure you’ve registered.
A lot of book events do require prior registration, even if the event itself is free. Make sure you do your due diligence and register prior to the event, out of courtesy to the venue so it can be confident to support all the attendees. It also helps the author running the event too, making them feel supported and excited to meet all their readers.
2. Do a little recon before the event.
If you’re going somewhere that you’ve never been before, it might be worth doing some prior investigating to help quiet down those nerves. If you can, go to the venue sometime before the event and just walk around (especially if it’s in a bookshop, I mean who doesn’t want to pop into a bookshop!) so you can be familiar with the space. Trying to find where you need to go with the looming pressure of the event starting soon can lead to more stress, so this little practice run can help ease your anxiety. If you can’t go there in person, even having a look online at maps of the area, or photographs inside the space can be helpful.
3. Get to the event a little bit early.
Don’t get there too early, as waiting around for too long can send that little voice in your head into overdrive. But arriving about 5 or so minutes prior to the start can be a great idea. That way you have time to arrive, perhaps buy the book and get yourself into a good position you’re comfortable with, with time to spare. And hey, you might even strike up a conversation with someone while waiting.
4. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
A lot of us create unnecessary expectations for ourselves, which can really ramp up already brewing nerves. There will always be other events. Listen to yourself and your body and remember, your health and wellbeing always comes first. If you don’t think you can go, then don’t. If you want to bring along a family member or friend for moral support, do it! Whatever is right for you, is the right course of action and never be ashamed to look after yourself.
5. Have fun!
Book events are one of the best parts of being a book-loving person. They are always filled with positive vibes, great conversations, and create fantastic memories. So, just remember that you can do it! You can go and get that book signed by that author you love – they’re just as thrilled (and maybe even just as nervous) to meet you as you are to meet them! And most of all, have a safe and wonderful time.
We hope these tips can help anyone feeling a little bit nervous about attending book events going forward. You can even check out our very own upcoming list of book events right here if this post has inspired you! 👇
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