Publishers Weekly - June 9, 2014

events—converged on the
Canal Street Marriott in New
Orleans for six days to min-
gle, attend workshops, and
expand their networks of
readers and publishing pro-
fessionals. “What sets us
apart from any other book
industry events are the fun social events,”
says Carol Stacy, publisher of RT Book Re-
views (formerly Romantic Times) and one of
the organizers of RT. “And we are reader-
centric like RT Book Reviews, which rep-
resents the voice of the readers.”
During Saturday’s Book Fair, 3,600
fans bought books and 750 authors
signed them, with an average sale of 20
books per title—adding up to an esti-
mated 45,000 paperbacks. Fourteen
genres were represented at the event, and
up to 20 workshops took place concur-
rently at any given hour, for
a grand total of more than
200 workshops with pro-
grams for writers (aspiring
and published), readers,
booksellers, and librarians.
That’s not even counting
Saturday’s Teen Day and
FAN-tastic Day workshops.

Authors and readers took
advantage of the playful at-
mosphere to network in- and
outside of the scheduled
events. “Besides workshops
that cover craft, career, writ-
ing life, marketing, and
reader focused events,” says
author Jennifer Probst
(Searching for Perfect), “there
are plenty of opportunities to
meet informally and hang
out with other writers and
connect with readers. One is
the bar! I’ve met people in
elevators, at restaurants, and
even on the way to the ladies’
At RT, which has open attendance on
all six days, authors sign copies at the
Book Fair for readers and connect with
them before, during, and after panels. “I
consider myself as much a reader as an
author,” says Jill Shalvis (It’s in His Kiss),
“so I love to go to places like RT and
other reader-based conventions because I
love to interact with other readers. I want
to find out who they’re reading, who
they’re loving, what genres are trending,
etc. I could talk books all day long. On
the other hand, I find the industry-based
gatherings like RWA equally valuable
because of the networking opportunities.
Where else can I go and meet with my
agent, my editors, my PR team, and fel-
low authors all in one place?”
Author Vicky Dreiling ( What a Reck-
less Rogue Needs) agrees that a conven-
tion’s biggest draw is the opportunity to
Cons for Pros—and Fans

BY PAIGE CRUTCHER

Authors, readers, and publishers prosper at romance events

In 1980, Romance Writ- ers of America held its first annual conference. It was joined in 1983 by the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. Known respectively as RWA and RT, these two events host thousands of authors, readers, agents, and publishers each year, providing attendees opportunities network with industry professionals, connect with readers, and find new inspiration.

RT and RWA are of comparable size, but they draw very different crowds.

RWA’s website says, “RWA’s primary goal is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy, and the conference is developed with that in mind.” In contrast, RT’s FAQ says, “Readers, published authors, aspiring authors, booksellers, publishers, agents, editors, cover models, and more are all welcome.” All RWA attendees sign up for the entire weekend, while RT sells day passes. What the events share is a mission to support and celebrate the people who create and consume romantic fiction.