Your Take on the First Christian Book Expo
Publishers, authors and literary agents descended on Dallas last week for the first ever Christian Book Expo (CBE). But one group seemed to be missing: readers. The event was intended to be unlike other trade shows in that it was an event for the public. But reports from Publishers Weekly show that the public didn’t show up. Organizers had planned for 15,000 book fans when only about 10 percent of them actually attended. Some say it was the venue, some say it was the $29 ticket and others say it was poor timing while many were on spring break vacations. Here are some reactions from publishing execs, literary agents and other bloggers who attended the event:
Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson: I am not sure publishers are going to want to try this again next year. With the current economic realities we are all facing, we really can’t afford to try too many things that don’t promise an immediate payback. That doesn’t mean that Christian Book Expo is a bad idea.
Mary DeMuth, Writer: I ached for the folks who put the CBE together–so much sweat and toil to see so few come. It was hard for me to enjoy myself knowing that the event failed to live up to expectations.
Chip MacGregor, Literary Agent: I had a good time. Saw lots of great authors. Connected with publishers. Heard some fabulous presentations. But in terms of what it was supposed to be, the show was an unmitigated disaster. And not just your run-of-the-mill disaster, but a disaster of epic proportions. A Joaquin-Phoenix-On-David-Letterman type of disaster.
Holley Gerth, Author: I imagined writing this cool post for you about all the people I met, the stories I heard while I signed my book, and the amazing cheesecake I had. The only part that came true was the cheesecake. And it was good, my friends, very good. I felt like eating the whole thing after my signing on Saturday when only one person came to the booth. Yes, one. Uno.
Before I say what I think, know this: CBE was a great idea. Anything the industry can do to encourage contact between writer and reader is to be applauded. Now the hard truth: it should have been free to the public. $60.00 for a two-day pass was a terrible idea. It would have been a terrible idea if the economy weren’t an issue. The venue was all wrong for a book festival. A trade show mentality was applied to a consumer-directed show. Vast spaces inhibit a festive spirit. There should have been tents and music and a more playful atmosphere on a campus where food vendors could set up, where people could bring a picnic and park for nothing. If the show is to run on a Friday, it should offer tracks for pastors and youth pastors and teachers who can take the day as a learning day. Save the mom, dad and kid tracks for Saturday and Sunday. And change the name. Expo is such a cold word. Go for Festival. Pick a word with a bit of verve. I applaud the experiment. And bewail the failures.
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