An author friend was astounded that I had never heard of Lori Foster's Annual Reader and Author Get Together. This year marks the 10th year of the event. It is composed of about 80% readers and about 18% authors with a smattering of associated industry types. Lori Foster wanted to get authors and readers together to allow new authors' a voice. Let's face it most conferences are for the big names, the New York Times Best Selling Authors, not the new guy.
RAGT Volunteers, Lori Foster,Her husband, Allen,
The same friend insisted I go & sign up pronto. RAGT sold out of author spaces in under twenty minutes. Lucky for me, I'm the anxious type and registered at 1:01 when registration opened at 1pm.
Martini Party Basket
I made up raffle baskets for the event. This year over $17,000 was raised that went to a farm that helps abused children. It was amazing to see the endless row of baskets various authors and organizations contributed.
SCP AUTHOR PANEL
I had the opportunity to meet fellow SCP authors. I also met other traditional and independent authors too. Rubbed shoulders with bloggers, publicists, and best of all, readers. One volunteer described the event as a book club for a few hundred of your closest friends. It was that. There were games, contests, chances to network, brainstorm, and just shoot the breeze.
Friday Night Signing with Tamara Hoffa
Of course, there is the book signing, which went very well. I'm not a veteran at signings, but this one was crowded with people out to meet their favorite author or discover some new ones too. We spent the last day eating at Bob Evans with people who wanted to eat with a writer. I imagine they got a few mental stories along with the paperback ones to take home.
Summary: Go to RAGT15 if you can. It's great for readers and authors. Local folks don't have to book a hotel. There are several surrounding hotels if the Marriott is too expensive. If you're a reader, it's a great place to get free books and meet authors. For the writer, it allows you to get your name out. Word of mouth can be more powerful than a glossy magazine ad. Two thumbs up and a huge thank you to Lori Foster and her amazing volunteers.
Summary: Go to RAGT15 if you can. It's great for readers and authors. Local folks don't have to book a hotel. There are several surrounding hotels if the Marriott is too expensive. If you're a reader, it's a great place to get free books and meet authors. For the writer, it allows you to get your name out. Word of mouth can be more powerful than a glossy magazine ad. Two thumbs up and a huge thank you to Lori Foster and her amazing volunteers.
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