Before I was doing press coverage for the Beat, I would wind up with 30-40 books by the end of San Diego Comic-Con. Now I average 20-30, which is still pretty respectable. You’re probably not impressed yet, but let me add a word in there: free. Those books are free.
One of San Diego Comic Con’s best kept secrets is how easy it is to get free copies of books. Most aren’t final versions, they’re Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) that may still have errors or things that get altered, but if there’s an upcoming release you’re looking forward to, you’ve got a shot at finding it here .
Let’s start with a couple of quick notes/disclaimers.
First, you will need a badge. These book giveaways only happen inside the convention center.
Secondly, try to only go for things you think you’ll want. There is a limited quantity of each book and ever-growing competition. The book you show up for, realize isn’t for you, but taking it anyway could be someone’s dream grab so be considerate.
Third, don’t harass the booth staff. Again, they’ve got a limited quantity of the books. They have no control over how many that is or the fact that you’re the 51st person to try for something they only have 50 of.
Fourth, there have been injuries for two years in a row with people trying to get a book. Don’t be that person. Follow the rules. If you weren’t in line, you know it. Keep your entitlement in check.
Finally, reading and following this doesn’t guarantee you any books. That’s what I do, but things can also change between years.
Now for the fun stuff.
Start preparation now. If there are books coming out in the next year or so that you’re looking forward to, check out who their publishers are and see if they’ll be at San Diego Comic-Con. Several publishers who will be there will put up posts on their websites and/or social media announcing what giveaways they’re doing (if any) about two to three weeks from the convention. We’re in that window.
Unfortunately, not all post where you’d expect. Go to sdccblog.com, the unofficial San Diego Comic-Con Blog, and look through their Featured posts to find publisher posts like this: Penguin Random House’s release schedule. Note what books you want, what the booth number is, the time and date, and plan this into your day.
Remember that things can (and often do) change, though. At your first opportunity, go to the exhibition floor on the day you’re there and get an updated book release schedule either in print form or by scanning a QR code. There will be differences between it and the websites/posts; the latter is just a guideline while the update will be accurate.
But you’re not done yet.
Each booth has a different process for book releases. Some require you to get a ticket at 9 am no matter what time the giveaway is. Some hand out tickets 30 minutes before the book is given away and/or signed. Some operate with a line that forms through the booth anywhere from ten to twenty minutes beforehand. Ask at the booth what the process is, if that’s not in their posts. PRH has it in their above-linked post which makes it easy.
And that’s it. Do your research beforehand, be ready to shift your schedule around, make sure you know the procedure, and then follow said procedures.
Just remember: any book you get, you have to carry for a time. Books are heavy and that weight adds up quickly. Don’t let your reader’s heart put your spine in danger, or at least have a really good massage therapist lined up for when you get back home.
Good luck, and I’ll see you out there!
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