Here are some tips to help you navigate publisher dinners:
RSVP As Soon As Possible
If you receive a publisher invitation, it’s important to respond as soon as possible. It can be tempting to wait to see how many invitations you get and from whom before responding, but publishers appreciate early and enthusiastic RSVPs. If you wait too long, the dinner may fill up, and you could lose your chance to attend.
Indicate Dietary Restrictions
If you have dietary restrictions, please let publishers know ahead of time so they can make sure you’re taken care of. These dinners are planned well in advance, so it’s important they know about any accommodations that need to be made as soon as possible.
Split With Your Colleagues
Publishers like to include as many different bookstores as possible at their dinners. It’s always fun to have dinner with coworkers, but consider splitting up to attend different dinners. This also maximizes your store’s networking opportunities!
Be Prepared
If the publisher gives you a list of authors who will be attending the dinner, you may want to look the author up ahead of time if you don’t already know them. If it’s possible to read their book prior to the dinner, make time to do so. We suggest preparing a few questions and/or topics ahead of time to keep the conversation flowing during the meal. Also, find out where the restaurant is and how to get there. Don’t assume the publisher will provide transportation. Ask if you are meeting them at the hotel or at the restaurant. If transportation is a problem for you, let them know ahead of time.
Pay It Forward
Most publishers will distribute galleys to booksellers who attend dinners, and you can get them signed by the authors. It’s always great to read these books and review them in Edelweiss to share with the publisher. If you’re so inclined, you could also promote the book for preorders or on social media to help spread the word. Take a photo with the author and the galley and post that you met them!
Let Them Know If Your Plans Change
If you can no longer attend or are canceling to attend a different dinner, please let the publisher know as soon as possible so they can fill your seat. You should never just not show up; not only is it rude, but publishers will notice and remember it. It’s perfectly fine, and sometimes preferred, to suggest someone to take your place at the dinner – another staff member from your store or a colleague from a different store. If you have to cancel, make sure to connect with the publisher in a different way during the conference, whether that’s having a separate meeting or visiting them in the Exhibit Hall. Also, make sure you stop by the reception to meet their authors!
If You Don’t Get Invited to Dinner
If you don’t receive any publisher dinner invitations, don’t fret! Take the opportunity to go to dinner with bookselling colleagues or reach out to your own publisher or industry contacts. Use the NVNR Discord server to organize outings with bookseller friends. Make sure to attend the end-of-day receptions each day, as these are a great chance to mingle and network. You can also check with the registration desk to see if any publisher dinner slots have opened at the last minute. When in doubt, contact the NVNR Social Committee – Candice Huber and Kathy Ellen Davis – and they will play matchmaker for you to find a great dinner group!
Have Fun
If you have questions about navigating NVNR, check out our Booksellers page and our Navigating to NVNR article series.