Illustration by Cambrea Roy.
Are you the next James Patterson or Lee Child? Or maybe you just like to scribble a little or perhaps you simply love books.
No matter—you will be welcomed with open arms at this month’s York Book Expo, which has quickly grown to become one of the premier book and writing events in central PA.
The Expo grew out of a writing program introduced in 2012 at the Paul Smith Library in York County. Named “Year of the Book,” the program brought together local authors who wanted to help each other.
“As a librarian, I saw many authors buried in rejection letters, but scared of being branded ‘self-published,’” said founder Demi Stevens, a former librarian. “That led me to start the ‘Year of the Book’ program to help these writers design their own professional books from the inside out. It has worked for a number of authors.”
In 2014, they celebrated their efforts by gathering 25 authors, including New York Times bestseller Linda Castillo. The first formal York Book Expo was held last October and hosted more than 1,200 attendees. This year’s event is expected to draw more than 2,000.
The 2016 Expo takes place Oct. 15 at the York Fairgrounds and will feature New York Times bestselling author Maria V. Snyder. Doors will open for ticketed attendees at 9:30 a.m. to hear a presentation by Snyder. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Expo will be open and free to all attendees, featuring authors, illustrators, publishers, book vendors and a number of activities for children.
“I expect 85 authors at the Expo again this year,” said Stevens. “Maria Snyder and many of your favorite authors will be signing their books. Raffle drawings will take place throughout the event.”
On Oct. 14, the day before the Expo begins, a writer’s conference will take place, which is new this year. Snyder will be there to lead two workshops, “Fantastic Fight Scenes” and “Creating Believable Villains.”
During the day, there will be a variety of other workshops including “Using Travel Writing to Market Yourself” led by yours truly (Don Helin), “Crafting a Memoir” led by Lori Myers (another writer for TheBurg), “Legalese for Writers” led by lawyer and book reviewer Harvey Freedenberg and “How to Write a Premise” led by Cathy Jordan (yes, another Burg contributor).
A special workshop for all attendees will be an “Editor and Publishers Panel” featuring Lawrence Knorr from Sunbury Press, Laurie Edwards, an editor with Leap Books, and Demi Stevens with “Year of the Book.” Attention writers—this is your chance to get the answers you need about publishing. All three will be available at the Expo on Saturday to hear your pitches.
As a special treat, the Winery at Wilcox will be at the Expo on Saturday to offer a free wine tasting.
Fall is the month when we enjoy the change of colors, but, in the back of our minds, lurks the possibility of snow, cold and yes, that darn ice. Well, nothing trumps a cold, snowy day more than a great book and a glass of wine. It works every time. So, come to the Expo, meet your favorite author, and get your book signed—then find a wine you like. You’ll be ready for whatever winter throws at you.
The York Book Expo takes place Oct. 15, with a writer’s workshop on Oct. 14. For more information, contact Demi Stevens at demi@yotbpress.com or visit www.yorkbookexpo.org.
GOING THERE
Oct. 14, Writer’s Workshop
Cost: $125, $100 for Pennwriters members, $75 for Expo vendors
York Fairgrounds, Pennsylvania Room
334 Carlisle Ave., York
Oct. 15, York Book Expo
Free, except for Maria V. Snyder’s keynote ($10 in advance or $15 at the door)
York Fairgrounds, Memorial Hall West
334 Carlisle Ave., York
Author: Don Helin
