I might be a nobody to you, but I’m a unicorn to someone.

This morning I received an email from an event coordinator that was not only disappointing but disheartening to say the least. Let me start off by saying, I was personally invited to this event. I did not seek them out. Even though it is a well-known event that I had been wanting to participate in for some time. I suppose I missed this little nugget of information when I filled out their interest form upon accepting the invite.

Otherwise, I would have never signed on to be a part of their event.

Hey,

We wanted to contact you because the event will be coming up soon. On the interest form for 2017 it was stated that all attending authors had to have a title published within twelve months of the event. We adopted this policy in an effort to bring our readers new products each year. We noticed that your last release was before the 2016 event took place and wanted to check in with you to see what you’re publishing schedule looks like so we can ensure all attending authors are bringing fresh books to the event for the attendees. If you are releasing then please feel free to promote it in the reader group as the readers love to see things from our authors. If you are not planning on releasing we would like to know if we can replace you and maybe keep you in mind for a later signing when you are publishing again.

My last release was May 17, 2016. While I do plan on releasing two more titles before this event takes place, I will not be participating in this event, or any future events hosted by these organizers and here’s why:

I should not have to pump out a book just to attend an event. Furthermore, if I am paying for the table what the hell does it matter how recently I released? I might not have a new release on said table, but I’m new to someone who hasn’t ever read me before.

I only recently discovered Tessa Bailey and she’s had books out for a few years now. When I went to her table in Chicago this year, I didn’t purchase her recent release, I bought an older book.

Are you catching my drift here?

Anyway, I couldn’t help but wonder if they would have sent the same email to someone like EL James, who hasn’t released since June 2015 or Colleen Hoover who averages about two books a year as well. I’m pretty sure they would not have asked if they could be replaced if they didn’t have a release within the last twelve months. I’m not trying to compare myself to them or their level of success.

I mean…HELLO!

But we are all authors.

We all strive to put out our best work and for some of us, that takes longer than twelve freaking months.

I’ve also heard of events shunning authors because they aren’t USA Today or New York Times Bestsellers.

This is appalling as well. There are so many amazing authors out there who write incredible stories and they are not bestsellers. But you can bet your ass I would stand in line for hours to meet them and show my appreciation.

And I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.

I only participate in a 2-3 signings a year. One, because they are expensive as hell and two, because I’m picky about the signings I choose to participate in. However, the ones I do CHOOSE  are run by organized people who do not discriminate against authors and their lack of accolades or published works. They are passionate readers who like you and me, want nothing more than to find their next favorite author.

As for this event, I hope one of the organizers reads this and considers getting rid of that ridiculous “policy”.

I understand you have standards, but guess what…SO DO I!!

Peace and Love,

K.

P.S. Please excuse any typos or grammar as this was typed passionately and without the giving of any fucks. 😉