Hello, Readers! Clevenger here!

Things are about to get “hectic!” As we approach spring, Con season is ahead of us. Small, indie publishers (primarily in fantasy) can ABSOLUTELY get lost in stream of new book content. So, one of the answers to that is getting out in front of readers. Identifying your target reader and showing up WHERE they are. So, who’s reading “War of Night?” Fantasy fans and TTRPG fans.

So, where do they congregate?

FANTASY CONS!

Finding a way to get out there and participate within the Fantasy community is HUGE. Our goal is to gain the exposure within conventions. And luckily, Sci/Fi and Fantasy Cons abound in our local areas. So, Sainan Books taking the opportunity to get involved in those that we can. We know this is a GREAT way for us to get where we want to be.

As you may remember, last November Greyson and I participated in Lodge Con. I then also participated in an Artist showcase event for Black Friday. These two events were more profitable that ALL of our retail sales… combined. A small booth fee, a handful of days involvement, and the opportunity to talk to dozens (if not hundreds) of people about our book! It’s wonderful!

And… from some of my author friends. Spring Cons are even better than Fall Cons!

Now, we are a small, VERY SMALL, indie fantasy press, so our options (both financially and availability) are small right now. But that doesn’t matter. We are still looking at getting into some exciting spaces. Young, smaller conventions, that are craving artist and fandom participations.

First, on April 5th, I will be representing Sainan Books at Fandom Fest SWMI, a small 1-day convention in southwest Michigan. The convention is in it’s seventh year, is sponsored by the library organization in Benton Harbor, and looks to be a great time for all fantasy fans. I’m very excited to be there and show off the book.

On April 18-20th, Greyson and I will BOTH be at Who’s Yer Con, in Indianapolis. Since Greyson and I both have roots in Indianapolis, it’s VERY exciting to return to that area and represent our story at yet another fantastic convention. Who’s Yer Con has been growing steadily in the Indianapolis area since 2009, and we’re honored to become a part of it.

Oh, what else…?

Right. We were HOPING to get into C2E2 this year, but were unable to. The demand is SUPER high and author selection is a rigid process. We will continue to apply as we grow Sainan Books and our catalogue of stories. However, Greyson and I will STILL be attending C2E2 as fans! Greyson has next to NO convention experiences (GenCon 2014 and LodgeCon 2024), so I look forward to introducing him to some of the experiences there.

We’ll have the opportunity to get in some panels on writing, explore the Writer’s Block (where WE want to be), and get a feel for the booths and merch as we grow. Plus, Richard and Wendy Pini will be there, and Greyson’s a MASSIVE fan!

As we approach, Greyson will put out another blog (on the 1st) about what we are doing, who we will be seeing, and what it means to “Con.” I’ll likely put out a recap on the 15th.

Greyson and I are also, during this boost, looking for other ways to expand our recognition. Greyson and I are both interviewing in some newsletters, sharing our stories with other book content creators, and planning for more. I’m actually VERY excited to say that I will be filming a podcast with an AWESOME book content creator at the end of March. I hope to have additional information available in April.

Spring time is the right time… for books!

Until next time,

Be Kind.

–Clevenger

Convention Season Schedule

April 5: Fandom Fest

April 18-20: Who’s Yer Con