Book Expo America in Los Angeles (posted June 2 @ 11 PM)

I was invited out to Book Expo America last week by the publisher. In case you aren't familiar, this is a major book show which attracts over 25,000 book industry people. I was thrilled that Life on Tilt was selected for the New Title Showcase.

The trip started on Wednesday with a little poker at Player's Park Casino, then a book signing at Metropolis Books in downtown LA (Hi Julie & Kristen!).

Thursday was a chance to meet with distributors and attend some educational events about e-publishing, book promotion, etc. One presenter in particular was fascinating...Bill Tancer...look for his book Click this fall. You'll never search the Internet the same again. I wrapped up at night playing a tournament at Commerce Casino. I was eliminated in 12th place and autographed a complimentary copy of the book to the person who knocked me out. Moments later I was tracked down by one of his friends...turns out he runs a publishing company in France who recently took Phil Gordon's book to market. We're now exploring having Life on Tilt distributed in France...Viva la Tilt!

Friday was a lot of hand-to-hand book promotion. I must have walked at least 5 miles to meet all those I needed to. Lots of terrific people in the biz and I hope to work with many of them going forward. Some highlights included opportunities with Harrah's, Dreamworks and Lifetime. Friday night I had the pleasure of meeting Penny Warner and her husband Mark at dinner. Penny has written many mysteries and child development books.

I had to cut the convention short and take the red eye back to NY to join my kids in a fun run Saturday AM, then off to a book signing in Albany, NY (Hi to all the Susans at the Book House!).

This week starts a series of appearances in upstate NY as several stores are cross-promoting Life on Tilt for Father's Day. Check out the Events tab for details.

John