I am an author. How can I connect with readers?

In addition to signing up to be a panelist, there are plenty of other opportunities for authors to
promote their book(s)!

Speed Dating

On Thursday, October 22nd at 7AM, authors will have the opportunity to pitch their books to
fans! Applications will open in early August. Keep an eye on the website and newsletter for the
registration information and requirements.

How does it work? There will be 20 tables in the room: 18 regular round tables (each holding ten
people) plus two tables for the authors. There will be two authors at every regular table,
and up to 8 audience members — your potential readers. The fans remain at the tables; the
authors move from table to table. At each table, the first author has two minutes to pitch the fans.
At the end of two minutes, the MC will ring a bell. The second author then has two minutes to
pitch to the readers. Distributing flyers, bookmarks, and any inexpensive “swag” items is
encouraged. At the end of the second two minutes, the MC sounds the bell again, and the authors
have one minute to move to the next table.

Debut Authors’ Breakfast

First time authors with books published between Bouchercon 2025 and Bouchercon 2026 can
apply for the Debut Authors’ Breakfast, held on Friday October 23 at 7AM. Applications open in

August. Keep an eye on the website and newsletter for the registration information and
requirements.

What happens at the breakfast? Debut authors will be introduced by a Guest of Honour and will
have one minute to tell attendees about their novel. A hot breakfast is provided to the debut
authors and the first 200 attendees. Debut authors will also be included in an event brochure and
are welcome to bring any promotional materials to give out to the fans.

The Author Fair

If you’re an indie, self-published, or small press author—if your books are not traditionally
published and routinely distributed to bookstores—and if your books are not available in the
Book Room, then you can apply for a table in the Author Fair. It will be held on Friday evening,
October 23, from 7-8:30 p.m. You must apply and have a confirmed acceptance from the
organizer to get a spot. Watch the newsletter and website—the application form will be coming
soon!

Twenty on the Twenty

We will have sixty, twenty-minute time slots in the schedule from Thursday to Saturday
between 9AM and 3:40PM for authors, editors, agents, or subject matter experts to engage with
readers. Less formal than panels, the Twenty-on-the-Twenty space will have seating for 25, a
podium and microphone. You must apply and have a confirmed acceptance to get a free spot.
Watch the newsletter and website – the application will be coming in mid-July!

Note the Bouchercon Code of Conduct for more details.