HOW DO I GET ON A PANEL?

By registering for the convention and indicating your interest at that time. 

WHEN WILL I LEARN WHICH PANELS I’M ON? 

We will begin building the program and coordinating presenter’s schedules closer to the convention date when we have a fairly complete list of the authors in attendance. We will strive to have the schedule out one month prior to the convention.

If you need to make changes, we’ll do our best, but we can’t promise that we can accommodate everyone and as such you may end up not getting a panel. Unfortunately, due to space and scheduling constraints, it is not always possible to accommodate absolutely everyone who wishes to serve on a panel. However, we will do everything in our power to do so.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE MY PANEL TOPIC? 

We built the panels to entertain and inform, as well as play to people’s strengths and get readers excited about the authors and their unique skillsets. That being said, if you can convince us of a better topic than the one we set up, we’ll listen and take your feedback into consideration.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN A BOUCHERCON PANEL? 

Keep in mind, this is a Fan Convention for Mystery Readers, so you have an audience of potential lifelong fans looking to chat with their favourite author or add to their TBR lists. As such, we request that you refrain from setting books up on the table in front of you. It tends to block you or the other presenters and distracts from what you’re there to do – sell yourself as an author.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

The fans will be there Wednesday afternoon ready to go and we expect most authors will be too. There are also many exciting options for excursions before and after the convention, which you can book to extend your stay and enjoy our city.

CAN I HELP WITH A SECOND PANEL?

Sure! Moderators are needed for every panel, and this is an excellent opportunity for additional exposure to readers. While moderating, your focus must remain on asking insightful questions of the panelists, ensuring the conversation runs smooth and everyone has an equal opportunity to speak. You are more than welcome to join the signing in the book room after the panel concludes.

AM I FREE TO ATTEND OTHER PANELS AND EVENTS DURING THE CONVENTION? 

We encourage you to attend as many events as you can. Take it all in and get to know your readers. 

HOW WILL PEOPLE BUY MY BOOK? 

We will strive to have copies of the most recent books of the Guests of Honour, panelists, moderators, and presenters available for purchase in the book room. There will be newsletters and other communication sent out as we draw closer with details on how to get your books in the book room.

WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO SIGN BOOKS FOR READERS? 

Immediately following your panel, you will move to the book room for a signing. All the authors from that block of panels will be present, arranged alphabetically, for this mass signing. The book room is a fun, busy place – Enjoy!

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW? 

Canadians are known for their politeness. Please be courteous to panelists, the attendees, and the volunteers organizing the event and enjoy your visit!

Note the Bouchercon Code of Conduct for more details.