I went to the book expo in Chicago a couple of years ago, and to New York too. That's an experience every writer, agent, editor, and publisher should try once.

I found the deal eye-opening. SO many publishers out there. So many books. So many writers. I saw what I didn't want to be, and what I DID want to be. I saw many marketing concepts and promo ideas. Things to do. Things not to do.

You can see how a publisher handles themselves, and markets. You can make contacts, and ask them what they need. If you go, DO THIS. Give your business card, take theirs.

Wear clothes that are comfortable but not sloppy. No need to wear business attire, but make sure your shoes are comfortable for walking miles of aisles.

Word to the wise, it is almost impossible to SELL books there. Most books are given away as promo by the publishers. Great place to give out post cards and business cards, though. Definitely drop some in the librarian sitting area.

And know this, if you send cards or promo items with someone, the leftovers will likely be thrown away at the end of the deal because no one wants to haul them out. Books are left in piles on the last day. Books are given away--as many as you can carry out. They have a shipping center, but it's not cheap. It does allow you to not have to carry them out, though.

The most important thing besides contacts at the expo is the Expo Guide. It lists every publisher that has a booth, and their current mailing address. Those are free with some passes in, $40 or so if you don't have the right pass, and free, sitting in piles when the deal is over, if you wait until the last hour. Definitely worth getting that, if nothing else.