[Writer Post] The Good and Bad of Dallas Comic Con 2014

I’ve been really thinking about what I want to say about Dallas Comic Con this week – because it has bearing on writing – a lot of bearing. And not all of it’s going to be sunshine and roses. I started doing comic book events a couple of years ago to meet new people. I went to these the Dallas Comic Con shows because of Ed Dravecky and Robyn Winans. They work them, know the organizers, had good things to say. So I tried them.

These are very different from literary shows – no panels (at least for me) just hand selling books at the table. I’m good at that, and I did all right. The tables crept up in price over the two years, but not so much that I couldn’t handle it… then came the first bit of news this year… due to increasing crowds (yay) the venue moved from the Irving Convention Center to the Dallas Convention Center. Then the show sold to Fan Expo out of Canada. Both hit with this May Show.

First, everyone I’ve EVER worked with involved with Dallas Comic Con has been pleasant and professional, even when I was dealing with multiple phone calls because of duplicated paperwork. The Fan Expo guys I met this past weekend were lovely. The crowds were well behaved and polite. The vendors in Artist Alley around me were friendly (I sent a lot of business to Brandy Johnson of Handmade by Foxie B two tables down). We had major artists across from us. I couldn’t have asked for more. Until we got the paperwork for the next shows.

Now, I get this is a BUSINESS. But my worst fear came true… When the October show moves back to Irving, the new parent company now wants to raise the prices to just slightly (SLIGHTLY) less for an Artist Alley table there than at the Dallas Convention Center. Unfortunately, the Irving facility has a much smaller capacity for fans and October is by definition a much smaller show. Which now makes it even MORE difficult to break even. AND… even though they gave the commercial exhibitors the option of putting a smaller amount down to hold their spot and pay off the booth costs, the ARTISTS (who generally have less product/sales/money in general) were required to pay their fees IN FULL at the time of turning in the paperwork, which is a HUGE financial hit. This is where I have to address a comment an artist friend of mine made on Facebook…

I will be honest folks, I have done better at other shows beside Dallas Comic Con. But that is not the point. The point is that you have to keep hitting the show circuit, getting the word out about your books, because no one else will.

This is true. You do have to get out there. You do have to get the word out. BUT…you also have to eat, have a place to live, and the financial wherewithal to continue to create your art. If you’re losing money at shows “to get the word out” eventually you’re not going to be able to afford to create your art. And that’s where I am now. I have to make choices on where I put my money and efforts into getting the word out, and unfortunately, it’s not looking like the Dallas Comic Con family of events is going to be that place anymore. I wish I was in a financial position to lose money to get the word out, but I’m not. I will do everything I can to sell books – including looking at what’s been selling well, and trying to write some more “like that” or repacking and writing more in ways that will appeal. I’m also looking at some new venues and shows that are more in line with my budget.

I LOVE Dallas Comic Con and their sister shows. This decision did NOT come easily this weekend. I had the paperwork all filled out but aftermuch debate and soul searching I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I may find another way to be involved, but it won’t be as a vendor. Nor am I alone. None of the artists in my immediate area bought tables, nor did a couple of vendors I know. I wish them all the luck in the world; they do throw a good party.

Tags: Business of Writing, Dallas Comic Con, Fan Expo, FanExpo, fans, selling, Writing