Bros and Cons
There was one part of the film THE WRESTLER that I really connected with.

It was a scene where Randy (aka The Ram) went to an autograph signing with other old wrestlers. Watching him set up his little table with all of merch and swag to sell reminded me of myself whenever I set up shop at conventions or signings. I've been there. Lugging all my stuff with me, hoping to sell a few books or even that at least a few people talk to me.

I have it a bit harder than The Ram because I wasn't super famous in the '80s and I'm still trying to break into the scene. But, the scene hit home for me, because I've been there. Thankfully, I've been pretty successful at the cons. Being on panels certainly helps too. I'm hoping to be on panels again this year at Penguicon (I have a few ideas, I still need to email them about those).

Ever wonder what it costs me to do a con? Well here ya go:

Books to sell: $114.37 (includes printing and shipping of books)
Convention Registration Fee: $40.00 (however, if I am on panels, some of this will be reimbursed).
Hotel: $94x2 nights = $188 (not counting 14% tax and other things)
New business cards: $32.82

Total: $375.19

Now the fun part: If I sell all seven books I'm bringing, I'll make $140. So, $375 - $140 = $235 in costs. I'm still in the red, even if I sell all my books. And that doesn't include what I'll spend on food, gas and perhaps stuff in the Dealer's Room (a "My Other Car is a TARDIS" bumper sticker, for example).

Obviously, I don't go to cons to make money. I go for the exposure, the networking and to hang with my fellow sci-fi/fantasy fans. Not to mention the opportunity to talk shop with folks like Jim C. Hines (jimhines ). Sure, I could possibly make more money if I brought more books to sell, but that would drive my costs up--and I usually average between 5 to 7 books sold per con anyway.  Also, I'm a cheap skate and I don't want to dump a few hundred dollars in books up front.  And more importantly, seven books (or less) are easier to carry around than 20 (which I did once, it wasn't fun).

My biggest expense, other than the books, is my hotel room.  I saved a bunch of money at ConClave this fall by not staying at the hotel, but I won't have that option this time.  Sure, I could stay at my parents' place and drive to and from the con every day/night, but that can get old fast--especially if I'm on a panel that starts later in the evening (which has happened before).

But I'll be honest, I missed staying at the hotel while at ConClave this fall. Granted I was thankful to save the almost $200 in room costs, but at the same time it felt like I was missing out on stuff.  And being able to get out of bed, shower and walk to your first panel of the morning is nice--as is being able to spend more time in the Dealer's Room selling books.

I'm very much looking forward to Penguicon.  May can't come quick enough. And don't misunderstand me here, going to a convention is worth every cent.