Why do some events charge admission?
Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on the way you look at it, I’ve got so many terrific fans who come out to see me that the events can get pretty crowded. It’s really hard to enjoy yourself when you are standing with 350 other people in a space that can accommodate 50. For this reason, most bookstores have to move the event offsite. Sometimes this means they have to pay for the venue, too. It’s up to the bookstore to decide whether they’d like to pass that cost along to consumers.
In some cases, it’s a couple of dollars for a seat. In others, they prefer that you buy the book from them (instead of from Costco, or Amazon) when you come to the event. Why? Because right now, bookstores are having a really hard time making ends meet. You might be able to get a book cheaper at Amazon, but you won’t be able to hear the author speak or get the book signed. Bookstores usually provide that service through reading series - they’re the ones who organize the events and make sure you are having a good time, and in return, some feel it’s only fair that you buy the book at their business establishment. It’s sort of hard to argue with that theory! Some venues are offering discounts to students or kids; we have tried to ask for that accommodation wherever possible.
But ultimately the decision to charge or not to charge is the bookstore’s. It might interest you to know that in other countries - the UK and Australia, for example, book events are NEVER free! So - although I truly hope that anyone who wants to hear me speak can do so - I also know that it’s not fun for anyone to be packed into a crowd of people, and I promise you that if you do have to pay for an event, you’ll be comfortable, you’ll be able to hear and see, and you’ll have a great time.
Appearances, news & special events
A huge THANK YOU to all of my US and UK fans who came out to my THE STORYTELLER Tour this March and April, and my South African fans who came out to my LONE WOLF Tour this January!
