FAQs

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What is Bouchercon?

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The Bouchercon [bough’•chur•con] World Mystery Convention is a nonprofit organization which holds an annual convention in honor of Anthony Boucher, the distinguished mystery fiction critic, editor, and author.

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Every year, readers, writers, publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and other lovers of crime fiction gather for a four-day weekend of education, entertainment, and fun.

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The first Bouchercon took place in 1970 in Santa Monica, California. Since then, the convention has been held in many cities across North America and in the United Kingdom.

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TIP:  TALK TO AUTHORS … TALK TO EVERYONE …

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The first Bouchercon took place in 1970 in Santa Monica, California. Recent Bouchercons have been held in many cities across the United States.

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Who is Bouchercon for?

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Anyone who loves mysteries. Attendees will include hundreds of fans of crime fiction, along with published authors, aspiring writers, librarians, large and small publishers, editors, agents, and booksellers.

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What Happens at a Bouchercon Convention?

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Bouchercon consists of panel discussions and other programming on a wide variety of topics designed to allow lots of interaction among readers and writers. Topics can be humorous or serious, informational or entertaining, and most often are a little bit of everything.

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In addition, there are author signing sessions, a book store, and special events such as award ceremonies, charity auctions, and special events. And always, there are a lot of people just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company (check the bar)!

 

TIP:  GO TO THE EVENTS HOSTED BY PUBLISHERS AND SELLERS—THEY GIVE AWAY FREE BOOKS!

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How can I participate?

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Register to attend! We also welcome anyone who’s interested in volunteering before and during the event or any individual, group, or organization that would like to sponsor a portion of the weekend’s festivities.

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How Do I Submit My Book for an Anthony Award?

 

The Anthony Award nominations are submitted online by people who registered for the previous year’s Bouchercon  and/or are registered for the current year’s Bouchercon.  Books are nominated by the membership and voted on by the membership.

 

How do I Volunteer?

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Yes! Bouchercon is almost entirely planned and run by volunteers. We can’t do it without you!  When you complete your online or mail-in registration, check the “yes” box for volunteering.

 

 

TIP: VOLUNTEER – EVEN FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. IT’S THE BEST WAY TO MEET PEOPLE

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