Wild Deadwood Reads 2025 looks to be even more exciting than our last five years! Here are some answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions:
How much is a table? Full tables are $175 and half tables are $90. Each table comes with a black table cover. Full tables are set with two chairs each, and you may register your assistant or cover model to sit with you at the table. Half-tables have only one chair, and you will not be able to have your assistant or cover model with you.
Can I register now and pay later? No, we’re sorry. Our author registration fees are among the least expensive for multi-day events like ours. We offer a budget-friendly half-table option, and many authors come back year after year!
What does the table fee registration include? With either table registration, you’ll receive a specially-colored neck wallet and name tag that will boldly identify you as an Author as well as a FREE listing in the full-color Memory Book that will be given at no-charge to readers. Your listing includes your author headshot, a 400-character biography, and up to three book covers.
Do you accept new authors? We love new authors, and as long as you have at least one book for purchase, you are welcome to attend.
Do I have to be with a publishing company? No, not at all. Independently published as well as traditionally published authors are welcome.
What genres are welcome at the Book Fair? We are multi-genre, so all are welcome.
Is my fee refundable if I cancel? Fees were refundable through December 1, 2024. Should you cancel your participation after that, your table is not transferrable. There is a waiting list, and the space will go to the next author on the wait list.
Is there a separate conference fee? No, you only pay for what you wish to attend.
What time do we set up for the Book Fair? You may set up your Book Fair or Vendor table Friday evening. Times TBD.
When is the Book Fair? The Book Fair is at the Lodge at Deadwood in their conference center from 930 am to 330 pm.
Do I need to register my assistant or cover model? Yes, their registration is FREE, but please be sure to register for a full table so they can sit with you at the table. If you choose a half-table, there will not be room for them to sit with you.
Should I register my husband, friend, etc. as a reader or an assistant and what is the difference? Either is fine, but if you want them at your table, please register them as your assistant. And remember, if you have a half table, there is only one chair, and only enough room for you there, so do not plan on having anyone sit with you. Their registration is FREE.
Should I register my family members? If they are planning to have breakfast or attend any of the Extra-Events, yes, you must register them as a reader or assistant. If they are only going to stop by and visit you at your table during the Book Fair, you do not need to register them.
Is there an age limit for any of the events? Be aware that there is alcohol and a bar at some events.
Do I need to purchase tickets for the Breakfast and Extra-Events? Yes. Not everyone eats breakfast, and not everyone is interested in attending our fun Extra-Events. That’s why Breakfast and the Extra-Events are “a la carte” so you are able to purchase tickets to only the events you want to attend.
When and where is the breakfast? It’s scheduled for 8:30 to 10 Saturday morning in the ballroom adjacent to the Book Fair.
Where is the Book Fair room? It is in the ballroom at the Lodge of Deadwood.
What will readers be given at the registration desk? In order for the readers to be able to find you easily, they’ll be given a Signing Map. An online version of this will be sent to you a few days prior to the Book Fair so you’ll know where your table is located (and your WDR-branded table tent will boldly display your name). Readers will be offered a Memory Book which has your headshot, bio, and book covers while supplies last. Readers like to get every author’s autograph, and this gives you a wonderful opportunity to interact with the readers. There is an opportunity coming soon for you to sponsor the goodie bags which will be given *empty* to readers. Authors, you will have swag at your tables to lure readers your way.
What else do I bring to the Book Fair? Markers and pens – you may want to bring a silver or white marker along with a black one so you can be prepared to sign whatever readers ask you to autograph, including the Memory Book. Swag – we will have a swag table in the Commons Area where non-attending authors’ swag will be available for readers but keeping your swag at your table will entice readers to visit you.
Is there free WiFi in the Book Fair room? Yes.
What do I need to prove that I have paid? Bring a printout of your event ticket. We’ll also have a list at the door in case you have misplaced your ticket or are unable to display it on a digital device.
What should I wear? We are casual, but as an author, you will still want to be seen as professional. Definitely wear comfortable shoes. It’s a western town, so boots and hats are welcome!
How many books and swag should I bring? This is always a hard one. Newer books and the first-in-a-series always seem to sell more, so we suggest you bring more of those. You should consider posting a link to a Google-Docs-type pre-order form in the reader group. A good rule of thumb is to bring 100 to 150 pieces of swag.
Can authors bring posters or banners? Yes, as long as they’re free-standing and do not need to be taped to the wall.
Are there restrooms nearby at the event? Yes.
Is there an ATM in the hotel? Yes, in the casino area.
Do we need to bring our own books, or will there be a book seller there? You will need to bring your own books and be responsible for collecting payment for them. Tax forms will be available for you there if you wish to collect tax for your sales.
Neck Wallets and Name Badges? You, and everyone you register as an assistant, reader, or cover model, will have a printed nametag in a fabulous neck wallet. The general schedule is on the back of each neck wallet. If you do not wish to keep the neck wallet, please leave it on your table or drop it in the box marked Recycle Neck Wallet Here.
Can we take pictures? Yes, the more the better. When you post them to social media, use #WildDeadwoodReads to tag them to the event.
Who are at the Vendor Tables? We have a number of vendors each year, everything ranging from a cover model and photographer to a chocolatier. Be sure to support all of them if you can! If you know someone who would like a Vendor Table, please have them contact one of the hosts (contact info below).
How can I help spread the word? Please be sure to post pictures, videos, anything else you’d like to your social media, using #WildDeadwoodReads both before, during, and after the event. We want to get the word out about the signing and how much fun it is. Thanks!
Join Social Media and Get Active:
Website www.wilddeadwoodreads.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wilddeadwoodreads/
Reader & Author Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1330472326972227/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Gingernovel/wild-deadwood-reads-2018/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WildDeadwood
Instagram: https://wilddeadwoodreads.com/instagram/
Are there special rates at the Lodge at Deadwood? Yes. For those attending WDR we have the number to book your room at the Lodge at Deadwood. The direct line to the hotel front desk is 1-877-393-5634 and the block will be called Wild Deadwood Reads. The nights of the 12th, 13th, and 14th are $204. They have several options of rooms so just let them know what you are interested in. The hotel is on the trolley line and has free parking so if you decide to stay somewhere else it is still very easy to get to. You can also set up your tables in the book signing room on Friday night, just like last year. No matter where you decide to stay, book early because it is during Wild Bill Days. Thanks!
Can authors buy tickets to the sponsored Extra-Events? For 2025, authors may buy tickets for the Extra-Events even if they are not sponsors. However, we encourage authors to sponsor at least one Extra-Event during Wild Deadwood Reads to give you, the author, a boost with your visibility to the readers. Sponsoring also allows you a number of exciting perks, and please watch for these coming soon.
How do I become a sponsor? Coming soon!
Do we need to send swag for stuffing bags? No, just bring what you want for your table or to hand out in town or at events.
Can we ship things to and from the hotel? Yes you can, but only if you’re a registered guest of the Lodge at Deadwood. If you’re staying at another hotel, please ship your boxes to that hotel. If shipping to any hotel, try and ship so that it arrives the week you are arriving, and clearly have your name and date of