YALC is one of my favourite literary events of year. But it can be overwhelming – particularly if it’s your first time going. Here are my top tips to get the most out of your YALC.
What to take
This is my list of YALC essentials:
- Comfy shoes. I cannot stress this enough. YALC is essentially a great square and you’ll need to walk around (can you walk around a square??) several times to see everything. I wore boots this year. I regret it. Don’t be like me. Bring trainers!
- Water. Hydration is key.
- Bags/totes/trolleys/suitcases/receptacles for books. I usually bring two suitcases – pretty easy for lugging on and off the tube.
- A printed map of the area. (See further down for map information). This isn’t super essential as there should be printed maps up on some of the screens for you to peruse if you need to, but it is quite handy to have.
- Phone charger/battery bank. Absolutely essential. My recommendation is to go with a battery bank as wall sockets seem to be in short supply at YALC. In other words, you won’t be able to charge your phone very easily.
Getting there
I’ve only ever gone on the train – which I’ve found to be pretty easy. You want the Kensington Olympia station, which will drop you off directly outside Olympia.
When you arrive, just remember “Comicon go left, YALC go right”. You’ll walk through the street and round the building to arrive in a kind of warehouse-like area. This is where you’ll get your bags checked and queue.
At any point, the friendly members of staff are there to point you in the right direction (as they have had to do with me many times.)
What to do first?
My top tip is follow the publishers’ social medias prior to the event. They’ll often give you advance warning of giveaways they plan to run. You can then make a list of anything you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Be sure to follow YALC’s socials as well! They’ll post the map in advance so you can figure out who will be where.
Again, if you haven’t been before, it will be quite hard to visualise. But once you’re there, it should make sense.
What is there to do at YALC?
Shop books at bargain prices
I’m led to believe it’s a prerequisite of attending YALC that all books for sale have to be discounted from their RRP. So snag a bargain! There are lots of stands by big name publishers, as well as Fairyloot, Kingdom Book Designs and more.
Speak to agents
The agents will be at the 1-2-1 desks. Don’t be like me and think you can just rock up and speak to one; you have to sign up first. There should be a clipboard with a schedule on it somewhere near the 1-2-1 desks. Find it, add your name and be sure to set an alarm so you don’t get distracted by books and miss your slot.
Book signing events
Prior to YALC, they’ll publish the list of attending authors. Bring along your books and get them signed by your favourite writers. In my experience, it’s always at the area pictured above and is quite easy to find. (I have never done this so can’t offer any meaningful advice so let’s swiftly move on).
Meet indie authors
The second ever Inspiring Indies zone was even bigger and better than last year.
Top reasons to come and see us:
- I can vouch for the fact that indie authors will be only too happy to sign and personalise your books.
- There probably won’t be a massive queue to speak to us.
- We write unconstrained by the fetters and whims of publishing trends. Which is basically a pretentious way of saying you might find something new and unexpected among our titles.
- You’ll get to see my sparkly Rosa Bloom jumpsuit in all its shimmering wonder. (Probably not the one in the picture. It’s getting a little threadbare. Or sequinbare.)
The iconic YALC sign
You need to get your picture taken on the red carpet by the YALC sign. And, right next to the sign, is where you can buy YALC totes and merchandise.
Panels and workshops
Check out the YALC timetable for details of panels and workshops. You have my sympathies if there’s a clash.
I’m already excited for YALC 2026. Will you be there?
Leave a Reply