I have a broader question relating to comic conventions. In an earlier post you said you were not invited to a certain con. How do writers/artists end up being at a con? And any news if you will be in Arizona soon? And do DC reps ever come to cons?

The way creator attendance works is, usually there are five ways a creator shows up at a con.

1) They attend with a paid ticket, like everyone else.

2) They buy a table in artist’s alley, which they pay for themselves, usually in the hope of selling books or art to make up the expense.

3) They attend as the guest of a publisher or store, usually they will do signings at those booths in exchange for their expenses.

4) They are local artists and help fill the con’s guest list.

or

5) The con invites them.

If the con invites a guest, they usually pay expenses including travel and hotel, sometimes there is a per diem or appearance fee, sometimes not.

Artists can make a lot of money at cons, selling prints and sketches, sometimes. Not always, but sometimes.

Writers, it’s harder. It’s expensive to haul books around to sell, and it’s a hassle. Some writers have products they sell.

It sounds mercenary, but attending cons can be expensive even if the con pays the basic expenses. When I go to a con, I am paying for my dogs to be kenneled, my luggage on the plane, my gas to get to the airport, my parking over the course of the con, supplies, food, and lots of other expenses. It’s one of my biggest yearly expenses all told, but I do it because I love meeting readers and I like being an ambassador for comics.

Some cons help with those expenses and some don.t

I am not coming to Arizona any time immediately, I don’t think, sorry!

And DC editors and staffers go to cons all the time!

Hope this helps.