As we get closer to starting our 2023 Kryptic World Tour, there is something that has been on my mind for more than a few months that I feel the need to get it out there.
Those of you out there that know me from conventions, know that I mainly deal in horror reference books. It is one of my strong passions as a horror fan, and love being one of the few dealers at the horror conventions that deal in them. I love being able to get a book out there to another fan, handing over the potential to learn more about a particular actor or film.
But the times are a changing, as they say.
First and foremost, I’m getting older. Carrying a dozen or so containers filled with books to each show is really taking its toll on me and my back. But the other reason, and probably the main one, is that the sales are just not there these days. While we do okay at some shows, others we barely make a profit, if at all. This isn’t a complaint, but just the way the market is these days. Most of the fans coming to the bigger cons these days are more interested in autographs, photo ops, and toys. And those prices just keep getting higher and higher, leaving very little money left over for any dealer, let alone one selling books. We seem to sell more at the small shows, but there just isn’t enough headcount through the door to make the total sales worth all of it. Even though horror reference books are still being published left and right (much to the dismay of my bank account), many of those that buy them don’t come to too many conventions.
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate those that have continued to support us at the shows over the years, I have loved our conversations and cherish them more than you know. But something has to change. I feel that I can still continue to do the shows, but use the time, effort, and money into something else than selling books. Most likely, promoting our podcast, Discover the Horror.
We’ll see how the year plays out, but 2023 just might be the last year that you will see us dealing only in horror film reference books. Time will tell.
See you on the tour!
kitleyskrypt.com 
Sorry to hear Jon. But not too surprised to hear that there is a dwindling interest among horror fans in your books at the cons – Folks these days seem to have lost the joy in reading. Like yourself, I have held a long-term interest in collecting horror film books. To me, there is something very special and nostalgic about these books that really adds to my interest in the horror genre as well as gaining more insight into the films.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the comment, Todd. I do think the want for these books are out there, just not a lot at the shows that we set up at. I agree with you completely, that books open up so much more to us.
LikeLike
Well, assuming you’re going to Monster Bash this year, I’m going to reserve some funds for book-shopping!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we will be there!
LikeLike
I love the books! There is nothing like holding a large tome in your hands and pursuing the photos and information within! But I agree that the love of books seems to be dying out in this new digital age!. Good luck with your future convention appearances whatever you decide! I hope to get some more from you over the next few months before your inventory dwindles….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know there are plenty of other book collectors and readers out there, just like us. Just not a ton of them come to the cons anymore. I know at Monster Bash I do pretty good because it is an older crowd that still loves the books. But just not a lot of total number of people at that show. But again, I know I’ll figure something out and will continue to be a presence at the shows.
LikeLike