Reading tickets for popular authors or events often sell out quickly, leaving many people disappointed. However, don’t give up hope just yet – there are still ways to try and get tickets even when an event is marked as sold out. Here are some tips and tricks for scoring those coveted reading tickets.
Check the event website frequently
Often, event organizers will release additional tickets or have ticket returns as the event date gets closer. Keep checking the official event or ticketing website regularly leading up to the reading date, as new tickets may be released at any time. Set up alerts or notifications so you’ll be one of the first to know when new tickets become available.
Get on the waitlist
Many ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster or Eventbrite offer waitlists that you can join when an event is sold out. You’ll be notified if spots open up. Waitlists are usually first-come, first-served, so get on them as early as possible to increase your chances. Some events will also let you join an in-person waitlist on the day of the reading to get standby tickets.
Check secondary markets
Sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats and Craigslist are go-to spots for resellers offloading tickets for sold out events. Be prepared to pay more than face value, but it may be worth it if you’re a huge fan. Use common sense to avoid scams and fake tickets though.
Follow the author, publisher or bookstore
Often, authors, publishers or bookstores hosting readings will announce additional tickets or changes. Follow them on social media and turn on notifications so you’re tipped off right away if they announce anything about sold out events. You may be able to snag tickets before the general public knows they’re available.
Ask about accessible seating tickets
Many venues set aside tickets for accessible seating areas for those with disabilities. If the main tickets are sold out, it’s worth asking the box office if any of these accessible tickets are still available for sale. You likely will need to provide proof of need to purchase them.
Get a job or volunteer
Okay, this one requires a bit more effort. But those working an event often get into sold out readings for free. Usher, work box office or concessions, or volunteer to help out in exchange for getting to see the event. A perk of working is you may also get to meet or see the author backstage.
Enter contests and giveaways
Leading up to major events, publishers, bookstores and radio stations will often run ticket giveaways and contests. Follow blogs or social media closely to find and enter any you’re eligible for. Local libraries may also receive contest giveaways to hand out.
Wait in the rush line
Many big events have rush or standing room only lines for any extra seats that become available. You won’t be guaranteed a spot, but if you’re committed it’s worth showing up early and trying your luck. Some venues allow rush line entry at discounted rates if seats open up.
Go for a sold out similar event
If a certain reading is out of reach, look for similar events that may still have tickets. Nearby cities, offsite affiliated bookshops, or a podcast recording may be less in demand. It’s not the hot ticket item but can still be a great alternate option.
Ask for the author to add a second reading
For very high demand authors, politely ask if they’d consider doing a second reading while they’re in town. Venues want to meet customer demand. If enough people request a second event, they may try to make it happen. Just don’t harass or make unreasonable demands of the author or organizers.
Make friends with someone who has tickets
Don’t go begging acquaintances for their tickets if they scored some and you didn’t. But if you have any friend who naturally brings up they’re attending, subtly note your envy and interest. They may offer to bring you along or coordinate with you if they have an extra ticket.
Splurge on VIP tickets
Premium pricey VIP tickets are harder to sell out. They come at a steeper cost, but guarantee you access. VIP perks could include front row seating, exclusive meet and greets, signed books or swag and more. If general admission is out of reach, shell out big if you can swing it.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Sign up for pre-sales, mark your calendar and purchase early. Setbacks happen, so give yourself extra time and wiggle room. Waiting until the day tickets go on sale almost guarantees they’ll be gone in seconds for hot events. Advance planning is key to scoring tickets.
Consider an alternative format
If you strike out on tickets, look for other ways to experience an author’s words. See if they’re doing associated bookstore signings, Q&As or media appearances while in town. Or listen to the reading as an audiobook or podcast. Then it’s like having the author read to you personally.
Don’t buy from scalpers or scammers
Be very cautious purchasing secondhand tickets from strangers, which often violates terms and may be fraudulent. Only buy from trusted resale sites with guarantees. Beware of “too good to be true” ticket deals on Craigslist, Facebook or elsewhere that could leave you high and dry.
Petition for a virtual attendance option
Suggest that event organizers allow for a limited number of virtual tickets for “attendees” to tune in online. This expands access when in-person space is limited. Common for bigger names now in the pandemic era and worth advocating for.
Buy tickets for the author’s next event
Don’t dwell too much on a missed event. Look ahead to the author’s next reading or book release and be ready to pounce early on tickets. Sign up for alerts so you’re in the loop as soon as the next tour or appearance tickets are announced.
Conclusion
Scoring tickets for a sold out reading from your favorite author may seem daunting, but don’t abandon hope. With advance planning, persistence, flexibility and some creativity, there are usually still ways to experience the event. Tap into your passion and try multiple avenues simultaneously to maximize your chances of getting in. Happy ticket hunting!
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Check event website frequently | – Doesn’t require extra effort if you check periodically – Direct source for newly released tickets |
– Have to regularly monitor site – No guarantee of new ticket releases |
Join waitlist | – Notified if spots open up – Usually first come, first served |
– No guarantee you’ll get tickets – Have to act very quickly once notified |
Buy resell tickets | – Guaranteed tickets – Wider selection of postings over time |
– Likely paying over face value – Risk of fraud |
Follow author/organizer social media | – May get insider tips before public – Direct news from source |
– Need to enable notifications – No guarantee of ticket info |
Ask about accessible seating tickets | – Less competition if not disabled – Gets you in the door |
– Unethical if you don’t actually need accommodations – Very limited ticket release this way |
Get event staff job or volunteer | – Guaranteed entry – May get to meet author – Feel good supporting the event |
– Need to put in work hours – Usually can’t sit and watch the full event |
Enter contests and giveaways | – Chance to win free tickets – Often run by radio stations and libraries |
– No guarantee you’ll win – Time consuming to find and enter |
Wait in rush line day of | – Could get in if seats open up – Potential discounted rates |
– No guarantee of entry – Must wait around in advance |
Attend similar event | – Get to still see author – Less popular events likely not sold out |
– Not the specific reading you want – May be inconvenient location |
Request the author add another reading | – Directly demand more tickets – Venues want to meet interest |
– Author may decline another date – Planning takes time even if approved |
Befriend someone with tickets | – Leverage existing connections – Organic offer likely if real friend |
– Don’t beg acquaintances for tickets – No control if tickets offered or not |
Purchase VIP tickets | – Guaranteed seats – Front row seating – Exclusive perks |
– Very expensive – Few VIP tickets may exist |
Plan ahead and buy early | – Best chance at general admission tickets – Can overcome obstacles |
– Popular events still likely to sell out quickly |
Experience author in other ways | – Attend associated book signings, talks – Listen via audiobook/podcast |
– Not the specific reading event – Less personal interaction |
Getting tickets to a sold out author reading or talk requires effort, flexibility and creativity. With some targeted strategies, you can still find ways to experience the event or author despite it being marked “sold out”. Don’t give up hope! Where there’s a will, there’s usually a way for the enterprising book lover.