BookExpo America -- the largest publishing event in the U.S. -- hits New York next week. With more than 2,000 publishers and other exhibitors, and 1,000 appearances by authors, it's jam packed with panels, keynotes, and lunches.

The schedule -- and all that swag -- can be overwhelming if you're not prepared. "The secret to surviving BookExpo is to only take the free merchandise you absolutely want," says GalleyCat co-editor Ron Hogan. "Otherwise, you're going to find yourself in a world of back and leg pain very quickly, trying to haul around all the swag they're giving out."

There's one thing you definitely won't want to pass up: Mergers & Acquisitions author Dana Vachon joins Ron and GalleyCat's Sarah Weinman to host a party for book publishers on Thursday, May 31.

Click here for more party info.

Rachel Edelman, Events Manager