Frequently Asked Questions

Booking & Tickets

How can I contact the event organiser?

Books & Networking is organised by Simon Pittman - e-mail: simon@libraryplayer.co.uk 

Are there online/virtual meetings?

We did look into hybrid meetings (a mix of in-person and online) however there wasn't really much interest in attending online at that time.

We may look into online options again in the future - especially if there is interest in people from outside Aberdeen, or in exceptional circumstances (e.g. adverse weather, COVID, etc.)

I can no longer attend, are tickets refundable?

Unfortunately, tickets are not refundable.

However, you are welcome to send someone else to attend instead (e.g. someone from your business or a contact).

If the event is cancelled by the event organiser (e.g. due to COVID restrictions) then a full refund will be issued.

If I book for one of the events, will I automatically be subscribed to the mailing list/newsletter?

No - as this is against the rules of the ticket provider and the mailing list service.

If you book for an event via EventBrite, we won't automatically add you to the mailing list to receive our newsletters, so you'll need to subscribe seperately.

You can subscribe to the mailing list at: subscribepage.io/booksandnetworking 

Can I pay at the door/just turn up at an event without booking?

No.

As spaces are limited, booking is essential.

We also need to provide the venue with an idea of numbers for parking, refreshments, etc.

When is the next meeting?

At the moment, Books & Networking meetings are organised every two months.

Events are normally advertised on...

Attending our events

Do I need to bring the book I'm currently reading with me?

No you don't need to bring any of the books you are currently reading with you. Although some people do find it easier to talk about the book they are currently reading if they have it with them.

Which book will we be talking about or reading?

Unlike a traditional book club (where everyone reads the same book), we discuss what each person is reading at the moment, getting ideas from each others book choices.

Books range from business, self help, personal development, biographies, inspirational, practical "how to" books, and very occassionally even fiction books get a mention!

You can see some of the previous books discussed and recommended at our previous events.

Will there be parking at the events?

Parking is usually available - an e-mail is sent the day before the meeting, which includes details on parking.

Will there be any more Books & Networking events in Aberdeenshire?

Following our event in Stonehaven on Wednesday 25th September 2024, and our meeting in Echt on 30th January 2025 - more Books & Networking events are planned for Aberdeenshire in 2025!

The majority of our events will still be in Aberdeen city.

Any plans for Books & Networking meetings in other towns or cities?

There is some interest in Books & Networking meetings in other parts of the UK - particularly Dundee.

This is something we may look at organising in the future - and would most likely work with someone who is based in those areas to make this possible. If you are interested in a Books & Networking meeting in your area (or interested in helping organise an event in your city), e-mail: simon@libraryplayer.co.uk 

Facebook Group

I'm not located in Aberdeen, can I join the Facebook group?

Yes!

While Books & Networking started as a local Facebook group, and there are meetings in Aberdeen, anyone living or working in other parts of the UK are welcome to join and be part of the Facebook group.

This allows for a bigger range of discussions, book recommendations, and on some cases occassions for authors to join the group!

Do I need to be a member of the Facebook group to attend events?

No. As not everyone uses Facebook, anyone is welcome to attend the meetings - regardless of whether or not you are a member of the Facebook group.

How long has Books & Networking been going?

The first Books & Networking meeting was in October 2021 - with meetings usually organised every few months.

The original Facebook group was set up in May 2019, as a place for sharing book recommendations - and the idea for meetings started to take form towards the end of that year and start of 2020 - and the plans postponed due to the pandemic (the first event was originally planned for April 2020!).

I've written a book - can I promote my own book within the group?

There is a specific post/thread where you can share your book.

Regular contributors to the group (i.e. who reply to other posts, share their book recommendations, etc.) are welcome to add the occassional post in the main group timeline about their own books.

This ensures the Facebook group remains a place for sharing book recommendations (rather than turning into a "promote your book" group)!

We are also happy to share a link to your book in our books by group members page on this website - if you'd like your book included, e-mail: simon@libraryplayer.co.uk 

Writing & Self Publishing Support

Any plans for more book writing/self publishing workshops?

Simon is co-hosting a one-day workshop on 26th February 2025 - Writing & Publishing - for more info e-mail: simon@libraryplayer.co.uk 

The workshop in September 2022 was intended to be a one-off, and there are no plans for future workshops.

You can find our range of writing/self publishing support (including one-to-one help, and the book on writing/self publishing) in our Writing section.

Any future workshops would only be organised if someone was to fund the workshop, or hire Simon to hold the workshop for their contacts/clients.

Can you upload my book to KDP for me?

Unfortunately it's against the terms and conditions of KDP (and most other self publishing platforms) to allow other people to log in to your account.

(It's in section 4.3 of KDP's terms and conditions!)

However we are happy to guide and talk you through it, answering any questions you may have.

Can I get Simon's advice on writing/self publishing, book recommendations, etc.?

Simon often receives e-mails asking for advice on writing/self publishing, book recommendations, etc.

The best place to ask for this help is at our events, in our Facebook group, or checking out the range of writing/self publishing support.

If you'd like one-to-one help from Simon (either in person or by telephone), his rates are: