FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Left Coast Crime?
The "Left Coast Crime
Convention," the "Western Regional Mystery Conference" hereto
referred to as "LCC," is an event sponsored by fans of Mystery
Literature, for fans of Mystery Literature. LCC is an annual
convention. The intent is to provide an event where fans of the Mystery
genre can gather in convivial surroundings to pursue their interest in the
genre.
Does the convention pay an honorarium?
No.
Can I come without registering?
No.
What's your refund policy?
If you cancel before September 15, 2009,
you will receive a refund of $150.
If you cancel September 16, 2009 through
January 15, 2010, you will receive a refund of $90. If you cancel after
January 15, 2010, there will be no refund.
Registrations are non-transferable.
Why do I have to pay $5.00 extra to use
PayPal?
This is a fee PayPal collects for using
their service.
How can I get on a panel?
Register for the convention, and then
volunteer to be an a panel. This is not a guarantee you'll be on a
panel, but it is the starting point.
What's a published author?
Anyone whose books are published by a
firm that pays standard advances and royalties is qualified to be listed as an
author at Left Coast Crime. Active members of the Mystery Writers of
America are automatically accepted as authors but anyone who is not an MWA
member but who meets their requirements is an author. This includes
anyone who has ever been published by an accepted publisher regardless of
their current situation. Authors from publishers who do not meet the
MWA's years in business or number of titles rule but who do pay advances and
standard royalties are accepted by Left Coast Crime on a provisional basis but
must submit an affidavit (including a standard contract) attesting to that
fact. Only authors who have contributed financially to the publication
of all of their books either through self-publishing or through a vanity or
subsidy press are not eligible unless they have been shortlisted for a major
mystery award (the Edgar, the Anthony, the Agatha, the Dilys, the Barry, the
Hammett, the Macavity, the Lefty, the Nero Wolfe, the CWA Dagger, the Shamus,
the Arthur Ellis, and the Bruce Alexander Awards). Non-American writers
without U.S. publishers who meet the above requirements or who are active
members in their national mystery writer associations also qualify.
Can I join at the door?
Yes, see registration page for day pass
rates.
What are the awards and how does a book get
nominated?
The Lefty, an award for the best humorous
mystery, is to be awarded at each Left Coast Crime. Books eligible for
the award must have been published for the first time in the United States in
the calendar year preceding the convention. Books which appeared in
other countries in earlier years are still eligible as long as they meet the
American publication requirement. Nominations are to be solicited from
registered members of the convention beginning on January 1 of the year in
which the convention is held. The short list shall consist of the five
books receiving the most nominations. All registered members of the
convention are eligible to vote. Final balloting and tabulation shall be
conducted at Left Coast Crime with the winner announced during the convention,
preferably at the banquet. The physical properties of the award are left
to the discretion of each host Left Coast Crime committee.
Furthermore, up to three other awards may
be awarded at the discretion of individual Left Coast Crime conventions in
categories to be chosen by the current organizing committee. Subsequent
committees may but are not required to continue any of these awards.
Left Coast Crime 2010 is dedicated to the
memory of Paul Anik, the chairman of the organizing committee, who passed away
in January 2009. A special award called The PANIK (for best Los Angeles
noir mystery published in 2009) will be presented in his honor at Left Coast
Crime 2010.
The Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical
Mystery, a historical mystery, covering events before 1950 will also be
awarded.
When is the awards banquet?
Saturday Night.
Is the awards banquet included in registration?
Yes.
What is the dress for the awards banquet?
Business/dressy casual -- not shorts but not
black tie.
Where can I send auction items?
Beverly Docktor, 38910 30th Street East,
Palmdale, CA 93550
How do I get a parking voucher?
Parking vouchers will be sold, cash or check
only, at the registration desk during the convention. If one is using a
parking voucher, there is no in and out. If one is paying the full $30
per day to park, one can come and go as often as one chooses. Registration will
be open every day. On Thursday, it will be open 1-5. On Friday it will
be open 8-5. On Saturday it will be open 8-5. Sunday hours are
still to be determined.
How can I send my goodies home?
Packing and shipping will be available
on-site by Box Brothers,
they can be contacted regarding costs and details.
