There are a few different types of readathons, and they each need slightly different preparation. For instance, a month-long readathon that focuses on a specific genre or specific prompts, would require curating a TBR around the prompts or topics. A week-long readathon may simply require that you block out times to read and maybe make a reading goal. And then there’s the big one- a weekend readathon, like 24 in 48, or a 24-hour readathon, like Dewey’s. The biggest difference in these is that for the first, you try to read for 24 out of 48 hours, with breaks; and for the second, you try to read as much as possible within a 24-hour period. I’ll be focusing on the prep for a 24-hours readathon (because those are my favorites AND because Dewey’s is about 12 days away).

The first step for every readathon is to decide whether or not you want to participate. Most readathons have a sign up that is either posted on the official blog or linked through social media. Once you’re signed up, block the time out of your schedule if you can. I usually announce to my family that it’s readathon weekend and ask to not be disturbed… this does not always work out.

Usually about a week before the readathon date, any mini challenges or readathon activities will be announced. You can choose to participate in these or not. Sometimes I do, most times I don’t. This is also the time I make some very important decisions: what I’m going to read and what I’m going to eat.

Snacks are a big part of 24-hour readathons. You need to make sure that you are fueled up to read and keep your energy going. I always plan WAY more snacks than I can eat (but I do this for any event). For me, I aim for at least a 50/50 ratio between healthy snacks and junk food. And my meals are always something that is super quick or requires no prep work. I also plan to drink at least as much water as I do caffeine. I don’t drink coffee, but do enjoy sodas and tea for caffeine bursts. I also make sure that I have everything on hand before the readathon starts and prep anything that needs it (chopping veggies for snacking for instance).

And of course the only thing more important than the snacks, is the books. Some people will pick out special TBRs for their readathon, I usually just go with whatever I am already reading and have a few more books lined up. Because I’m aiming to spend as much of my day reading as possible, I like to alternate between formats and always have physical books, ebooks on my Kindle, and audio books ready to go. Switching formats helps to prevent eye strain for me. And during those hours where I need to be doing other things, audio books help me to stay reading.

The day before, plan out where you will be reading. I usually have a couple of different reading locations ready to go so that I can move around a bit and am not just staying in one place. I usually don’t read the day before the readathon, so that my eyes are rested and I am fresh and ready to go. I also try to go to bed as early as possible, because the readathon starts at 5am on the West Coast of the US, and I like to start reading right at kickoff. Of course, I never actually fall asleep early because I have sleep issues and I’m usually too excited.

The morning of the readathon I dive in and start reading. I like to post my progress on Twitter throughout the day and will sometimes update the blog during the day as well. I’ll also post to Instagram throughout the day as well. To keep the blood flow and keep from getting stiff, I’ll get up and stretch and move around every couple of hours (this can also help you stay awake in the later hours). I’ll follow the # for the the readathon as well and cheer on other readers throughout the event.

I always want to stay awake, reading for the full 24-hours, but that has only actually happened once for me. It’s important to give yourself permission to sleep when you need to, and to take a break from reading if you need to as well. Many people only participate for a few hours because they have other obligations, but others read together as a family, or join with a group of friends.

Have you ever done a readathon? How do you prep?