It took me four weeks to gather up the courage to apply for the Book Expo America badge. In my understanding, Book Expo America (BEA) is one of the most significant events in the publishing world. Also, it happens to take place a 23-minute subway ride from where I am currently living in Manhattan (God bless the Second Avenue subway). It sounds like a win-win-win. First, Great networking, interesting panels, some free books (27 and counting, and I’m only taking the ones I really like). Second, I get to see the weird Hudson Yards womb-statue from relatively close up. But I was still nervous to apply. Here were some of…