There was a time, not so long ago, when it was rare to see women at comics conventions unless they were there as invited celebrity guests or brought along by their boyfriends. But the stigma of being a “geek girl” has faded over the years and female attendance at conventions has increased dramatically. Still, despite the fact that female involvement in comics and other geeky pursuits such as video games has become more common, women continue to face a fair amount of push back from the community (hello, GamerGate!), as some less-evolved members feel many girls go geek simply for attention.

Enter Sam Maggs’s The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy, which not only helps girls feel more comfortable with their geekiness, but also directs them to all kinds of nerdy resources.

While some may consider the term “fangirl” derogatory, Maggs, an associate editor for the popular geek site The Mary Sue, is quick to point out they couldn’t be more wrong. Being a fangirl is about celebrating what you love and sharing your passion for fandom (i.e.: being a fan of a particular show, character, or person, often as part of a community of like-minded individuals). The book details various fandoms and their defining characteristics, with Maggs frequently showing off her knack for humour (including her explanation of what, exactly, a SuperWhoLockian is). The author also advises readers on how to use characters from fandom to craft their own fanfiction, a hugely popular and empowering means of expressing and sharing one’s admiration. The meat of Maggs’s guide is a look inside conventions – what to expect, how to survive them, why one should attend them, and where some of the best ones are held (within North America). The information is useful for anyone planning to attend a convention, not just fangirls, and includes a handy checklist of what to bring when you attend one, as well as tips on convention etiquette and what to do if you experience harassment.

Breaking up the more instructional information are interviews with women familiar with the geek industry, such as Ashley Eckstein, a voice actress and founder of the Her Universe fandom clothing line for women. But the same questions are posed to all 16 women – a disappointing lack of diversity given their varied interests and activities. Despite this, their answers, along with Maggs’s encouraging tone and expertise, will leave readers feeling proud – and more informed – about their choice to go fangirl.