Organizing a reading tour is a lot of fun. I like getting back in touch with people and meeting new people.
I often wonder how my friends with bands booked tours and managed to connect the dots between locations. It’s really a talent. I’m not sure I have that talent, but I supposed I’ll be developing it as time goes along.
Have you created a tour to promote your book? If so, would you share advice in the comments below?
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On another note, for you parents with toddlers. Check out this site with activities for toddlers.
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Congrats on your upcoming tour, Deborah. I find that if I focus less on promoting the book per se and more on looking up and getting together with friends and family (and, towards that end, doing timely postcard / flyer mailings and e-mailings behorehand), the whole experience is a lot more fun and meaningful for all concerned. The book sales are better, too, but that turns out to be a side-benefit, rather than the main point— kind of counter-intuitive, but there you go. I’m big on staying organized. I used to keep a three ring binder for the tour but now I’m a fan of David Allen’s folder & labeler system— mainly because I’ve found that a book tour does not always have clearly defined edges (neatly fitted into a binder). I mean, I still do readings and signings for my books, one, two, three or even more years after their publication. Again about organization: I find it’s crucial to stay organized, and, after each event, to process all the new contacts and write the thank you notes, etc, asap! As for connecting the dots between the locations… it’s a head-banger of a challenge sometimes. Some venues are easy to get and others not— but worth waiting for and/or driving a long distance. Some really good things come up at the last minute. I’ll be interested to read what others have to say on this subject. P.S. Derek Silvers has a great bog for indie musicians PR.
Oops, the correct name is Derek Sivers. His blog is here:
http://sivers.org/
I agree with Madam Mayo–look to go to places where you know a lot of people, or know one person who can bring a lot of people to your reading by having a party/reception for you. Another nice aspect of this approach is that you will often meet people who are attending a reading for the first time and think it’s so cool to meet a “real” author. Bookstores that don’t know you or your work, will be comforted when you say something like, “We’re having a party and 50 people will be there.”
Once you have that locked in, you can contact libraries/schools for added exposure–places that have their own following for events.
And yes–much follow-up and many thank you notes!