The publicist for my book Rurally Screwed gave me a great piece of advice for planning a book tour. ”Don’t have one,” she said.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Only go to places where you have a built-in audience.”
I thought about this. She’s right. For an author of non Jodi Piccoult-like status (yet!), there is nothing more distressing than showing up for an event to find three people in the audience, two of whom are there for the complimentary cubed cheese. I’ve heard horror stories from authors — even good authors — who spent thousands of dollars for plane tickets and other assorted travel costs only to sell around thirty books.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a few regional events where I know — or I should say — strongly hope friends and blog readers will stop by and sample the cubed cheese say hi. I’d love to meet you and autograph a book or two…or ten. We can share a laugh, talk about good times and swap stories and generally look at each other awkwardly.
I’ve got a few more events in the works — I’ll keep you posted — but here is what is planned for now:
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4) Friday, June 22, 5-7 p.m.
If you’re in and around Virginia and Baltimore, hopefully I’ll see you there! Can’t wait!
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
If you find yourself in Denver for their second annual county fair (that’s right, 2nd), i think you will find a very receptive audience/readership. Hell, this is cowboy country! Where we have cows paraded down the streets just before the annual livestock trade show!! I only know of Jake from your writings, but sounds like he’d love it. Bonus for you that we have a plethera of culture events and shopping while Jake is gandering steer.
Yay! So glad you’re coming to the ‘noke. See you there with book in hand. I love this new library; even has a coffee shop.
Alright! At least one person is coming! Score! See you there!
There’s a great little bookstore just over the mountain from you in Crozet, VA called Over the Moon that I think/hope would be a great venue for you. https://www.facebook.com/OvertheMoonBookstore
I’d definitely come to an event of yours there!!
How about your old stomping ground in BK? With all of the urban homesteaders bouncing around there you should get some buyers, but the ebook version should be available.
I’ve got my fingers crossed that you’ll eventually make it to the Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison region!
Me, too! I live in SE Wisconsin where there’s constant access to cheese, so I’d be there for the book!
Rurally Screwed is on my Kindle, but I could bring Tart and Sweet for you to autograph.
Can’t wait to meet you at the Catonsville event!
Yah! Looking forward to seeing you!
Got SO excited there is a Baltimore stop! …though we may be out town then…booo
Aw man, Roanoke is my hometown. Shoot.
So glad you are coming to the ‘Ville. Planning to come and looking forward to meeting you.
How about coming just a little more south . . . just down to North Carolina??!!
Nothing in Harrisonburg??? I guess I will have to make the trip to Roanoke – and some good shopping while I am there. : )