What I’ve learned about doing my first book tour.
What is a book tour?
“A book tour is a promotion for a newly published book in which the author tours a region to do bookselling, present to the media, and meet the people who would read the book.” According to Wiki
What is a book tour during a pandemic?
This is a question that many in the entertainment industry are grappling with. I have a friend who is an Opera singer and the pandemic has put her career at a standstill. We are wracking our brains for ideas where she can still use her voice and create income in this scary new world. We have plans that are in the works.
To make things doubly hard my full-time job is as a caregiver. The person I work for has a low immune system so keeping myself safe has been a major priority during this time.
So how do you promote your book when it’s terrifying to go out your front door? I would recommend that you.
Get tested regularly
Keep following safety precautions
Keep the numbers of attendees down
Hold events out in the open or in large spaces for social distancing.
What’s a book tour for a new independent author?
Independent authors have to fit the bill for every bit of marketing and publishing. That includes book promotions. I was lucky and used my stimulus check to start my book tour in California.
This is was the most important part of the book tour. Completing a dream. Giving my Grandmother a copy of my book and having her sign my copy. I wouldn’t trade that for the world. Even though I had to sit on a crowded plane for three hours both ways.
The other stops on my tour I kept close to home. I’m lucky in that I live in the middle of two large metropolitan areas Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas. If you’re from North Texas you know that you can never combine them into one without trouble.
So how do you promote your book when you’re an independent author?
Look at local libraries. (sadly mine were closed during the pandemic)
Look at local tourist spots
Look at local bookstores especially independent booksellers
Invite your friends and family
Take photos and share them with your readers
Don’t get discouraged if your attendance is low, enjoy the accomplishment of publishing because that is an amazing accomplishment all of its own.
Do a virtual book tour on your social media
Pitfalls:
Attendance is going to be low, prepare for it. Whether it’s because of our current times or you’re an independent author.
It’s going to cost you money, be prepared. Local libraries often charge to host events like book signings.
Wins:
Celebrating your accomplishment feels awesome
You get to see and hear from fans, friends, and family members that are proud of you.
You’ve accomplished something few people have the guts and determination to do.
Things I would like to do better next time.
Contact local media
Get together with local libraries
Have more gifts for attendees
Not be as discouraged with low numbers
Next stop on the tour.
What would you like to see from a book tour?
Comment below or message me. If you would like a signed postcard simply send me a letter at
S. A. Crow
c/o Black Bird Books Publishers
4621 South Cooper 131-299
Arlington, TX 76017
Get your Fire Series, Into the Fire, and author merch here.
Camp NaNoWriMo
Some of you may remember that I won NaNoWriMo in November, 50k words in 30 days. Well, I’m back at it again. NaNoWriMo has two other events during the year in which you can write, edit, or revise. I am going to be writing book 3 of the Fire Series 50k words in 30 days.
I’ve made a social media tracker, feel free to borrow it if you like. Simply right-click on the image above and save as. Also, I have a channel on Discord for authors taking part in any NaNoWriMo events. Sign up for my Discord chat today.
Currently Reading
Beyond Addiction by Kit Rocha (reread)
Kushiel’s Mercy by Jacqueline Carey
If you would like to follow me on Goodreads
Listening to
My Writing music playlist on YouTube
2nd Quarter goals.
Camp NaNoWriMo 50k words in 30 days
Short Story for Wings and Newsletter members
Short Story for Wings and Newsletter members
Social media campaigns
Monthly freebies for Wings and Newsletter members
Find guest authors for Blog for the month of July
Sell more copies of Into the Fire
Start Tai Chi
Continue to work on learning French
Work on Art projects
Catch up with Friends
Work on my garden
Vote in a local governor election
Wings contests.
Wings members recently picked Travis and Raven’s wedding cake. And the winner is:
They are currently taking part in this contest.
If you would like to get to do these contests and get more goodies, simply sign up here.
Comments