The last few years have seen a decrease in the
old-fashioned book tour. Technology has allowed authors to replace the physical
with virtual tools. Blog tours and other social media have ruled the writers
marketing bag. Yet, research shows face-to-face marketing remains the most
effective.
If the current business climate is to be believed,
then more authors need to return to the road for success to be achieved. Yet,
organizing the more traditional tour can be both difficult and expensive. Here
are 12 tips to help you in achieving a successful book tour.
1) Write a Great Book
– More and more authors are rushing to publication. Self-publishing has catered
to writers egos and allowed them to chase volume instead of quality. Put off
the tour for a year while you improve writing and create the best product.
2) Find Dependable Transportation – It
might be exciting to have your main character break down in the middle of
nowhere, but it’s no fun in real
life. And very seldom is “Mr. Right” the one to find you!
3) Take a Companion –
If you can find another author planning a tour, maybe you can work together and
share the costs of travel. Besides, more than one name on an ad has a better
chance of drawing an audience. Just be sure to pick someone you get along with
since you will be sharing close quarters for the duration of the tour.
4) Allow Yourself Time –
Take enough time to walk around and meet people. Not just at the book event,
but enjoy the town itself. Visiting local businesses gives you more of that
face-to-face time which helps with success, and the more places you see, the
more your tour can be enjoyed like a vacation!
5) Careful Selection –
If you can choose places where you have family or friends, they can help you
organize events, get around more comfortably, and perhaps put you up for the
night or provide a meal or two.
6) Visit Schools –
Primary, secondary, and college teachers are all happy to have writers visit
their classrooms. And local media is sometimes more likely to cover an event
involving students.
7) Donate to Public Libraries –
Librarians love to meet writers. They can help point you in the right direction
for local marketing opportunities. They are also more likely to recommend
authors they have met when making suggestions to the reading community.
8) Take Freebies –
Personalized bookmarks, pens, or items mentioned in your book can go a long way
with readers. Be sure to have your name and contact info (website) on each
item.
9) Contact Media –
Contact local media as soon as you schedule an event. Print, TV, and radio
formats may all be interested in an author visit.
10) Don’t Get Frustrated –
The world does not owe you anything. It’s perfectly normal for an unknown author
to draw dismally small crowds. Be grateful, and maintain your confidence. I’d
rather make one sale, and feel a connection with a reader than just read to a
roomful of people who won’t remember me the next week.
11) Take Notes –
Keep a journal of what you learn, experience, and wish you had done
differently. This will be great for planning the next book tour.
12) Have Fun –
I can’t help you with this. Only you have the power to spend your time doing
things you enjoy.