If you want to know how to plan a book tour, read every word on this page. You may learn a few things you didn't know before. When you start down the road of being a writer, you might be surprised at how the work never seems to stop! It's not over when you've finished the first draft. It's not over when you're holding the self-published novel in your hands. It's not even over when you have sold your first copy. If you have chosen to self-publish, there are some great things you can do to promote your own book. Even authors with big-name publishers backing them up still have to do a lot of self-promotion. You can use some of the same methods of book promotion and achieve even MORE success as you get to keep the profits of your book sales all to yourself. In no time, you will develop excellent instincts and skills as self-marketer! Now, here is some specific information about how to plan a book tour for a self-published book: How can you get your book in the hands of readers? One way to start getting your name around is to do a book tour. You might think that book tours are only done by famous authors, but nothing could be further from the truth! A book tour can introduce you to new readers, provide valuable contacts in bookstores and if all goes well, help you sell more copies of your book. As a self-published author, it is your responsibility to get your own name out there and a book tour is an exceptional way to do so. Start by figuring out how long you want to spend touring and what your resources are going to be. Can you afford to stay in hotels? If not, make a list of friends who can provide you with crash space. Figure out how far you are willing to travel and map out the places that you'd like to have a signing or a reading. Call each book store individually and give them your full attention. One "yes" will lead to another "yes", so be professional and sincere. Even better would be to introduce yourself in person. Have copies of your book with you as well as a handful of business cards. Ask for the book store manager and introduce yourself and ask if they would be willing to host a book signing. If the answer is "no", be polite and leave a business card. Do not pester the manager. You'll only hurt your chances to get your book in the bookstore down the road (with your next book). If the answer is "yes", work out the details with the manager regarding the date and time as well as how you can work with the store to promote the event. While bookstores and libraries (approach a library just like you would a book store) are excellent places to start, there is no reason to restrict your book tour to those locales. If your book deals with faith or such religious topics, consider contacting local churches in the area? You could host a seminar/workshop at the church and have your book for sale after the workshop. If you've written a children's novel about dogs, check the local Humane Society or Pet Store to see if they are willing to host you. All you need is a table where you can sell your books and podium from which to speak. Get creative. Think about any and every possible avenue for you to take your book to the public. When you are getting ready to start off on your book tour, make sure you have plenty of copies of your book, a great smile and a welcoming attitude. You are going to be making contact with a lot of people, and while some of them won't remember you, you never know when you are making the contacts that could really help your career. When you self-publish, you are entering a world pretty much on your own. No matter how you get your book published or where you get it printed, you are the one who is responsible for your success. You are the force behind your book sales. You've already shown your independence in writing the novel and getting it published, so now all you have to do is go one step further and make sure that everyone notices your efforts!
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for Your Self-Published Book