Are In Person Book Tours Still 'In'?

BOOK TOURS - Do Authors Still Do These?

I know a few author peers both Indie and Trad Pub that have limited promo budgets. One of the things they've given up has been the 'In Person Book Signing Tours'.

I even stopped my road show last year and doubt I'll be able to do it this year.

THEY ARE STILL A VIABLE PROMO TOOL

The truth is, although it cost a lot to do them, and many bookstores are becoming super picky about them, there is still something about meeting your readers face to face.

THE COST CAN OUTWEIGH THE PROFIT

With the rising cost of promotional upheavel with Amazon's repositioning of the way readers 'see' or access books, finding online sources to reach readers can get costly.

I've given up the $5000 I usually budget for a yearly tour which includes travel and promotion, to a much smaller advertising and virtual tour only.

 

BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN

However, with the lack of 'In Person' marketing and selling of my MIDDLE GRADE books, I found that sales for that particular series hasn't grown much.

Therefore, next year, 2016 I am planning a book tour again. Indie Style! I've had tons of success by doing Trade Shows, Festivals, non-book stores, school and library events.

That's my aim for 2016. Also, I'm staying local. If I can't drive to it and home in a day - I can't go. Unless I'm already traveling to that location.

 

THE IN PERSON BOOK TOURS & SIGNINGs

They aren't dead, but now, more than ever the term "QUALITY" over "QUANITY" is the name of the game.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON BOOK TOURS? Yay? Nay? Do it all online?

Reader's Have Picky Taste

READERs HAVE PICKY TASTE

You ever sit and think about the types of books you read? I have, seriously considered it since getting in the publishing biz. However, prior to that, I just knew what I liked and didn't really stray too far from that.

Amazon even knew what I liked and would suggest other great books that fit in the genre, type, author, or storyline I tended to read.

Now even Netflix does that with movie selections. AMAZING!

EVALUATE WHAT YOU LIKE TO READ AND WHY? Ever do that?

I've nailed down what it is I like in each genre I read. So let's see, I dare you to do the same.

YOUNG ADULT BOOKS

I really like a coming of age story about a hard to like character, who grows in some major way, and who falls in love. I personally enjoy reading YA books with love interest and fiesty girls.

HORROR BOOKS

Action, lots of it, mixed with gore and some mystery.

ROMANCE BOOKS

I love books with the main character as a virgin. The guy has to be a rogue.  I find I really dislike weak main characters that aren't in relationships becuase they can't find anyone. I like them to be popular with guys, still have a virtue, yet is just as 'gorgeous' as the leading man.

MYSTERIES

I prefer my mystery novels to have a fast paced plot, lots of action and suspense.

MY AUTHOR and PUBLISHER HAT RESPONSE TO READER's TASTE

This evaluation of type of reader selection has made me very directed in how I select reviewers of my books. Also, how to select beta readers and critique partners.

If you have a reviewer, beta reader, critique partner that doesn't like the type of character, book, setting, or genre - there is sure to be a mitchmatch in opinion and feedback.

You are rather unlikely to change a readers taste or pallet in the types of books they prefer. So don't try.

SO  - WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GOOD BOOK?

Kingsman: The Secret Service ~ Movie Review

MOVIE REVIEW ALERT

THE KINGSMEN

IMDb Blurb:
A spy organization recruits an unrefined, but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Director:
 Matthew Vaughn
Writers:
 Jane Goldman (screenplay), Matthew Vaughn (screenplay), 2 more credits »
Stars:
 Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson

MY TAKE ON IT

First off, there were a lot of cliche' type jokes here. Samuel L Jackson appeared to be a knock off version of Flava-Flav (you know the rapper). It was something I felt wasn't well done. The main character's initiation into the Kingmen seemed nice, although they did appear to be a snobby group. I probably would have enjoyed it more by seeing the kids bond.

It did remind me of snippets of an Austin Powers movie, with the underlying jokes and sliver on unecessary sexual innuedos.

However, overall - I enjoyed it. I took my 18 year old daughter and 14 year old (wish I hadn't taken her - I had to cover her eyes/ears for a few scenes I was unprepared for).

It was a fun movie, action packed, enternaining, and had some surprises. I give it 3.5 umbrellas.