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?
2 comments:
I've been to a few book signings of friends here in Tallahassee. It's a great way to support your fellow local artists. These folks have full time jobs though, so their books aren't their only source of income and they are typically in high paying jobs already, so they can afford to invest the dollars toward their pet projects, so to speak.
I believe having the money to splurge on it is the question. If it doesn't increase sales, you have to find other creative ways to reach out to readers.
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