Q: So, when you have a new book out, your publisher sends you on a tour, right? And they pay for it, don't they? Provide you with media escorts and all that, right?
A: Hahahahahhahahaahahahahahhahahaha . . . oh, sorry, let me get a hold of myself here.
Alas, the sad reality is that, unless you're one of the blockbuster-writing bestselling darlings of the publishing world, you are on your own nickel for most of what you do in the way of travel and promotion.
Occasionally an author will be offered a stipend for travel or a room for the night. Often he'll be fed. By the organizers of the event, I hasten to add, not by the publisher. But the reality is that traveling to promote one's book is an expense -- deductible, but still an expense.
My 'book tours' are at near by bookstores and libraries, as well as the occasional conference such as those in the slide shows below. And they are, as I said, pretty much on my own nickel.
Below are slide shows from Murder in the Magic City and Murder on the Menu -- two terrific event which I just attended where I met wonderful authors and readers. (Click to biggify and read captions,)
18 comments:
It really shouldn't be an expense to you Vicki but I am sure you knew this would happen and I love your honesty. So many wanna be writers have no idea I am sure and your post will help them. Good Luck Vicki (are you coming to Canada......:-)Hugs
If I was king of the world I'd send you the longest limo/jet ever seen and whisk you away to the furtherest places of the world.. and there's really nowhere further than Aotearoa/New Zealand
Very interesting post Vicki, and not all what I expected.
I enjoyed all the pictures and have many authors names written down, which, I'm sure, will have me adding to my 'wish list'.
You mean that wasn't you that I waved to in the big white limo?
Sam
nice. thanks for the pics...hope you are having fun out there...
No, Bernie, I didn't honestly think I'd be sent out all over the US with the publisher picking up the tab. But I guess I thought there'd be a little more support.
Anyway, this is a question I get asked a lot -- why doesn't your publisher send you to (fill in blank with name of remote place where maybe one person has heard of me.)
Bookstores don't want to set up events unless there's a good chance of selling lots of books. And with my mass market paperbacks, it takes a LOT of books to make much of a profit...
I nominate Joan for King of the World!
Thanks for the slide show, it was interesting. I loved Keith's book, Once A Spy--one of those wonderful discoveries. It looks like you had a great conference(es)
Tammy
I went through all the photos and find that everyone looks rather human....not god-like at all! :-))
Elora
Just think of all of the interesting people you are getting to meet! I, too, thought the cost of promoting the book - including your role - would be the responsibility of the publisher.
What fun you must have had! I enjoyed the slideshows - thanks. :-)
Okay, color me bummed, however, that tours aren't catered and covered by the publishers. What is our world coming to?! LOL
You don't strike me as the stretch-limo type, Vicki! But I guess some expenses would be welcomed.
Could be one of those brain-sizzles, but do I recognize The Club in B'ham, in those photos?
I think you should request a Ferrari instead of a limo next time.
You know I write fantasy, huh?
Kath
kath-lettersfromearth.blogspot.com
Looks like you had fun. Glad we didn't end up seeing you on The Weather Channel sliding across the highway on a sheet of ice. Nasty weather for traveling!
Very interesting Vicki. I like looking at pictures of you. I like to try and guess what you're thinking. Are you home again now?
Nope, not The Club, as far as I know. The Homewood Library and the Drury Inn.
Great pics, Vicki, thanks. Other Vicki
As one who attended both Murder in the Magic City and Murder on the Menu, I can tell everyone that Vicki Lane was extremely well received. Great to see you again, Vicki. Keep on writing your wonderful books!
What a great event for you to attend.
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