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,)
