When I first decided to become a writer, I fantasized about the day when I would go on a book tour.  I’d travel to wonderful cities, stay in nice hotels and eat room service breakfasts before heading off to a round of speaking engagements where I would meet my adoring fans.

I was disabused of this fantasy during one of my earliest writers’ conferences, when I sat in on a discussion group of seasoned writers, including some who had appeared on the New York Times Bestsellers list.  It was an eye opener.

First, none of them had tours arranged by their publisher.  Some were prosperous enough to employ publicists to do the footwork, but most of them made the calls and set the schedules themselves.  They talked about how reluctant many book store owners and managers were to work with them, how far in advance schedules had to be set, and how they often showed up to find the bookstores had forgotten to order copies of their books.  (Note to self—call the Barnes & Noble in Long Beach and make sure they are ready for this Thursday.) 

None (as in NOT ONE) of their publishers paid for transportation or accommodations on their tours.  I heard stories of how they traveled in groups, four to a two-bed room in a seedy hotel, and lived on Top Ramen.

Then there were the actual appearances. Every one of them had experienced a signing where they sold not a single book.  One told a hilarious story about waiting for hours, unnoticed, at her goodie-laden signing table, only to be snubbed by all passers by.  Finally, a friendly looking woman approached her.  “I don’t want a book,” she said, “Can I still have a cookie?”

One author had even written a humorous song about a long afternoon spent at a table in front of Walden Books at some unnamed mall entitled “Nobody Came.”  He sang it for us.  All four verses.

I laughed dutifully.  And vowed it would never happen to me.

But, it did!  I arranged two group events for the Connecticut Romance writers that turned out to be total busts.  I toured libraries and, on two occasions, had no one show up for my lecture.

However, I was still determined to have a book tour.  With a real launch party.  At a location that appeared in my book.

So, for my May 1^st release, I made a plan.  Agreeing to do all the footwork, I was surprised when my publisher actually did come up with a (very) little money for the event, and printed up posters for me.  As earlier posts show, I found getting people on the phone just as difficult as that group of writers warned.

But I still did it.  I scheduled a two-week tour in California, with six appearances and a real launch party.  I sent engraved invitations, put ads in papers, called reporters, notified local civic leaders, talked to libraries, dropped off bookmarks and flyers—the works.

I also arranged for free lodging and transportation.  No room service, but my friends’ pool house is at least as comfortable as any hotel room.  And my borrowed car runs just fine, although having no air conditioning has required some logistical strategies to arrive at signings with hair in order and no visible sweat rings.

I’m halfway through and so far, it’s been pretty great. 

Okay, so there were a few road bumps.

The posters with which I had intended to paper the town where the launch was held did not arrive until two days before the event.  I got them up, but I’m not sure how effective they were.

Some of the notables who had sent RSVPs for the launch were no-shows.  This included the Mayor Pro Tem of Newport Beach, several important book store owners, representatives of the Travel and Convention Bureau.  On the other hand, some unexpected old friends showed up and my liquor bill was way lower than I feared.

The store for the Friday night signing forgot to order the books, but scrambled to get copies from some other branches.  Luckily, I had a few in my car.  Also, it was at a trendy outdoor mall and I had no idea this became a hangout for teenagers beginning about 6:30 PM.  Luckily I sold enough books to adults before then to make up for the line of non-buying adolescents that lined up to talk to me and take advantage of my bribes (free Tarot readings) in the later hours.

On Saturday, I sat in one of the emptiest stores I have ever seen.  A huge, well maintained and beautiful Borders, there was barely enough foot traffic to keep the doors open.  I somehow managed to sell about ten books—I’m an excellent ambusher.

Then, there was yesterday at the Fashion Island Barnes & Noble in Newport Beach.  This made up for everything.  They’d remembered to order, including copies of Beg for Mercy, the first book in the series, and gave me excellent placement.  I sold out of every copy they had in stock and had to go get more from my car.  Whoopee!

I have a couple of days off before I resume my appearances, and then fly back to Connecticut.

Has my tour been everything I dreamed of, back in my naive first days?  No, of course not.  But I can’t complain.  

I’m definitely going to do this again next year, when the next installment comes out.  I’ve learned a couple of lessons and gotten (too late for this trip, but excellent—thanks Jann!) a good list of local media contacts. 

And I just love this pool house!