| Vacations are a great thing, but as an author | | | | Campsites: Holy cow. This could be a gold |
| don't you think it's time those books you | | | | mine of opportunity. You have people out in |
| wrote and got published start paying their | | | | the middle of nowhere, with kids running |
| way? | | | | around willy-nilly, who are looking for ways |
| | | | to occupy their time. You simply send one of |
| This is the time of year when we all hop into | | | | your kids over with a card or bookmark to |
| our cars and head for scenic overlooks, | | | | tell the new temporary neighbors, "Hey my dad |
| family reunions, and the beloved campsites | | | | is an author and he has some of his books for |
| with the family. Okay, I hope some of you | | | | sale." They will graciously take the card |
| do, I prefer a book festival with a hotel and | | | | and look at it. No one wants to be rude. |
| room service...dang prima dona publishers. | | | | Now, at this point, chances are the wife is a |
| | | | fishing, hunting, or hiking widow and will be |
| At any rate...what do you do when you are | | | | in the market for something to do and someone |
| traveling to promote your books? I know for | | | | to talk to. She will come to you and ask |
| some of you it is truly difficult to visit a | | | | about your book and then you hook into buying |
| multitude of bookstores with your kids and | | | | it, or at the very least ask her to tell a |
| spouse in tow yelling, "Are we going to stop | | | | friend about your book. Viola! |
| at another bookstore?" | | | | |
| | | | Hotels: For those of you who prefer the |
| Well, let's get creative! Traveling is a | | | | comforts, as I do, don't let the chance to |
| wonderful opportunity for promoting outside | | | | make those FREE continental breakfasts work |
| your comfort zone, and you won't have to even | | | | for you. When you go down for breakfast take |
| talk to people if you don't want to. | | | | a small stack of books, a small tabletop |
| Consider all the places you could promote | | | | poster, and a pen. You set yourself up in |
| your book. | | | | the middle of the room (I suggest in the |
| | | | direct line of the television screen) and see |
| Rest area bathrooms: You simply carry a stack | | | | what happens. If you are really bold, set a |
| of specially designed bookmarks or post cards | | | | post card on each table and see if anyone |
| that have your cover on it, with a bold | | | | notices. Keep an eye on those cleaning |
| header that says "Please Take me!" You stick | | | | folks, or let them know you are a touring |
| them on top of toilet paper holders, under | | | | author and are putting out a couple pieces of |
| the corner of a mirror above the sink, shoot, | | | | promo materials. If you end up selling a |
| tape it to the paper towel dispenser. | | | | bunch of books you might consider taking that |
| | | | last book and signing it to the housekeeper |
| It will get thrown away, you say! Maybe, but | | | | who did not throw away your materials. Nice |
| not until at least one or two people look at | | | | gesture and well worth the investment. |
| it, and another has to physically pick it up | | | | |
| to toss it. I am 99% certain the person | | | | You could even ask the hotel manager if you |
| throwing it away will read it first. Maybe | | | | could do an impromptu book signing in the |
| even be interested enough to stick it in | | | | lobby. You might invest in a box of cookies |
| their pocket instead to look at it later. | | | | and some soda and they might let you put a |
| People who travel in packs almost always have | | | | sign up announcing the time. What hotel |
| at least one reader in the group--the | | | | manager would not like to offer their guests |
| passenger! Don't let them get away! | | | | an added bonus that they didn't have to do |
| | | | anything for? |
| Fast Food restaurants: Whether you drive thru | | | | |
| or eat in, you should hand a card or bookmark | | | | The bottom line is to let the materials do |
| to the cashier or server. Again, they will | | | | the work for you. Don't be embarrassed to |
| look at it, and if you have put a clear | | | | put that note on the front asking them to |
| message on it, it will do the work for you. | | | | pass it along. |
| "Not a reader? Give me to a friend who is!" | | | | |
| Most people will, younger people might | | | | Don't miss a chance to claim at least some of |
| actually think of their old and decrepit | | | | your vacation expenses for business. Just be |
| 40-50 year old parents who sit on the couch | | | | sure to log what you are doing and try to |
| reading after dinner. | | | | visit at least one store or library. Happy |
| | | | Trails! |