Y’all ready to grab some hot tea ☕ and dive into the life of an author on tour? Well, get ready, because shit can get wild. As an author who’s been on a number of book tours, I’ve learned a lot of do’s and don’ts of the process. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of those lessons with you in order to arm you with the knowledge you need to make your book tour a success.

The Best Parts of Author Tours 👍

Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we?

Meeting Fans & Readers 🤝

One of the best parts of going on a book tour is getting to interact with the people who love your work. No matter how many times I’ve done it, seeing the excitement on someone’s face when they meet me and get their book signed is always a thrill.

A photo of an author signing a book for a fan

Seeing New Places & Cities ✈️

Another perk of going on a book tour is getting to explore new parts of the country (or even the world!). I’ve been able to visit cities I’ve never been to before, try new foods, and experience different cultures, all while doing what I love: talking about my book.

A photo of a city skyline, illustrating the excitement of traveling to new places

Making Connections with Other Authors 👥

For me, one unexpected benefit of going on tour has been connecting with other authors. It’s great to be able to meet and chat with other people who are going through the same writing and publishing journey as you. Plus, making friends in the industry can lead to exciting opportunities down the line.

A photo of a group of authors at a book event, showing the importance of connecting with others in the industry

The Worst Parts of Author Tours 👎

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous parts of being an author on tour.

Traveling & Jet Lag 🛫

Traveling can be exhausting, especially when you’re going from city to city on a tight schedule. Long flights, early mornings, and late nights can all take a toll on your body and leave you feeling exhausted. And don’t even get me started on jet lag.

A photo of an airplane, illustrating the stress of travel during a book tour

The Pressure to Perform 🎭

When you’re on tour, you’re essentially a performer. You’re expected to show up at events, be engaging and entertaining, and sell your book to anyone who will listen. It can be a lot of pressure, especially if you’re not used to public speaking or being in the spotlight.

A photo of a person on stage, illustrating the pressure of performing during a book tour

Missing Home & Loved Ones 🏡

For some people, being away from home and loved ones for an extended period of time can be a real challenge. Whether it’s missing your pets, family, or just the comfort of your own bed, being on tour can be lonely and isolating.

A photo of someone looking out a window, illustrating the feeling of homesickness during a book tour

Tips for Surviving Your Book Tour 🙌

Now that we’ve talked about the highs and lows of going on tour, let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are some tips to help make your book tour a success:

  • Plan ahead: Make sure you have a solid schedule in place and that you’re prepared for anything that might come up.
  • Take care of yourself: Get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for self-care activities like exercise or meditation.
  • Practice your public speaking: If you’re not used to speaking in public, practice in front of a mirror or with friends before you hit the road.
  • Connect with your readers: Take the time to connect with the people who come to your events. Ask them questions, listen to their stories, and make them feel special.
  • Don’t forget to have fun: Book tours can be stressful, but they can also be a lot of fun. Enjoy the experience and try to make the most of every moment.

A photo of a person smiling, illustrating the importance of having fun during a book tour

In Conclusion 🤔

Going on a book tour can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to connect with readers, see new places, and grow as an author. By understanding the potential challenges and arming yourself with some handy tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making your book tour a success.

A photo of a person walking into a sunset, illustrating the journey of going on a book tour