A BOOK TOUR?

I recently came across this blog post from comics publisher First Second Books and was immediately drawn in by the opening statement: “So, you’re thinking about going on a book tour to celebrate the release of your next book.  How exciting!”

I’M PLANNING A BOOK TOUR

As a matter of fact, I am thinking about planning a book tour! My first graphic novel, Upside Down: A Vampire Tale, comes out from Top Shelf Productions (Blankets, Owly, American Elf) this October, and I could not be more excited! I’ve been making my own stories, characters and comics for as long as I can remember, so this book has been a long time coming.

When I was growing up, book tours were all part of the routine for an author: their book came out, and they drove and flew all around to book festivals, books stores, schools and libraries to promote the book and meet readers. Of course authors still do this today, but not nearly as much as they did 10 or 20 years ago. The internet has made spreading the word and announcing a new book much easier and faster — but it still doesn’t top meeting an author, face-to-face, in your local book store.

WHY A BOOK TOUR?

I’m planning a book tour because I’ve finally accomplished one of my life’s goals: I’ve written, illustrated, and published a book with one of my favorite publishers. I want to celebrate this book, and I want to include as many friends and comics-lovers as I can! Top Shelf Productions will, of course, be spreading the news about the book, but they have hundreds of books in their catalog, and can only bring so much attention to Upside Down: A Vampire Tale. I’ve been going to author signings and presentations with my dad and brothers ever since I was a boy, and now I’m ready to meet new readers and draw pictures for them as part of a book tour.

LET’S DO IT TOGETHER!

I thought it would be fun if we planned this tour together. Me and you. Right here, on this blog. What do you say? Feel free to add your thoughts here, on Facebook, or on Twitter.