A few weeks ago, The New York Times featured an article by Stephan Elliott who chose not to have a standard book tour for his new release, The Adderall Diaries, but created something else entirely.
Rather than visiting book stores, he offered to go to people's houses and have a book reading. The host had to gather at least twenty people there.
It's an interesting idea, especially considering some of the horror stories that float around about book signings. I also love the idea of people starting to have "book" parties in their homes, getting their friends reading, and quite frankly I believe if people have met an author, they'll talk about them.
I did see some draw backs to the idea. It could just be me, but I think it's risky to go blindly to a stranger's house. Mr. Elliott spent the night on the hosts couch. (Talk about Misery. . . )
Also, I don't think newcomers should take this approach straightaway. They need to establish relationships with their local bookstores. On a daily basis, those are the people who hand sell books. There, they might tie in with more writers and book lovers.
How he got started, I'm not certain outside of his statement that he gave away free copies of his novel to anyone who promised to passed it on. Yet I think there is a lot potential in this idea.
What do you guys think?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
New Kind of Book Tour
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I thought the same thing, Mary.
ReplyDeleteI agree it would be scary to go to a stranger's home but this is a great thing to do if you know the people. I've done it a few times and have had Sigmund Brouwer to my home (he lives nearby) for book club meetings. It's always been a lot of fun and of course, books get sold.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on that Mary - you never 'know' the writer/author just based on their books.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd rather organize a book reading at a local coffee shop or cafe though instead of my home.
I'm with Mary on this one. Too scary! But I suppose if you knew your host and it was handled the same way a Tupperware party is done, it could have some potential. Not sure, if I would want to try it though.
ReplyDeleteI admire his spunk and outside the box approach. With the right host it could work and be lots of fun. Strangers, including the host? Not so much.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would ever go to someone's house, but I would be okay with meeting at a coffee shop or a library or some other public place. No reason, a resourceful author couldn't do this along with a more traditional book tour.
ReplyDeleteIf the person was a friend or someone I knew, I believe it would be an intriguing experience and fun too! Nothing better than word of mouth and people are always looking for some "different way of having fun and entertaining! I like the idea myself and would do it.
ReplyDeletePaulette Harris
What a unique idea! I'm a homeschool consultant in central PA and work with many Christian families. I'm going to post an "Ask Me About Having a Book Party in your Home" poster in my office and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteMarsha Hubler
www.marshahubler.com
www.horsefactsbymarshahubler.wordpress.com