Dear SheWriters,

Only 50 days until my new novel, The Salt God's Daughter hits the shelves. 

Though it was two years ago, it seems like just yesterday that I was traveling with my kids on a booktour for The Language of Trees, my first novel. Visiting bookstores in twelve cities across the country was incredibly worthwhile. There were readings large and small—one attended by 300 people and another, by 3 people, both a rite of passage. Both readings had their own quirks and enjoyable moments. There was weather—a snowstorm, a flood, and a heat wave. Still, there is nothing, absolutely nothing, like meeting and talking with your readers in person (beyond SKYPE). What I remember most? A man in Tucson who told me my book gave hope to his wife after they'd lost their son; a community in Canandaigua, NY, that packed into a big old library by the lake and that held me with such care that I was almost speechless; and a woman who drove three hours with her daughter to attend a reading and to tell me her story. These are the things that have stayed with me.

For those considering embarking on a book tour, I've compiled a list of things to consider:

• Travel/hotel/per diem costs. When you book an event—whether you do it yourself, or whether your publicist books it for you—consider focusing resources. Book signings in the same locales as book club visits, and/or radio interviews. 
• Consider the bookstore's location/presence. Most bookstores do a thorough job of advertising their readings via newsletters, and/or online media or print ads. Some bookstores are supported by wonderful bloggers that tweet and ferry schedules across the internet. There are bookstores that are hubs for writers and readers and have their own local following. Choose a bookstore that makes sense.
• Certain bookstores or venues will book you immediately because they love your book. Others will want to know whether you have a following in their particular locale, and whether you are likely to draw an audience. If you have a connection to a particular community or there is a natural tie-in with your book, that is a plus.
• Consider supplementing a reading with a writeup in a local magazine or newspaper. For example, if you're reading at The Book Cellar on Sunday, perhaps The Chicago Tribune will review your book, feature an interview, and support the bookstore where you're reading with an announcement.
• Real cost vs. benefits. This is hard to quantify. I'm of the mindset that building readership does not begin or end at the book sale. Cultivating an audience takes time. If you are the sort of writer who enjoys talking with readers, this will help you on the road.

Some people will tell you that the old-fashioned book tour is a thing of the past. Why travel when you can host events virtually through online commuting? Writers are experimenting with online blog tours, and virtual book launch parties. In this rapidly-changing culture of book publishing, a combined approach of online and in-person events feels like a solid plan. I'm looking forward to my second book tour. It begins with a launch party at a local independent down the street (The Concord Bookshop). If you're in the area, stop by and say hello.

Warmly,

Ilie

Ilie Ruby is the author of The Salt God's Daughter (forthcoming from Counterpoint/Soft Skull 9-4-12) and The Language of Trees (HarperCollins 2010). She has written for the New York Times and CNN and teaches writing in Boston. You can connect with Ilie on Facebook and Twitter, or on her website: www.ilieruby.com.