the craft. the book tour.
One of the last events I attended at the beginning of 2020 was a book talk with Brandon Taylor for his debut Real Life in University City in Philadelphia. It was a decent but modest crowd. We listened to the inspiration behind the book and learned a bit about Brandon’s professional and personal life in relation to the book.
It was an inspiring convo as I shared that I was on submission at the time and I feel like Brandon was super encouraging about the process. I attended with some of my favorite writer friends and was so fulfilled to be indulging in the literary life. Then the world stopped.
When you dream of writing a book, the idea of a multi-city book tour comes right along with it. We’ve seen it play out over the years as our favorite authors came to a city near us where we listened to an insightful interview about the book and maybe they even read a few pages. Most allow for Q&A and commence with the author signing copies of the book you hopefully bought that night. A lot changed much like in most industries when the pandemic caused everyone to pivot.
Book appearances went online. I often think about how thankful I am that I didn’t release in 2020. While Black writers were a hot commodity and more people were home reading, it was also really tough in the beginning as booksellers were trying to figure out the whole Zoom thing. From people bombing appearances to technical difficulties, it was a bit of a rough start. But they figured it out. And you know what publishers realized even as we slowly ease out of the pandemic two years later? Virtual events are much more cost effective than moving authors, especially new ones, around to multiple cities.
Listen, I’m rooting for you to have the tour of your dreams, however, I just want to share a little about what it has looked like as a debut author establishing themselves in the literary space. The reality is, there are a select few of authors who really draw a crowd at in-person book events. The last really full event I attended featured Taylor Jenkins Reid and Jasmine Guillory, was presented by Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club and took place on the mezzanine level of a mall. So, not only did it have people coming out specifically for the event, but was also able to capture the audience simply shopping for new shoes. It was packed, but these are literally two of the top selling authors in today’s time. I won’t even go into celebs because it’s a given. Will Smith’s book event was at a whole theater.
I was fortunate enough to have some events planned for my release which I am very grateful for, but I gotta tell you, book events are humbling. For the initial release, I had a virtual launch that was hosted in collaboration with four different bookstores. My in-person launch was hosted at the wonderful bookstore The Salt Eaters in Inglewood. I had the ability to attend the American Library Association (ALA) conference in DC and I was invited to Atlanta for Refinery29’s inaugural Glow Up event. Farther out from release, I’ve had the opportunity to take part in a few other events including Creating Conversations in Redondo Beach and did a reading at the Pottstown Regional Library.
All of the different events were their own experience. It was an exhausting and exciting few weeks for sure! Of course there were a lot of bodies at ALA and I got to sign copies of the book that they were giving away which was amazing. But some of the events may have had 5-6 people, like the reading where one person was my mom. HA! Love her.
There were also a couple events where my books were supposed to be there and weren’t. I’ve since learned just to pack a few of my author copies when doing any type of appearance just in case. There was one event where we were supposed to be on a main stage and when we got there, the plan changed. And somehow, although I’m born and raised in Philly and have patronized multiple bookstores in the area, my team couldn’t get them to confirm an appearance date for me. Even after I stopped in personally on a trip home to provide them with an ARC. Fun. Releasing a book and not having an event at home was insanely disappointing to me. But we press on.
I share this to say that marketing a book is a hustle! And yes, your publisher will try to create opportunities for you, but although I feel so established in my music career, I’m a newbie in the literary world. Getting people out to book events is no easy feat. But I come with the same energy whether there are 5 or 50 people because if I convince one person to buy and read the book, that’s one more sale. That’s just how I’m made. Nothing to me comes without hard work.
While a huge tour may not await newer writers, there are so many ways to make waves these days from podcast appearances to traditional online and print press, etc. So don’t be discouraged, just temper your expectations as the world of publishing continues to evolve and change.
Writing/Job Opportunities
Cortni Spearman is looking for a freelance social media editor to join the team at Refinery29. Someone who can jump in quickly, is entertainment, beauty, and fashion obsessed, and has managed an Instagram page for a major brand before. Send resumes to R29freelancerhiring@gmail.com.
The Black Girl Survives in This One is an anthology edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell. They are accepting submissions for horror short stories. (Deadline Oct. 31)
The Muse covers career and work and they are accepting pitches. Reported features, essays, perspectives, advice, quizzes, even humor pieces that shed light, provide insight, reframe, and capture zeitgeist at a time when careers, job searches, work, and culture are seriously shifting and evolving. ($300-600, full details in thread.)
Sundress Publications is accepting applications for their editorial internship. Fully remote, volunteer, up to 10 hrs/week for six months. Send your resume + short cover letter to sundressstaffdirector@gmail.com.
Buzzfeed is hiring an Entertainment Editor.
Rutgers University Libraries is hiring a Black Studies Librarian, Black Bibliography Project.
Penguin Random House is accepting applications for their Spring Internship Program.
The New York Times is accepting applications for two fellowship programs.
Associated Press is hiring a Newsletters News Editor.
JP Morgan & Chase is hiring a Staff Writer. (DC based)