Between September 2010 and January 2011, I’ll visit all 50 states, all 10 provinces, and a couple of other stops to meet readers. Many events will have special guests, ranging from other authors, probloggers, entrepreneurs, and various friends from the AONC community.
(Unfortunately, my assistant needs to remain at home to handle everything on Twitter. It’s a full-time job these days, at least for a cat.)
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What’s Unconventional About It?
The Unconventional Book Tour will travel from New York City to Portland, Oregon in 53 initial stops from September-December, followed by 10 additional stops on a swing through Canada in January. Here’s why you should come out:
Meetups, not lectures. My goal is to talk about the book for no more than fifteen minutes at each stop. The rest of the time, we’ll talk about whatever everyone else wants. Judging from recent meetups, the conversation tends to range from Frequent Flyer Miles to business startups to blogging… and a range of other things. It’s really up to each group to decide.
Collectively-organized. I’ll have at least one volunteer co-host in each city, a volunteer photographer, and a volunteer media contact. Each meetup will be different. I expect some will be held at bookstores, others at coffeeshops, others at homes, and others wherever we can get the space. Whatever happens, the best thing about meetups is the other people who come out. Seriously. (And I’ll tell you more about that when the time gets closer.)
Self-funded. Because authors should work harder than anyone to make sure their own books are successful. Publishers (and some authors) think that book tours are no longer practical. I think it’s because they’re doing it wrong, and I’m setting out to prove my case.
Charity: Water Partnership. Together with a small army, I’ve committed to raising $500,000 for wells in two Ethiopian communities. At the end of 2011, I’ll visit the area with a small group of readers to document the results for everyone else who helped. If you buy my book and I meet you on the tour, 100% of my royalties will go to Ethiopia. And even if you don’t buy the book, I’d love to meet you.
