Weblit tours (not blog ones)
This idea has been rumminating in my head for some time. I don't think I've mentioned it on here before (I did a quick look see for a post and couldn't see one, but if I'm wrong I apologise).
Anyway the idea:
Firstly you need to read this article.
Now, obviously, that's about an alternative book tour for a physical book, but I think parts of it could be used by us.
Here's how:
1. Work out how far afield you can afford to go and how long you can dedicate to the tour.
2. Ask your friends, readers and other weblit authors who are inside that range if they will host a reading and invite people. Make it clear that each reading will need a certain number of guests (5 maybe?).
3. If you can get enough potential hosts in the right area and not too close together decide on what passages you are going to read.
4. Give away bookmarkes or similar with your weblit's URL on them. If you have physical books for sale make sure you have copies with you, if you have ebooks make sure net connections are available so people can purchase there and then (or sell them a coupon code - though the former is preferable). Same for audiobooks. Have a hat for on the spot donations.
Now like all new promotion methods there is no certainty of success but that doesn't mean it's not worth trying.
Once Haventon One is done I may try this (though I'm pretty much limited to the UK), so watch this space.
Thoughts, opinions, feedback, reasons why it's stupid and would never work? Tell me please.
Becka
Awesome! If you do do it you must keep us informed!
Also I've been thinking about this some more.
I think that if the idea does start to take off we may need to put our heads together and come up with some best practices regarding personal safety. It will involve meeting and visiting with people we only know from online after all.
Also I've been thinking about this some more.
I think that if the idea does start to take off we may need to put our heads together and come up with some best practices regarding personal safety. It will involve meeting and visiting with people we only know from online after all.
It could be as simple as not traveling alone (ie, with a significant other or a good friend), having someone you call when you arrive, after the event, and before you leave, and having a backup plan (IE, knowing where a local hotel is in case you don't feel safe, ect).
I was just talking about QR codes with @MystycalMage and @Zoe_E_W on Twitter and it lead to me having the following thought which relates to this idea.
(I'll repeat the tweets that got my thought processes going as well as they are also useful ideas)
Zoe: I really like the idea, using a QR code to include a blurb and links to the bookstores, and I can make 8 cards per page.
Mage: @Zoe_E_W you can link a QR code to paypal to buy the eBook. You could sell ebooks from a con and not even be there.
Me: @MystycalMage @Zoe_E_W you could do a couch surfing book tour without the couchsurfing!
Me: @Zoe_E_W get fans to have a few friends around and vid conference with them then sell via QR code like @MystycalMage suggests!
This would allow reaching new readers who live out of practical range of a physical tour. 
Weblit peeps could have QR codes linking to their website and via paypal for donations and book sales (assuming they have a book). Much cheaper than long-distance travel.
Once again seeking thoughts,
Becka
I'm really interested in the idea of doing this sort of couch-surfing book tour once Bone Fragments comes out. I did a little preliminary survey a few weeks ago and about 10 or 15 readers said they'd be willing to give me a place to crash. I'm a little anxious about the logistics of travel, especially since my car isn't the most reliable vehicle these days (it's a great little car, but its age is showing).
I do think it's probably best if you have some means of providing a tangible good at the reading: physical books, probably, although ebooks are doable if you have a guaranteed connection.
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