"The Rules:
1) Sign up below
2) Take the greatest, dumbest, weirdest...just whatever kind of writing question you have, and post it on your blog Wednesday.
3) Head over to as many blogs as you can that are on the list and answer their question they've posted if you know the answer or can help.
4) Follow as many blogs you want to, make connections, build your platform."
I just want to get this out there: I'm awful at asking questions. I rarely do it. I never raised my hand in class. And even though "there's no such thing as a dumb question", my questions are often dumb. To add to this disclaimer, the question I'm asking isn't necessarily writing related as it is already-published-author related.
But I just had to ask...
How the heck do authors afford all their book tours and swag?? Is it paid for by the publishing house? Is that what the advance is for?
I always wonder this when I see tweets or posts from authors talking about heading off on another book tour, especially if it's out of country!
So, there's my question. I know it's not exactly writing related but I couldn't think of anything with this question swirling about in my head. ;)
Good question! I'm far from an expert, but I know that swag is the responsibility of the publisher and so are, I'm guessing, the expenses for book tours and such things. It's like corporations paying to send employees to conferences and training. But you'll notice that the authors that go on these big, nationwide tours are authors published by the biggest publishers: HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Random House, etc. Small presses wouldn't have the money to send authors on such giant tours.
ReplyDeleteGood question! I have no idea though :{
ReplyDeleteI know that most publishers finance the book tours.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, the answer is yes and no xD Some publishers do, yes. Some don't. If it's a highly anticipated book, most likely yes. Otherwise, it's doubtful. Even so, I've heard many well-published writers say they always spend 1/3 of their advance on marketing regardless of what the publisher will or won't cover.
ReplyDeleteI don't know, but if I ever get to do one i'll send you a postcard telling you.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
(you can see how old I am thinking I'd have to send a postaard)
Great question...I wanna know the answer! I have no clue! : )
ReplyDeleteIn these economic times, authors are more and more involved in their own marketing and promotion, but big names get bigger bucks.
ReplyDeleteI've heard much the same as Lori M. Lee said. It really depends on the publisher, and I'm thinking it must be negotiated at the time of the contract. I think, especially for a first book, you can count on spending a portion of your advance to market the book with tours, etc. I've even heard some writers say they'd use their entire advance to get themselves and their debut book "out there".
ReplyDeleteCool question, and I wouldn't have had a clue either ;)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know the same thing!
ReplyDeleteIf publishers don't--they should!
ReplyDeleteI lot of the schools visits get paid for by the schools. I would recommend driving within a 200 mile radius and staying with friends family and or cheap motels.
ReplyDeleteExcellent question! I just went to a signing tonight by 3 YA authors who all wrote angel books. I got a free tank top for asking a question. There were a bunch of people, but not enough for them to pay for a hotel.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'll write a post about it this week, and so hopefully their dollars will go further. I wonder how much the publishers are paying?
Some of it is paid for by the author. Suck, huh? These days, the author is expected to do a lot of marketing themselves. Bigger houses give more of a marketing budget.
ReplyDeleteMy blog is about self-promotion- mostly FREE. If you want any tips, come on over! laurabwriter.blogspot.com
I'm following you now! Good to meet you!
Oh, a fellow Diet Coke addict! So very nice to meet you!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I'm glad you asked this, I've wondered the same thing!
I'm glad some people seem to know a little about this because I have no clue. :P
ReplyDeleteI have heard basically the same thing. Big publishers and highly anticipated books get more money spent on them for marketing by the publishers. Smaller houses don't and it is up to the author more. What I wonder is if a book isn't very big and then it grows once it is out. Do the publishers then give some money for a tour? Things that make you go hmmm....
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by the idea of online book tours. As a new author, I don't don't think I could ask the publishing house to pay for a tour to brick-and-mortar stores, and I'm not sure the advance would cover the thousands of dollars plane tickets and hotel rooms, etc. would cost. Isn't it ironic that when we most need exposure, at the beginning of our careers, is when we'll probably receive the least amount of marketing dollars? :)
ReplyDeleteAn article you might find useful is http://blog.marketingtipsforauthors.com/2010/04/touring-in-virtual-world-by-l-diane.html.
What a great question, Amanda!
Michelle
I'm so far away from this point s to be laughable. Good question though!
ReplyDeleteGo read this post by agent Rachelle Gardner. She detailed what the publishers do for their authors as far as marketing goes. http://www.rachellegardner.com/2011/06/do-publishers-market-books/
If it matters, I'm a new follower and fellow participant in Deana's BlogFest. See you around!
I wouldn't know the answer to that, but I know it doesn't hurt to have friends around the country, who might be willing to spread the word.
ReplyDeleteFun blogfest. I should check it out. Thanks!
Good question! I think it depends on the author, although I guess some of us will just have to start saving up. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood question. I'd guess they either have an alternate day job or get paid expenses to do it :O)
ReplyDeleteThat is a great question, I wonder about this too.
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