An interesting article recently appeared in Business Week titled, Kid-Friendly Book Tours (Author Not Included). The article cites that some publishers are still doing the tours, promoting the books, but leaving the authors at home. The tours focus on the characters in the book, with the thought that they attract children more than the author. Random House launched the authorless tour six years ago. Barbara Park's wildly successful Junie B. Jones series was promoted in the Stupid Smelly Bus Tour.(an actress posing as Junie B.) This summer, Amulet Books took an ice cream truck to 31 city libraries. The publicity was for Jeff Kinney's latest book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Publishers note that the bus tours cost more than author readings, but sales are better. Increased book sales + more time to stay home and write? Sounds like an interesting proposition.....
1 comment:
I like this idea, for kids books. I know my daughter talks about the characters in some of her books like they are her best friend. And in a series, you can enjoy many adventures. I think talking to the character would have a bigger impact than talking to the author (I'm guessing).
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