Touring a Book of Poems in Canada
Setting Up Readings to Promote Poetry
A writer can perceive the act of publishing a book as a culmination of many years of hard work and vision. It is. But it's also just the beginning of another path, that of ensuring the book is distributed, sold, read and heard.
Poets especially need to undertake a certain amount of work to make their book stand out above others, to honour the oral nature of their art and to see it purchased. Going on tour is the main way of taking a book of poems into the world.
The Nature of the Small Press in Canada
The majority of books of poems published in Canada are released by small presses. While these presses are able to apply for grants through the Canada Council, the amount will only cover a percentage of travel costs. Grants never cover food, accomodation or other expenditures. When setting up a tour, it is important to remember this.
Also, a credit card will likely be required through which to reserve travel arrangements as the funding does not arrive until long after the tour is over. Small presses range from those that set up the entire tour to those that don't set up tours at all. Discuss this with the publisher. Most small press publishers are overworked and welcome the author's input regarding where the book should be toured in order to better promote the release.
Finding the Venues and Working Well in Advance
Although some venues won't book the author for an event, a reading or a signing more than a few months ahead, others book a year or more prior. To find out where the reading series are happening, use Google, Facebook and The League of Canadian Poets website. Contact the hosts and ask when is appropriate to book an event. Then the juggling begins!
Most book tours run approximately two weeks. Sometimes, the poet can undertake the tour in two separate segments, one for the East and one for the West, depending on where he or she is located.
The challenge is to limit the number of days off in between reading dates. Many series only run once a month, while others run every week. Plan the tour logically so the dates flow in the correct order, diminishing travel expenditures and wasted time. Venues that can't be slotted into this tour can be saved for subsequent publications.
Travel, Accomodation and Meal Suggestions
Time-wise, much travel must be undertaken by plane. When the author can though, reserving a bus trip or borrowing a car is cheaper. If traveling long distances, try to have at least two events booked for the locale to make it worth the trip. Performing one reading at a bookstore or college during the day and another at a pub or library in the evening increases chances for an audience and sales.
Establish a network of poetic acquaintances across the country. Staying with friends is far preferable to wasting funds on a hotel. Not only is it cheaper, they will usually help out with food costs and show the author around town. If venue hosts can't pay, the majority of the time they at least provide a meal. Pack light as the books will be heavy to cart around. When reading at bookstores, make sure they've already ordered the book prior to your arrival.
Books can be sold through stores as well as through the author's copies. Keep expectations humble. It's never easy to distribute and promote books of poems. Focus on being personable and full of integrity. Practice the readings so they flow and pay homage to all the hard work it took to get a book published.
Poetry Venues Can Be Intimate Spaces
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