Pre-tour reality

My launch event on Tuesday has changed location to the Lafayette public library. I will have print giveaways and some fun surprises (while supplies last) it should be a fintastic SHARK PARTY!

Also, pre-tour I wanted to share some behind the scenes reality. Shark Princess book 1 released last year in September. It did not do as well as I hoped. Any book takes years of work to make – from pitch, to writing, drawing and copy editing. It’s VERY hard to launch a new series without a tour. A series is successful because readers know and love the characters and want more of them. They can’t know them without marketing. It’s a partnership.

At the first marketing meeting for Shark Party, no tour was mentioned. Again. I asked and was politely declined. Local events were offered. Which I took, of course! None of these are paid appearances. When Pashmina released years ago, a similar thing happened. I pushed back and asked if I could plan and *pay for* my own tour. I stayed with friends and family (thank you to those who hosted me!) and my publisher supported the tour by offering a publicist to book school visits and public events. Pashmina, my debut is the book I’m most known for – I believe that is partly because of the tour I fought for. It was also 6 years and a dozen books ago. I didn’t think I would have to revisit that kind of hustle.

But I am. My Shark Party tour is self-funded with the support of a wonderful independent publicist (who is paid by my publisher). I am paying for my flights, rental cars, lyft rides, will crash with friends and family and do my best to find cheap eats. It’s a strange to admit this – I feel like I’m sharing a big secret. But it’s only the truth. I am fortunate enough to have the ability to pay for this and thankful for a network of folks who will host me along the way.

I believe in Kitana and Mack. I love them. Even when parents tell me that showing a male shark who wants to be a princess is indoctrinating their kids (into what? sparkles and play is for every kid. Shannon Hale shared a thread about this exact thing yesterday), I remain committed. Publishing is a hard business and most major marketing plans are a calculated risk. I am investing in myself and taking that risk on.

So, if you’re in any of the places I’m visiting, I hope to see you there! I am ready to share my love of sharks, the ocean and reading with you.

Let’s party!