And Now A Few Words From Your Co-Coordinator

It’s my blog slot this week.  I only have one, so this should be easy, right?  Except…well…I don’t blog.  I’ve tried and I always end up begging readers to let me tell them a story instead.  That means, after two fun and interesting blogs, you’re about to get some dull business from one of the tour coordinators.  But stick around and I might have something fun to give away at the end.

Questions, questions, questions…

We’re starting to get them, so I’m going to devote my blog slot to answering common ones.  And, no, “Why aren’t you writing a fourth Darkest Powers novel?" will not be one of them.  I do believe I’ve answered that one a few times.  Or a few hundred.  I’m now sticking my fingers in my ears and pretending not to hear.  Today, it’s all about the tour.

Q: Can you tell me how these events will work?

A: You show up.  You sit.  We talk.  We answer questions.  We sign books.  It’s going to be a standard format for all of them.  For more specific details, keep reading.

Q: Will we need tickets?

A: At this point, the tour isn’t a ticketed event for any venues. That may change.  If it does, you’ll find it noted on the Schedule page of our website here.  If any are ticketed, there will be no charge.  More likely, some stores will give out tickets for places in line, but not to restrict admission.

Q: Can I bring books from home?

A: That depends on the store.  We’ve asked them to provide details of any signing policies, which we’ll also post on the Schedule page here.  Some stores only allow you to get books signed if you purchased them there.  Some will allow a certain number of books from home for each one purchased.  If you are allowed to bring books, we know the stores would appreciate it if you bought a couple at the event.  It’s those sales that make signings worthwhile for them!

Q: How many books can I get signed?

A: We aren’t limiting the number per author.  However, to keep the line moving, we’re going to ask that you limit it to three items per author per trip through the line.  In other words, if you have more than three for one author, you can get three signed, then go back through the line for more.

Q: Can I get my picture taken with an author?

A: Yes, but it’s a little tricky.  We’re hoping the tables will be set up so you can come behind for a shot.  If not, we can lean over to be in a picture with a reader.  However, to avoid authors stumbling over one another—never a pretty sight—we won’t be able to come out from behind the table or do multi-author photos.

Q: Can I videotape or audiotape the event?

A: No.  At these events, we sometimes give away spoilers or advance news that we really don’t want showing up on YouTube.  It’s happened before, so we’ve instituted a “no taping” policy.  What happens at the events, stays at the events J

And a few general tour questions…

Q: Who are the Smart Chicks?

A: Not us.  Well, not me anyway. It’s a tip of the hat to both our characters and our readers.  We feel that all the authors on this tour write “smart chicks”—not necessarily kick-ass girls, but capable ones, and that’s what counts.  And, of course, a love of reading always improves grades, so we consider all our readers “smart chicks,” too.

Q: Why isn’t the tour coming to my town?

A: We had a huge wish-list of stops and an even bigger list of requests.  Some possible stops didn’t work out, either for the location or the timing.  And at twelve stops and nineteen authors, it’s already a massive tour.  Any more and we'd be too tired to write for the next six months.

Q: Why isn’t (insert author here) on the tour?

A: Pretty much the same answer as above. Some authors we hoped to have join us couldn’t make it, due to their own busy schedules.  And we had authors on our wish-list that we didn’t get a chance to invite.  Nineteen is a huge number to juggle.  Most group tours have three or four authors!

Okay, did you make it through that list?  Then you deserve a prize.  Or a shot at one anyway.  We’re in the midst of getting tour T-shirts printed and I’m going to give away two.  To enter, you can take the skill-testing route or cheat.

Skill testing: how many books can you take through the line, per trip, per author?

Cheat: Don’t want to actually read all the Q&A?  Ask a question not on the list (yeah, that means you kinda have to at least skim it first…)

Post your answer or question in the comments to enter.  On Sunday I’ll draw two names and notify the winners.

I'm a little late drawing winners, but I've done that and notified them (Louisse and ParanormalBites)  Now I'll answer the additional questions...


Q: Do authors mind signing something other than a book, such as a print-out of a collage of their book covers?
A: They won't mind.  We're very flexible.  I've signed everything from Kindle covers to body parts myself.

Q: Will you be available for any interviews with media and/or bloggers?
A: If it's arranged in advance and fits our schedule (which varies by city) we'll do our best.  Get in touch with us at info@smartchickskickit.com


Q: How long approximately do these events last?
A: It depends on the size of the crowd.  We answer questions for 15-30 minutes, then sign.  If you're near at the front of the line, you can expect to be out in an hour.  At the back...it may take a while.  If the line will be huge, the store often hands out tickets etc, so you can leave, grab a coffee, etc.


Q:  how many total books do all of you have published, if you add them all up?
A: Eek!  I'd embarrass myself if I guessed and got it wrong.  Many of us have multiple series, which makes it really tough.  I'll say "a lot." As for me, my 18th book just came out (today, actually!)


Q: Will the authors sign any books from their other series? Like Is Kelley A. only going to sign books from Darkest Powers, Or will she also sign books from her books Women Of The Other World? Also, If You take a picture with them, will they sign the picture? 
A: We'll sign anything with our name on the cover.  Yes to photos, too.