18 Comments
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Cameron's avatar

This is a wonderful post! I totally agree—I went on a small, self-funded book tour and I got to see friends I hadn’t seen in years, take two of my kids to different cities (and have them see me out of mom mode), and then also travel on my own in a way I hadn’t really since having kids. And what could be better than having people you love beaming at you from the audience? (I also know it is a privilege to be able to do this, and I really tried to soak in every moment.)

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Lauren Gambill, MD, MPA's avatar

Thanks for sharing! I am very prematurely dreaming of my own book tour. I’ve read lots of reasons why it’s not worth it. Love these reflections on why it is!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

I'm so happy it was helpful to read, Lauren! There are always going to be pros and cons and I found it helpful to define what success looked like for me in a book launch and I knew I wouldn't be satisfied without a least a few book tour stops :)

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Dina Alvarez's avatar

Thank you for sharing this!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Thank you for reading, Dina!

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Naomi Yaeger's avatar

Thank you, I am planning a book tour now.

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

How exciting, Naomi! I hope this was a helpful read for you.

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Naomi Yaeger's avatar

i am excited, hopeful yetsober about sales.

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Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

A bit of an eye opener. There's a perception out there that book tours are the norm. Some writers even complain about having to do them. Fair play to taking it on yourself. And I love the outfits.

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Totally! There's so much about publishing a book that most people don't realize. Thank you, Lucy! I'm lucky to have some super stylish friends who helped me curate my book tour wardrobe :)

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Lindsay Bartels's avatar

Great one, Ruthie! Thank you! 🤗💕

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

I'm so glad you found it helpful!

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Zawn Villines's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this! And your dress in that first photo is GORGEOUS

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Oh, thank you, Zawn!

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Samantha Dion Baker's avatar

Love this! I’m so glad you shared, and especially happy you said YES at the end.

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Absolutely!! <3

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Melissa Fraterrigo's avatar

As someone with a forthcoming memoir, this is so helpful. Thanks for the truth party!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

I’m so glad to hear that, Melissa!

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