“I earn a full-time income hosting author and book club events!”
“While working for a bookstore handling marketing and events, I met Frances Mayes, author of Under the Tuscan Sun, at one of our book signings and mentioned how I would love to visit Tuscany and hang out with her. To my surprise, she said she would love that. I told my friends, and before I knew it, 10 people wanted to join me. I contacted another author in Tuscany who organized a tour, private wine tasting, dinners and events with other authors while we were there. I realized these kinds of events are a unique way to connect readers with authors, so in 2011, I launched Adventures by the Book (AdventuresByTheBook.com).
“I didn’t spend any money getting my business off the ground. My son made a basic website, my husband
created a logo and I took a few local
business classes. At first, I contacted authors I knew, but as word spread, I got requests from authors, publishers and publicists. We work with authors who are on book tours as well as companies who host events for their employees. Some authors are shy and don’t like speaking in front of large groups, so we help them design small, intimate events at a private lounge area, for example. Now the events are virtual, and we recently created an engaging experience with a virtual murder-mystery event. In-person events have a fee, but for virtual events, readers only pay for the book and I make a commission on the sales.
“I also started Novel Network (NovelNetwork.com) where book clubs can connect with authors via virtual or live visits. I make a full-time income—money goes back into the business and allows me to travel.”