What really happens on book tours

Bret Anthony Johnston writes about what really happens on book tours in this funny essay for Powells. He talks about the things you’re given, the people you meet, etc.

Here's part of what he says about the people you meet:
“4. Friends of friends who often say things like "I didn't expect to enjoy myself, but I kind of did!"
5. Book collectors and rare book dealers. The former are lovely and benevolent. The latter can be a tiny bit unctuous. Both only want you to sign your name on the title page of your book. Both sort of adorably freak out if you threaten to write anything more than your name in their books. It's very unlikely that either have read your work.”