http://aalbc.com/events/
It is not too late to begin building your Author Tour for 2016. Above I have included a link to the AALBC, who keeps a tab on Book Events, Festivals, Awards, Parties, & etc. Using this site is a great place to begin. It provides links to all the Events on their page.
There are 12 months in a year, and you can utilize all of them in some way.
Not every month do you have to focus on selling your books. Now, don't get me wrong. Do try and sell your books, but you can take time out to sell yourself as well. If a book sell comes out of it perfect. Always keep books, bookmarks, postcards, business cards, or something related to your work on you at all times.
On the off months when you are not doing signings you can be doing radio interviews, blogs tours, or just posted up at your local mall, convenient store, or wal-mart passing out bookmarks and business cards. Or my personal favorite Widgets (small booklet with the first 7-12 pages of your book as a sample).
Walk up to anyone EVERYONE and hand them a bookmark and/or business card. If they ask for a book, perfect pull one out of your bookbag, and make the sell. DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A PHOTO. They are great for advertising on your website and social media.
With this strategy I call it A YEAR LONG BOOK MARKETING KIT/PLAN:
Included in this kit you would want to have the following:
*Books (25 or more at all times)
*Bookmarks (100-1,000)
*Postcards (100-500)
*Business Cards (100)
*Thank You cards (25)
*Discount Coupons for furture purchases (distribute as you feel)
*Purchase Order Form
*Sell Sheets/Press Releases
*Booklets
I have included a document for you to play around with.
I hope this is helpful to some of us where this book game can get overwhelming. Comment and let me know.