You just found out your publisher is sending you on a tour. You’re surprised, excited, grateful… and terrified. You’ve heard other others complain about how grueling and disappointing tours are, even with all-expenses paid.

So what can you expect? How can you make sure your experience is a good one for you, the bookstores, and your publisher?

I just went on my very first tour---eight cities in eleven days---to promote my new hardcover thriller BLOODY MARY, and the paperback release of the first book in the Lt. Jack Daniels series, WHISKEY SOUR. I signed 933 books at 105 bookstores in Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Here are 15 things I learned while on the road.

TOUR TIP #1: Use a GPS.

Your publisher will set up official signings for you, and possibly some publicity opportunities such as radio and TV interviews, library talks, and speeches.

Sometimes they provide escorts—those folks who pick you up at the airport and drive you around.

A cheaper, and better, alternative is a GPS Tracker. GPS stands for Global Positioning Satellite. Navman, Nextell, Magellon, and Garmin are some of the big names. These units are mini-computers that attach to the window of your car. You program in addresses, then they visually and verbally direct you to your destination. The best models have millions of addresses pre-programmed into their memory, tell you when you’ll reach your destination, and offer alternative routes if traffic is bad.

A GPS takes a lot of the stress out of being on tour. They can be added to your rental car, or purchased for a few hundred dollars. If you’re an author, you need one as much as you need a website and a cell phone.

TOUR TIP #2: Always allow yourself more time than you think you need to get to a destination.

Sometimes traffic is bad. Sometimes you stay at a store longer than expected. Sometimes you have car trouble.

For scheduled events, always plan on getting there 45 minutes early. If you’re going to be late, phone them as soon as you know. But try not to be late.

TOUR TIP #3: At an official signing, work the room before you begin.

Introduce yourself to the bookstore employees, and bring gifts (I give them a signed bottle of Jack Daniels). Thank them for having you. Praise their store.

Then give each person who showed up a handshake and warm welcome.

Bestselling thriller author Barry Eisler is a master at this---he always arrives early and talks to each member of the audience before he begins. It takes a few extra minutes, but you’ll have the crowd on your side before you begin, and customers and fans love the personal touch.

Be upbeat and show you’re happy to be there, even if you get a small crowd. If no one shows up at all, hang out with the booksellers and talk shop---your positive attitude will be remembered.

TOUR TIP #4: Rehearse your presentation, but pay attention to your response.

At an event, you’ll be asked to speak, or read, or answer questions, or all of the above. Be sure you have something prepared for all possible scenarios.

Monologues are boring and can be done in an empty room. Storytelling is an active, dynamic thing that requires the audience to participate. If they aren't involved, get them involved by making eye contact, asking questions, and smiling. Watch out for speech hesitations (ummm and uhhhh), get to the point quickly, and don’t drone on too long.

If you’re afraid to speak in public, get over it. If you’re unsure of how you present yourself, have a friend videotape you, and watch the recording later.

TOUR TIP #5: Publicly acknowledge your people.

If you have friends or family in the audience, big fans who traveled a long distance to see you, or published authors in the room, thank them by name when you do your presentation.

Also thank the bookstore and the employees again.

Most people love to be mentioned—though some are easily embarrassed. Ask beforehand if it’s okay you say their name in front of the crowd.

TOUR TIP #6: When reading, be brief (no more than ten minutes), and if appropriate, be funny.

Practice until you're smooth and confident. Use inflection and different tones for the characters. Smile while you read---it comes through in your voice.

Also, make sure the passage you’ve picked to read won't offend anyone. Avoid graphic language, sex, or violence---unless you’re reading at a horror convention.

Glance up at your audience often to gauge their reaction and draw them further into your words---people pay closer attention if they see you’re looking at them.

Not good at reading? Get good at it, or don’t do it at all. A poor reader hurts more than helps her cause.

TOUR TIP #7: When signing, always ask who they'd like the book inscribed to, and how to spell their name.

I've met Aymee, Jym, Marscha, Debbera, and Chuk, to misname a few.

Have a few witty phrases that you can use when needed. Since my books are named after drinks, I often write “Don’t Read and Drive!” or “Enjoy in Moderation!”

Take your time when signing to avoid mistakes---those books get returned and destroyed.

TOUR TIP #8: Don't leave without signing everything.

Even if no one comes to your signing, ask to sign all the stock and any posters. Also ask if they have stickers that say “Autographed Copy” to put on the books.

If they don’t have stickers, supply your own. Each time you visit a chain store and sign, ask to take a few extra stickers, so you have some for the next store that can’t find theirs.