I’m less than one month away from my next cross-country book tour. This will be my fourth trip between Illinois and Nevada, with each tour introducing me to the majesty and diversity of America.
Last year, I travelled north through Utah to I-80 and over the Rocky Mountains and across the rolling farmlands of Nebraska and Iowa. My return trip followed the historic Route 66 across the Ozark Plateau and through the American Southwest. Earlier this year, I traveled north from Illinois to Wisconsin, then cutting west on I-90 through the central lowlands and Black Hills before turning southwest through Wyoming and Utah. There were many amazing stops and sights along the way, some of which were chronicled on Instagram (@RichBecker) and TikTok (@RichardRBecker).
In addition to historic and quirky landmarks, I visited more than twenty bookstores, leaving signed copies of 50 States and Third Wheel behind any time I could. I met some amazing readers and bookstore sellers along the way. Some have become lifelong friends.
One of my favorite moments on the last tour included someone who came to the Rapid City Books-A-Million signing just to purchase "50 States" based on a friend’s recommendation. It’s always an amazing feeling to meet someone who has been referred as well as people who bring in copies they’ve purchased and read months earlier. Authors dream about these moments. I’m so grateful to have had some.
In a few weeks, I’ll be doing it all over again, carving out a route through Arizona, lower Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri before heading north to the Quad Cities. I haven’t mapped out the sights, but I am happy to share the bookstores. I really appreciate them taking me in for a few hours. Book signings and meet and greets with "50 States" and "Third Wheel" are the highlight of being an author.
Late Summer Book Tour ’25
Aug. 25 - Barnes & Noble in Flagstaff, Arizona
Aug. 27 - Barnes & Noble in Pueblo, Colorado
Aug. 29 - Watermark Books in Wichita, Kansas
Aug. 30 - Barnes & Noble in Columbia, Missouri
Aug. 31 - Wordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg, Illinois
Tentative Post-Tour Date
Oct. 18 - Las Vegas Book Festival
In addition to the Las Vegas Book Festival, I’m considering a few other destinations later this year. I might have an opportunity to return to Flagstaff and Reno. We’ll see how that plays out.
The biggest news, of course, will be the release of my next book. “Born on Monday” is tentatively scheduled for release on Oct. 21, but I’m hopeful to have advanced copies in time for the Las Vegas Book Festival.
“Born on Monday” is a gripping tale of resilience, moral ambiguity, and small-town sins — a literary thriller that will keep readers breathless until its haunting conclusion. The novel is set in Augusta, Maine, building off the short story Time Capsule in "50 States."
Since I didn’t have a chance to visit Maine before its release, I’m hoping to plan a New England book tour in 2026. What would that look like? I don’t have details yet, but visiting Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and maybe Vermont.
There are more announcements coming up, including some free audiobook drawings for anyone attending an upcoming book signing. If you are interested, make sure you sign up for my free newsletter, Scraps by Rich Becker. Along with announcements, I often include a free peek at an upcoming short story, and I should have some tour landmarks picked out before the next newsletter drops. And follow my adventures on Instagram, YouTube (@RichardBecker), or TikTok!
