R.M. Almonte reaches 18 Canadian bookstore stops across five provinces

R.M. Almonte Publishing says science fiction author R.M. Almonte has completed 18 of 89 planned Canadian bookstore appearances since Oct. 2, with 246 books sold across 19 North American stops. The independently run tour is aimed at expanding his readership and pursuing additional world records through 2027.

Why it matters: - R.M. Almonte’s Canadian tour is tracking toward a large, multi-province bookstore run that could expand his audience beyond the U.S. - The campaign is also part of a bid for a third and fourth world record, giving the tour both commercial and personal stakes. - The early sales totals show that in-person bookstore visits are still producing measurable results for an independent author.

What happened: - R.M. Almonte Publishing said the Dominican-American science fiction author has completed 18 of 89 planned Canadian bookstore appearances. - The Canadian tour began Oct. 2, 2026, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. - The appearances are running through Canada’s Indigo Books & Music network, including stores operating under the Indigo and Coles banners. - One additional appearance in Augusta, Maine brought the combined total to 19 bookstore appearances and 246 books sold. - The Maine stop is separate from the 89 Canadian appearances planned for the current campaign.

The details: - The first 18 Canadian appearances have taken Almonte through Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Quebec. - Almonte previously completed bookstore appearances in all 50 U.S. states in 192 days. - That earlier campaign included visits to 64 Barnes & Noble locations and earned him two world records. - R.M. Almonte Publishing says the current Canadian tour is independently managed, not backed by a major publisher. - Business manager Samuel Hamodey oversees business development and tour coordination. - Almonte has faced transportation, lodging and other travel costs between provinces during the opening stretch of the tour. - He had enough resources to reach Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, but later faced uncertainty about continuing to Halifax and beyond. - Additional borrowed funds helped keep the tour moving. - The company has maintained the scheduled Canadian appearances through the first five provinces. - Almonte said: “Sometimes we're being pulled backward only to be launched forward like a slingshot. But while it's happening, it feels like we're moving backward.”

Between the lines: - The tour is as much a stress test for an independent publishing operation as it is a sales campaign. - The financial pressure underscores how much of the effort depends on cash flow, logistics and support outside a traditional publisher model. - Customer interest in the books’ mystery, time-travel and Dominican female protagonist elements suggests the pitch is resonating with niche readers. - Almonte’s comments frame the tour as both a business project and a broader message to other independent creators facing obstacles.

What's next: - Seventy-one Canadian appearances remain under the planned 89-store campaign. - The tour is scheduled to continue through May 2027. - R.M. Almonte Publishing is seeking more media interviews, business partnerships and sponsorship discussions. - The company plans to keep announcing campaign milestones, bookstore stops and related developments. - Almonte said: “Take a moment to cry it out, then get back to it. What keeps you moving forward is your why. If you have a good why, the how isn't important.”

The bottom line: - Almonte’s Canadian run is still early, but the first 18 stops show the tour is advancing despite funding pressure, and the company is treating each appearance as a step toward larger commercial and record-setting goals.

More information: the author's social profiles, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, X, Goodreads