Last night, around midnight, I completed the last of my submissions for my first blog tour. I have another blog tour coming up but it felt good to get this one done, although I find I rather enjoy the process.
When I attended the BookExpo in New York this past June, I met many bloggers. These folks are serious about what they do. Blogging with a passion, some are writers, some combine it with their day jobs, and some are stay-at-home moms and dads who simply love books. But book bloggers number into the thousands these days. Each one has a unique interest and you as a writer, need to understand that in your approach.
Think of it as if you're standing on somebody's front porch, and knocking on their door. Wouldn't you feel more comfortable if you knew the person opening the door? You need to know a bit about the blogger before you go knocking on their door. As you would be a guest in their home, you're a GUEST on their blog. Familiarize yourself with their blog. What are their passions, their pursuits, what do they care about? What kind of books do they read and review? And if they "invite you in" be kind, courteous, and meet their deadline.
What do you notice about their website? What is their appeal? To readers or writers or both? On the day your post appears, be sure to visit the site regularly throughout the next few days to respond to comments. Post your appearance throughout your social media sites and your web site.
Does the public buy books from book reviews? There are differences of opinion when answering that question. There are many factors that play into why readers buy certain books. But the one thing almost everyone agrees on is that we have grown to trust the book blogger. Their honesty, their appeal has driven the book-buying public to reading their favorite blogger on a daily basis.
Your obligation as a writer, is to utilize this service. You can pay for a blog tour that is set up for you, or you can take the time to research the bloggers on your own. Some blog tours offer wonderful additions to their services, like contests and giveaways. But whatever you decide, you must remember that word of mouth is paramount when it comes to selling your book. And to sell you book, a blog tour can reach thousands of readers.
As you write the next bestseller, keep this in the back of your mind. Either you or someone willing to help you must take the time to set up a blog tour. Besides getting out there and meeting your readers up close and personal, blog tours are your best bet to successfully marketing your work.
Blessings to you and yours.
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