My post "Social Media Sandbox" hit a nerve with many writers. I've noticed similar discussions on various sites and the majority agrees being visible online is work. It also takes time away from what writers love to do most--write. Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and Yahoo groups aside, my focus today is on blog tours. I believe they work. For all kind of reasons. But that may have something to do with me being a glass-half-full kind of gal!
Here's my take on the subject:
(1) Genre-related blog tours make the most sense (at least they do to me).
What's the point in advertising a sweet inspirational novel on a blog devoted to erotica? Does it make sense to promote a cozy mystery on a horror site? Even if these blogs have 1000+ followers, it's unlikely they are your target audience of readers.
(2) Blog tours are a great deal of work.
The old adage that you get 'out' what you put 'in' certainly applies here. If you don't have the skill or are unwilling to devote the hours necessary to the tour, please don't sign up. Not only will you likely be disappointed by the outcome, there is a very good chance you will disappoint others.
This happened in the 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour when two of the original twelve dropped out mid way. That left many authors with a gaping hole in their schedule. They had nothing to post on their blog, and no blogger to feature them and their book(s). Blog tours should be a win/win situation for all involved.
(3) Write something original for each guest appearance.
Using an identical post, the same old, same old, that will appear on multiple sites is a waste of time--yours, the host blogger's, and reader's. Keep the info fresh. Divulge something new and personal each time you're featured online. That's one of the things I enjoyed most about the last tour. Every week I learned something new about the other authors. Every week they shared some tidbit that stopped me in my tracks and made me say, "Wow. I didn't know that!"
(4) Be a gracious blog host.
Work as long and hard on a guest author's post as you would expect them to work on yours. Sloppy or ill-formated posts are unnecessary, uncalled for, and just plain wrong. Edit and revise each post just as you edit and revise your manuscripts.
(5) Be a gracious blog guest.
Thank your host and chat with readers via individual comments. In a pinch a single comment to 'everyone' will suffice, but wouldn't you rather be seen as the honored guest rather than the party wallflower?
FYI, the second 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour will begin November 25 and continue through December 9.
Leave a comment and your name will be entered in the giveaway draw (for an e-copy of FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL) that will run throughout the November 2011 Mystery We Write Blog Tour. The winner will be announced at the end of the tour - just in time for the holiday reading season.
If you are a reader, have you discovered a new author via a blog tour? If so, was it a comment, excerpt, cover image, title or something else that drew you to that author?
If you are an author. Have you participated in a blog tour? Did you hire a company to arrange it? Or did you do the leg work? What do you like or dislike about blog tours?
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I did a blog tour for my picture book, May the Best Dog Win. I set it all up myself, which was a lot of work! I had to make initial contact, schedule them for every day for the amount of time I wanted to run it, follow up with reminder emails, write all my guest posts and interviews, and then remember to breathe. Having said that, it was actually fun. I'd definitely do it again.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, I love blog tours and I hope that I'm both a good hostess and guest. Whenever I've been on a blog tour, I seen a rise in sales. I was fortunate to be on the first mystery blog tour Anne arranged, and I'm thrilled to be on the second.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
This is all new to me, but having been invited to join the Mystery We Write blog tour, I've jumped in with both feet, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the process. Thanks to all involved!
ReplyDeleteMy first one was last year and it was a huge success! I did something very different for every stop and had a hundred bloggers posting the announcement on the release date as well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think it's been my continued efforts that have fueled the success of my first book. I continue to do guest posts, feature others, host blogfests, and visit about a hundred blogs a day. I think when I do a tour next February for my second book, it will be ten times more effective than the first.
This is my first, and it is a lot of work! But so far I meeting interesting mystery authors, learning about them and their work, and learning about myself a little too. Glad I'm giving it a try...
ReplyDeleteMadeline
I just acted as a host(ess) on a blog tour for the first time, and I'm still unsure of how one should go. I should certainly try for science fiction bloggers, but I really don't even know many. I have two books out, with many of the same characters, and I think I could work up about 8-10 different guest blogs connected to the book, but how do I find hosts?
ReplyDeleteAnne, I think you do a fabulous job with your interviews. I enjoy them a lot and have written down many book titles on my "to read" list. I am not an author but I enjoy reading the blog tours as a viewer!
ReplyDeleteAnne does a a great job organizing blog tours. My fourth tour is coming up in November-December (my second with Anne,) and I'm looking forward to it. Starting months ahead of time writing blog posts takes the stress out of touring, and I agree that articles should be original and well edited before they're submitted to blog hosts. They represent your work and entice a visitor to sample your book(s).
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, organizing a blog tour is a great deal of work, but like you I find it's well worth the time and effort. Wishing you all the best with your picture book, May The Best Dog Win, and many, many more!
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I am blessed to have met you online. Your generosity, enthusiam and energy inspire me. You're the reason the first Mystery We Write Blog Tour got off the ground. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you on board for round 2 of the Mystery We Write Blog Tour, John. It'll be fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Alex. Thanks for dropping by! Like you, I believe the path to success is a little bit of this, and a tad of that. It's never just one thing. It's being 'out there', consistently, creatively and enthusiastically that really works. Happy blog tour in February. Btw, you're more than welcome here. I'd love to interview you. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Madeline, the work that goes into a blog tour aside, meeting new people is the real pay off in my book.
ReplyDeleteI've met so many incredibly talented authors and wonderfully generous readers that my life is enriched. If it sounds PollyAnna-like, so be it. It's the truth!
Hi Sue Ann, finding the right place to promote yourself and books does take time. It involves browsing various lists and blogs, and basically always being on the look out for a promotional opportunity.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do find someone that either writes or reads the same genre, AND promotes authors and does blog interviews, I email that person privately.
I explain who I am, what I write. I also provide my website and blog urls, and say I'd be interested in being interviewed...IF they think I'd be a good match for their site.
It takes a little bit of courage, kind of like sending your manuscript out to an agent or editor, but I figure the worst they can say is 'no'.
Most (thank goodness) respond positively, and as I mentioned to Madeline, I've made some wonderful connections this way.
Wishing you all the best in your career, Anne. :)
Hi Michael Ann, as always, it's wonderful to have you drop by. I'm so glad I can be of help, although I have to admit I shudder at the thoughts of writing a review...now THAT takes courage in my estimation!
ReplyDeleteListen to Jean! I've learned so much from her. :) Getting the work done for a blog tour as early as possible is key. It eliminates stress, and allows you to enjoy the actual tour.
ReplyDeleteAs I prepare for your Nov 25-Dec 9 blog tour, (my first) I am reading everything available to make my part worth the work you've put into the tour.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Anne! I do participate in some blog tours and have found that well run ones (such as d'Verse poetry) do bring excellent writers to my site. People should ALWAYS have something fresh posted though - that's my main beef! If I take the time to go to someone's blog and they have something up from the week before that I've already carefully read and commented on, that wastes my time, which has to be worth something right?! It's bad manners really.
ReplyDeleteBy the end of the November Mystery We Write tour, Jinx, you'll be a bonafide blog tour convert!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Elizabeth. I also have a beef with blog tours where the author provides every host with the same info. Word-for-word!
ReplyDeleteWhy follow the tour if it's same old, same old? As a reader, I want more insight. Blog tours should reveal the author in layers-all different, each more revealing than the last. ;-)
Great post, Anne. I LOVE blog tours. Nothing like traveling all over the country without ever having to pack, put on makeup, or even get out of your pajamas.
ReplyDeleteJackie King
Author of THE INCONVENIENT CORPSE
Anne,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post. I've never done a blog tour and would like very much to try one.
It's so true, Jackie. Blog tours are the best of both worlds. We meet people, chat, promote our books, blogs, etc. without all the muss and fuss. Plus, we can walk away from the computer whenever we like to get more coffee!!
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn, I highly recommend doing a blog tour. I also think featuring other authors on your blog is a super way to meet other writers. Be prepared for the work load, get your ducks all lined up in a row. Then...enjoy!
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