Book Blog Tours: How To Make Them Count
I have worked with dozens of authors through my blog tour company, RBTL Book Promotions, and I’ve decided to write this little post about the purpose of a blog tour (at least from my perspective) and things authors can do to have a more successful blog tour.
First, let’s talk about what a blog tour is. The way I describe it to my clients/authors is, I tell them it is a promotional event to spread the word about their book and themselves. It’s an opportunity to reach a broader audience, to potentially gain some new readers and build relationships with bloggers/readers. Book Bloggers love to read and rave (you know talk wildly, run amok at the mouths wink wink), go deliriously crazy telling our friends about this new book or new author we enjoyed err LOVED. Connecting with them (us) is vital.
Sometimes I think authors focus solely on sales – which I understand. I would want sales, too! But, the problem with that is you have to “sell” yourself before you can sell your book. Not trying to be gross or rude but it’s true. You can’t post info about your book and expect sales to shoot through the roof, that’s just not going to happen. I would LOVE to say that it will, but realistically it won't. Unfortunately some authors have been writing for years and are still waiting for that one book. You know the one book that breaks them out so to speak.
What you need to do is introduce yourself to the book blog world, offer complimentary copies of your book for review (but please be selective because regrettably there are many that scour for that free book and sit on it so to speak or unfavorably put it up on pirating sites)(talk to other authors they can help point you in the right direction), entice readers with a giveaway, be active on social media … yes, it is hard work not to mention tedious and tenacious. If you don’t have time to do it all, then consider hiring someone. There are numerous bloggers who are also PA's (Personal Assistant's for Authors). Also always remember that quality over quantity is the best way to go.
∗ Read the tour company’s policies very carefully. Make sure your expectations match what the company offers.
∗ Get involved while the tour is running! Take a moment to comment on the blog that is featuring you. Something as little as “ Thanks for hosting me today!” is better than nothing. You have to show interest in your own promo tour. Re-tweet a Post, Share a Facebook Status because these little things go a long long way.
∗ Share the blog posts on social media. Talk up your tour! Get excited about the promotion you paid for. I (RBTL Book Promotions) want your tour to be just as successful as you want it to be.
If you don’t have active social media accounts then that is an entirely different problem. Email me @ sadase98@gmail.com. I will help you in any way I can. Social Media (though it can be tedious and tiresome) is crucial to creating your online author presence.
* Have good communication with the tour company owner. A Good Tour Coordinator will answer any and all of your questions to the best of their ability. At least I (RBTL Book Promotions) do. If you have any questions or concerns, let them know! Unknown problems can’t be fixed unless addressed and professionals will make sure they handle your issue to the best of their ability.
We’ve all heard it before but let me remind you: You are going to get what you give. You can’t sit back and wait for stuff to happen. You have to make it happen. Blog tours can be extremely beneficial to you and your books, but you have to work it. RBTL Book Promotions does make it as stress free and easy as possible for YOU the Author/Publisher but there are always some things that you have to do as well to help make it a successful tour.
I have worked with dozens of authors through my blog tour company, RBTL Book Promotions, and I’ve decided to write this little post about the purpose of a blog tour (at least from my perspective) and things authors can do to have a more successful blog tour.
First, let’s talk about what a blog tour is. The way I describe it to my clients/authors is, I tell them it is a promotional event to spread the word about their book and themselves. It’s an opportunity to reach a broader audience, to potentially gain some new readers and build relationships with bloggers/readers. Book Bloggers love to read and rave (you know talk wildly, run amok at the mouths wink wink), go deliriously crazy telling our friends about this new book or new author we enjoyed err LOVED. Connecting with them (us) is vital.
Sometimes I think authors focus solely on sales – which I understand. I would want sales, too! But, the problem with that is you have to “sell” yourself before you can sell your book. Not trying to be gross or rude but it’s true. You can’t post info about your book and expect sales to shoot through the roof, that’s just not going to happen. I would LOVE to say that it will, but realistically it won't. Unfortunately some authors have been writing for years and are still waiting for that one book. You know the one book that breaks them out so to speak.
What you need to do is introduce yourself to the book blog world, offer complimentary copies of your book for review (but please be selective because regrettably there are many that scour for that free book and sit on it so to speak or unfavorably put it up on pirating sites)(talk to other authors they can help point you in the right direction), entice readers with a giveaway, be active on social media … yes, it is hard work not to mention tedious and tenacious. If you don’t have time to do it all, then consider hiring someone. There are numerous bloggers who are also PA's (Personal Assistant's for Authors). Also always remember that quality over quantity is the best way to go.
So, you’ve signed up for a blog tour, now what?
∗ Read the tour company’s policies very carefully. Make sure your expectations match what the company offers.
∗ Get involved while the tour is running! Take a moment to comment on the blog that is featuring you. Something as little as “ Thanks for hosting me today!” is better than nothing. You have to show interest in your own promo tour. Re-tweet a Post, Share a Facebook Status because these little things go a long long way.
∗ Share the blog posts on social media. Talk up your tour! Get excited about the promotion you paid for. I (RBTL Book Promotions) want your tour to be just as successful as you want it to be.
If you don’t have active social media accounts then that is an entirely different problem. Email me @ sadase98@gmail.com. I will help you in any way I can. Social Media (though it can be tedious and tiresome) is crucial to creating your online author presence.
* Have good communication with the tour company owner. A Good Tour Coordinator will answer any and all of your questions to the best of their ability. At least I (RBTL Book Promotions) do. If you have any questions or concerns, let them know! Unknown problems can’t be fixed unless addressed and professionals will make sure they handle your issue to the best of their ability.
We’ve all heard it before but let me remind you: You are going to get what you give. You can’t sit back and wait for stuff to happen. You have to make it happen. Blog tours can be extremely beneficial to you and your books, but you have to work it. RBTL Book Promotions does make it as stress free and easy as possible for YOU the Author/Publisher but there are always some things that you have to do as well to help make it a successful tour.
Happy Touring,
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