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Monday, March 2, 2015

Thoughts on Blog Tours

The blog tour concept has been around for quite awhile. It was really big when I first started blogging, with the idea being this was THE way to sell books. Well, by now I think most of us realize there is no THE way to sell books. A book connects to readers or it doesn't. However, visibility helps, and a blog tour is a great way to get visibility for your work.

I finally did it-- signed up for an official blog tour for my new novel, Afraid of Everything. Always before, I did unofficial blog tours for my books but this time I wanted to utilize Women on Writing. I've heard such good things about them, and believe me, it was sure great to hand all the organizing over to someone else!

I was assigned to Crystal Otto, and she is amazing! Organized, personable, available-- everything I'd like to be but aren't haha! I requested that most of my stops would be reviews, because a review is the gift that keeps on giving...long after the tour end, blurbs from reviews can help sell a book.

My first stop is at The Muffin, the blog for Women on Writing, if you want to stop by, say hello and sign up for a free copy. print or ebook, of Afraid of Everything. There's also an interview and book giveaway at Romance Junkies blog.

Those of you with books out, what are your thoughts on blog tours? Did you hire someone to set it up or do it yourself? What was the experience like, and who would you recommend?

17 comments:

  1. I've set my own up for every book and have a massive one planned for my next release. It's in the middle of the A to Z Challenge, so might as well take advantage of all the blog action.

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    1. Alex, you are either very brave or very insane!

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  2. I don't have a book out yet (seeing as how I'm working on my dissertation, a book that hardly anyone will ever read), but I think blog tours are a good way to promote your book, especially considering the way everything gets shared on the Internet these days. And congratulations on the new novel! I'm on my way to the other blog now to find out more about it.

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  3. I will do the same thing you have done when my novel is ready. Good luck, Karen

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    1. Karen, I highly recommend Women on Writing. They made everything easy! Good luck with your novel, I look forward to reading it one day.

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  4. Your blog tour schedule and stops looks great. I haven't needed to do a blog tour yet, but it's certainly something I'll consider one day. Like you say, there is no one thing but there is the cumulative effect of many things. If done correctly, it can all help.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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  5. I've used a service and set them up myself. It just depends how much time you have to devote to setting them up, because it can take a month of research and emails to do that. I think they still work to spread news of a book's release.

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  6. I hope you'll give us a recap at the end of the tour and let us know how it goes and your overall evaluation. I've been tempted but haven't spend money on one yet.

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    1. Great idea, Susan. I hadn't thought of doing it but you're right, it would likely be interesting to readers of this blog, most of whom are writers.

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  7. Good luck with it, Karen. I'm really glad you've found someone to support you with it all.

    I want to bury my head in the sand at the mere thought of marketing. I've visited a blog or two - and quite enjoyed the question-answering thing, as that makes me think a bit differently. But a tour - good for you!!

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    1. Jo, I think that's why I decided to hire it out this time. Someone else is doing the marketing! It was not at all painful, like my previous efforts at promoting through a blog tour was when I did it myself.

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  8. I don't have a novel published, but I am not sure I will do a blog tour if I ever have one released. I'm not sure being hosted on author blogs is the same thing and promoting to readers. I see a lot of complaints about lack of book sales on author blogs. So, I'm skeptical. But I do host blog tours, and once in a while I will purchase the book. I have way too many unread books on my Kindle though.

    Good luck with the tour Karen. It can't hurt to make the rounds, and I agree that reviews are better than just advertising. I think I would like a professional organizer if I ever did a tour too.

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  9. I like blog tours as long as the posts are interesting and unique. I've always done my own but hiring out is definitely worth it just to avoid all the pre-planning. Now you can just concentrate on the posts.

    I'm with Susan. Let us know how it worked for you when it's over.

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  10. I've done my own blog tour, hired Xpresso Tours, and am currently doing a Names Before the Masses tour via Goddess Fish promotions. I'm not sure what the end result will be, but I'm mainly hoping for more exposure because I'm not sure if I can count on a blog tour for "sales."

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  11. HI, Karen,
    I believe in trying something different for each book released. I did a blog tour that I organized myself and a read and review tour done by someone else. Both worked okay for me.

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  12. I've done it myself three times now. With my next project, I'm using a tour company to target different blogs and readers. Wishing you much success with your new book.

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  13. I have no idea since I never wrote a book so all i can see is congrats and I know you have a lot of support here. I also know you will do well:)

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