These days, authors are called on to promote their books in their spare time (ha!). But seriously, except for a few superstar recluses, haven't authors always promoted their books? Don't I recall a story about Charles Dickens tweeting an invitation to join his "Best of Times, Worst of Times" Facebook Fan page?
Maybe it's just a matter of degree. Now, authors are REALLY encouraged to promote their books. We're told to GET THE WORD OUT. Transform yourself into a BRAND. Develop your ON-LINE PRESENCE. Fortunately, with the rise of the Internet as a social venue and the mega-explosion of blogs, it's never been easier to be heard. In fact, it's become tres fashionable for authors to embark on a blog tour--guest blogging on other bloggers' blogs (say that three times fast!).
And I'm always one to be tres fashionable.
So, this spring, I'll be going on a blog tour from the comfort of my office.
I'm looking forward to it. Compared to the old-time, physical-world book tour, where authors schlep from city to city hawking their wares, guest blogging has many advantages. It's cheaper. Your message can reach more people. You always have the chance that one of your witty witticisms will go viral and funnel thousands of interested readers to your website, or to your Amazon page (a guy can dream, can't he?).
And did I mention you can guest blog from the comfort of your office wearing sweatpants and a ratty old Terps sweatshirt?
(For those of you who actually have a need to see me in person, don't fret. I'll be making some real-life public appearances as well--check the events page of my website for details.)
Another advantage of a blog tour? I got to design this logo: 
If you would like to host a stop on the DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD WORLD BLOG TOUR, please let me know--I'd love to torture bore scare away alienate horrify meet your blog readers.
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8 comments:
Even the word 'promotion' is stressful to me, I'll admit it. Thank goodness for the internet! If I had to make a ton of in-person appearances, I'd be a wreck. Not that I'm not already a wreck, but still...
You've got some great blog appearances planned! I think the golden standard for blog touring is Beth. Her tour was almost a year ago, but check it out and see if you get any ideas: http://bethgroundwater.com/Book_Blog_Tour.html
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
I agree with GG. I hate the promotional part. I found my blog tour to be quite stressful, although rewarding and more than worth it.
And if you run out of stops early and want to slum it a little, there's always a spot for you over my way.
I agree with Elizabeth, the "P" word is stressful, but I have a feeling you'll handle it beautifully. Good job on the logo, by the way. And, you are always welcome to make a stop on my blog - before, after or during your tour.
Alan - I am completely with you about promotions!!!! That's the hardest part of being a writer, I think. I love your blog tour plans and I'll be honored to host a "stop" if you'd like to pay Confessions... a visit. Just get in touch with me and we can work out the details.
I'm all for any kind of promotional tour where you get to wear what you please. It looks as if you'll be a busy man over the next little while. Perhaps you should start your fingers on a gentle training regimen.
Elizabeth - I've always admired (ok, envied) your on-line promotional efforts. I've been taking notes...
Jack - Why can't we just lock ourselves into a room and write? KnowwhatImean? Thanks for the offer--I'll contact you offline.
Jane - Thanks for the logo kudo. Maybe if I could just get my message across with Photoshop doodles, I'd be fine! Thanks for your offer; I shall contact you offline, too.
Margot - I don't know about the hardest, but promoting is certainly time consuming! More so than I would have imagined. Thanks for your offer; I'll be in touch.
Elspeth - This spring is my "Promo-lympics." Don't worry, my fingers have been in training for years!
When you're done with the tour, I hope you'll report on the stress level that goes with preparing all those posts and then monitoring each site when the post goes up. Sometimes I think that would be as nerve-wracking as book signings and panels and workshops, etc. are.
Hey, Alan, a tour sounds exciting. You're always welcome at my place, but, we have much the same readership...those who take pity on writers who demonstrate little if any talent. Nonetheless, if you get desperate and want to slum, you're always welcome--of course.
Best Wishes, Galen.
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