Elizabeth Arroyo set up such a professional online book tour that I asked her to tell me how she did it. I’m happy to be a part of her book tour and share her expertise with you.
Promoting is one of the many hats
authors wear. Whether your indie published or traditionally published, you must
learn to promote yourself and your book. The blogosphere falls in line and
should be part of that plan. I participated in quite a few launches for other
authors and learned as I went.
I began the planning in October for
the February launch.
I sorted my blogger list into three
categories:
- Cover Reveal Bloggers
- Book Bloggers--Reviews
- Launch Bloggers
Book Reviewers:
I researched specific bloggers using key terms that reflected my book--young adult, paranormal, supernatural, romance, thriller and horror. I used as many terms as I could to honestly represent my book, much in the same way you would seek an agent. You want your book reviewers to read and enjoy your genre before you send out that request. The publisher handled contacting the individual bloggers and sending out materials.
Bloggers for the Launch:
I sent emails to bloggers who had expressed interest in helping out with my launch after I announced the contract on my blog, crit partners, beta readers, and folks I've featured in the past in my own blog. After, I started tweeting about the launch and added it to Facebook. I also have a permanent link on my blog for anyone who's interested in participating.
I sent emails to bloggers who had expressed interest in helping out with my launch after I announced the contract on my blog, crit partners, beta readers, and folks I've featured in the past in my own blog. After, I started tweeting about the launch and added it to Facebook. I also have a permanent link on my blog for anyone who's interested in participating.
When planning your blog tour
remember that you are still marketing yourself. I offered guest posts on
topics I'm comfortable with writing, personally and professionally, while still
offering the obvious interviews and book information. I wanted to make each
post original. Yes, it's going to be hard work on the back end. Preparing guest
post for 30 plus bloggers is not for the feint of heart, or the unorganized. So
be sure to keep a record of everything. Spreadsheets help with this.
I also created a separate private blog that I used to write the posts. This let me organize the posts in the private blog while allowing me to provide an html version of the post to bloggers using that button "compose" and "HTML" to go back and forth between the two. I found HTML to be the easiest way for bloggers to post the information and retain the formatting. However, be wary of other HTML codes you add like Goodreads, codes for trailers, etc., and delete anything that looks iffy. A lesson I learned the hard way.
I also created a separate private blog that I used to write the posts. This let me organize the posts in the private blog while allowing me to provide an html version of the post to bloggers using that button "compose" and "HTML" to go back and forth between the two. I found HTML to be the easiest way for bloggers to post the information and retain the formatting. However, be wary of other HTML codes you add like Goodreads, codes for trailers, etc., and delete anything that looks iffy. A lesson I learned the hard way.
In December I sent out a reminder to
the bloggers with date and topic, and in January I sent out the posts with all
relevant information. This gave everyone enough time to make sure the HTML
versions were working. I also created a zip file of everything a blogger would
need in case they needed that. But the HTML seemed to work best.
I wanted to spread promotions
throughout the year and didn't add contests or giveaways during this round. The
planning of those will have to wait until I regroup and see the sun again.
Short
Synopsis
When a
demon guardian comes to collect seventeen-year-old Gabby’s soul, she refuses to
give it up. She’s not demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are
angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance, and
then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is
the Second Sign.
As
Gabby and Jake—her almost boyfriend—begin to unravel the mystery behind the
Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a
sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever.
About the Author
Elizabeth
has worked in the community for the bulk of her professional career. She enjoys
quiet moments, action flicks, and dancing with her four-year-old. THE
SECOND SIGN is her debut novel. You can find more information about Elizabeth at:
Website: http://www.elizabetharroyo.com.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EArroyo5
