Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Organizing a Blog Tour




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.

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.

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:
           

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Tempest



The storm swallowed the city
You were a beacon
Offering shelter
For customers who’d lost their way

I watched your lighted bar
Between my shutters
Distance insurmountable
Wind and snow not the only obstacles

I’d already consumed your spirits
Promises never fulfilled
Barely escaped whole
Betrayal bitter on my lonely tongue

Sorry is pitiful contrition
For the chasm you created
Loyalty meaningless
Savoring the ultimate victory

When he’d said, Tu l'aime,
You didn’t deny the accusation
Abstinence held promise
As did your final, sweet-wine kiss

Warmed by your radiance
I’m enticed to venture into
The pitch-dark night
Tasting your ripened lips on mine once more



I hope you're all dug out and safe from the storm, east coast friends. xo