How do I set up a virtual book tour?

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Permalink Reply by Stacy-Deanne on October 19, 2009 at 11:36pm

Hi Allison,

There are two ways you can do a VBT. You can pay for a company to put it together for you, or you can do it yourself.

If you want a company then search online and research the best ones. There are some very popular ones like, "Pump Up Your Book Promotion". They seem to be one of the most respected and the lady who does them has put together many for authors. Whatever happens, if you decide to pay someone to do it, make sure you get the most of it. Also, do not spend any money until you are sure you're getting the best for the price. I'd suggest speaking with other authors who have done VBT's for a particular company you might think of working with before handing over money.

The second way is setting it up yourself. It's not as hard as it seems. All you do is set up a list of blog contacts that you wish to visit. Pick blogs that fit the genre of your work so you will reach your target audience. Make sure you pay attention to the type of traffic each blog receives. Put the ones you wish to visit most at the top of your list. Begin emailing the bloggers and asking them if you can visit their blog as a part of your tour. Be sure to mention that you're gonna promote the tour (it's not the blogger's responsibility to promote the tour for you). You can do anything in a visit. You should definitely make sure your book is reviewed by the blogger, ask for an interview and/or do a guest blog. Make sure to contact the blogger in enough time before you want to start your tour so they will be prepared. You simply go from there. If someone rejects the offer, then move on. You should find people who wouldn't mind hosting a tour for you.

Remember, promotion is just as important here as it is with your book. You gotta promote the blog tour in order for folks to take notice. The way you promote it is up to you but don't make the mistake of leaving it up to the blogger. If you feel putting this together is too much for you alone, then let a company do it for you. Most charge only about a hundred dollars or less for a single tour. They will promote along with you and they contact the bloggers for you and set everything up. The only thing you'd do is send out review copies and show up on the blog for the date of your interviews, etc.

Best Wishes!

http://www.stacy-deanne.net

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Permalink Reply by Alison Silbert on October 20, 2009 at 2:27pm

Hi,
My question was more specific than your response: e.g. within technorati, how do I find other bloggers interested in receiving better results for their online marketing efforts? What search terms would be used? How do I approach them once I've found their blogs & determined they're worth talking to?

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Permalink Reply by Stacy-Deanne on October 22, 2009 at 1:22am

Oh sorry, I thought you were asking how to set up a Virtual Book Tour. That's what your title suggests. I assumed you were speaking to authors and asking for authors who might want to set up a tour. Your question doesn't suggest otherwise. You weren't very specific so that's why I thought you were asking in a general question. You didn't go into further detail.

All I can say is to contact bloggers and ask or Google. I am sure you can find something online about this. It just might take some hard digging.

Disregard my first answer, then.

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Permalink Reply by K.M. Johnson on October 25, 2009 at 2:49am

Stacy,

Your reply was beneficial to me as well. I am currently deployed to Iraq, and my book has recently been published. I will be returning home soon, but wanted to generate some buzz about my book before actually getting out there and doing a full-out book tour. I have been doing research and I noticed Pump It Up Promotions came up in my search a lot. I am thinking of using them, but am not too sure as (Shawna stated) that my book will truly benefit. Have you yourself used any of these virtual book tours? I appreciate any response. Have a blessed day!

K.M. Johnson
Author of ~ Knowing The Struggle Is Over! Available Now!!!
"You're not the situation you're in!"
http://michelejenterprises.blogspot.com
http://trinite3.ecrater.com
http://www.kmjohnson3stepstoknowing.com
http://www.amazon.com/KNOWING-STRUGGLE-OVER-K-M-Johnson/dp/1441559418
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Knowing-the-struggle-Is-Over/KM-Jo...

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Permalink Reply by Shawna Hill on October 22, 2009 at 11:41am

Your reply helped me. I have been trying to grasp the concept of a virtual book tour.. please help me to understand? I think I am missing something. I need to have a clear understanding of one before I pay for it or try it myself. Most ppl just say that they can set one up for you, but i need to know the mechanics. Also, do you really benefit? Have you seen an increase in sales from it?

Shawna Hill
Author of In Between Lies
Intimate Illusions
www.shawnarhill.webs.com

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Permalink Reply by Glenda A. Bixler on October 27, 2009 at 8:27am

Hi, Alison...

At Facebook's Reviewers Roundup, we just had a presentation by Pat Bertram, who is now in the midst of her Book Blog 2009...

Join us there and hear what she had to say...

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=155091741301
Facebook, Group Reviewers Roundup, Discussion Board!

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