I've taken time out from writing book three to promote book two, which comes out beginning of April in the US and online. I've never done much of this before, but it's quite astonishing how willing bloggers are to help out. Here's what I've been doing:
Located a few appropriate blogs to begin with, followed their links to others and ended up finding a blog that lists 100 top blogs culled in various different ways. I haven't had to google anything due to finding this list. I've checked out each one, looked at their review policy and only sent to those who might have interest in my genre.
It's rather like doing the agent research when you want to get published. You've just got to take the time to find out what they are looking for, what they will look at and how they want it presented. Same with bloggers. Do what they ask and they are willing to read your email.
Once I had done a huge chunk of requests and got the responses coming back, I didn't stop. And this is key. I am trying to contact five blogs a day. I haven't kept it up every single day, but I've kept it going through the week. The result is that I now have over 20 bookings for reviews, guest posts and interviews - all over the world. And counting.
Now of course I've had to add in doing the interview questions, writing the posts and arranging for review copies to be sent out. It's very time-consuming, but extremely gratifying to find bloggers are interested enough to want to participate.
I really don't think it has much to do with my name, my book, my publisher or the fact it is the second book in the series. Like getting published, it's persistence and quantity. Keep touting for interest, keep asking, keep looking for another outlet. The more going out, the more will come in.
You just don't know who you are going to hit. One blogger was so happy to be asked because I was the first author to email her for a review, and this will be her first review.
The lesson here is, once again, never give up. Keep asking and you'll get results.
Oh goodness, Liz. It makes me feel tired just reading your blog let alone following your example. Max respect.
ReplyDeleteWhat I want to know is whether, and by how much, the effort of doing all this translates into book sales? I seem to spend most of my time just trying to keep up with the few blogs and loops I'm already involved with.
Must do better! Gilli x
Oh to be so diligent, Liz. Iknow I should do something like this but somehow I have not found the self discipline - not yet anyway but your blog spurs me on to try harder.
ReplyDeleteI know what your doing is the right way but I find just doing my own blog and the other three I'm part of more than enough. I'm very impressed.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've taken time out from writing to do it. You can't do everything. I intend to keep it going until publication, but then I will have to write the next book!
ReplyDeleteIt did scare me to start with, but when I found people are really so kind and so nice and interested, I felt a lot better about doing it, and was spurred on to do more.
We can only see whether it translates into book sales, Gilli, but my intention is to expand my online presence because I think that is key to further sales in the long run.
Well done for putting in the effort - I'm glad it's paying off for you.
ReplyDeleteI really must get to work on my own promotion.