Book Marketing Maven

Why Authors Should Do a Virtual Blog Tour

Today's guest post is by author and marketing expert Nikki Leigh, who shares her expertise in the area of virtual blog tours.

The simplest description for my idea of a virtual blog tour is: a cyber “tour” which includes various blogs, websites, radio shows, newsletters, etc. The more effective sites usually contain themes or content from the book that is being promoted. This “tour” gives authors the chance to reach many people as they travel the World Wide Web.

A tour includes a series of appearances with blogs, website interviews, reviews or guest posts, etc. that are posted on various sites during a specific amount of time. Various site owners host you and may ask interview questions about your book or request that you write a piece about a specific part or element of your book.

Use a Virtual Book Tour to Promote Your Book

Today I'm pleased to have author Carol Denbow share her advice for using virtual book tours to promote books.

Welcome Carol.  I understand this is the final day for your virtual tour for your latest book, A Book Inside: How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story. So, what exactly is a “virtual book tour?”

CAROL: Virtual book tours, or virtual author tours, are basically when an author makes guest appearances on various Websites, blogs, or forums, typically, related to their book topic, story line, or writing in general. An interview with the author is posted on the day of the tour stop and viewers can make comments or ask questions through the postings comment box, giving the author or host an opportunity to respond. Virtual tours can be set up for a week, two, or a month, whatever you’re comfortable doing.

DANA: What are the benefits to virtual touring?

CAROL: Through the Internet, authors can reach literally thousands of people without ever leaving their home or even getting out of their pj’s. It’s much more cost effective than travel.

DANA: How do you find blogs or Websites to participate?

Online Book Marketing Demystified

Need to learn the ropes of online marketing or expand your reach? The Web-Savvy Writer is a fantastic resource from Patrice-Anne Rutledge, bestselling author of 25 books and a CeM-certified online book promotion expert.

The Web-Savvy Writer is filled with practical how-to advice on creating effective websites, using social marketing, online media campaigns, blogging, audio and video, virtual book tours, and more. It's written in a friendly, non-techie style that's easy to understand. The information is very well organized, and there's even a glossary of online marketing terms.

Also download Kathleen Gage's free ebook "The Truth About Making Money on the Internet" at http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/. And, if you're selling ebooks, take a look at Sell More ebooks.