Wednesday, December 4, 2013

WRITERLY WISDOM: Terri Rocheski







It's time once again for WRITERLY WISDOM where every Wednesday we will sneak a peek into the world of writing and publication. Writers who self-publish or traditionally publish still might not know the importance of having a blog tour to solidify book sales. For tips on how to have a successful one, here is my friend and author, Terri Rocheski. Take it away Terri...


The Importance Of Having A Blog Tour
by Terri Rocheski


Let’s face it – in today’s publishing world of ebooks, if you have no online presence you’re doomed to fail sales-wise. You not only need to get your cover out there, but yourself as well. I’m not talking about just setting up a twitter account and a facebook page either. I’m talking BLOG TOUR.

What is a blog tour?

A virtual book signing. It’s ‘visiting’ various blogs with guest posts, author or character interviews, tens lists, excerpts, giveaways – or any other idea a host might throw at you. My favorite requested post was a letter to one of my characters. Doing so gave me an incredible insight into him, and made for better scenes in the sequel I was working on.

So, how do you set up a tour?

I use a google doc sign up / spreadsheet to keep my hosts and posts organized, but you can simply print out a calendar page – heck, write the dates of the tour down – and record peeps who agree to host you on those. Compile those email addresses and send them a media kit (I do a word doc) with the blurb, purchase links, bio, personal links, Goodreads link to your book, and the rafflecopter code or link if you’re doing a giveaway. Don’t forget to attach the cover and head shot of yourself as well.

How do you find hosts???

Do you belong to any online groups? Yahoo, WANA, critique sites, Goodreads, Book Blogs – go a’beggin! Contact review sites as well. There are countless ones out there, and you’ll find a lot are more than willing to help out. Don’t shy away if the blog only has 150 followers, either. Check to see how consistent they are and if people comment. THAT is a sign of a successful blog.

One of the most important things I can say … visit your host on post day. Thank them in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to those comments. Respond to everyone else who takes the time to read whatever your fingers typed up. Even if they don’t stop back to read your reply, it shows others that you’re proactive in the tour, that you’re likeable and worth following.

Heck. It’s polite!

Twice now, I’ve run two tours for myself at the same time. I’ll admit that it’s easy for me since I’m so crazy organized – like sick organized. This is why Roane Publishing asked me to become involved in their marketing department. Now I get to set up blog tours for fun.

Yes. FUN. I’m having a blast.

How ‘bout you? Blog tour or no blog tour? Questions? Need suggestions? Shoot me an email. I’m all about helping my fellow author.  terrirochenski at yahoo dot com,







Terri Rocheski started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her two young daughters allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.



16 comments:

  1. Donna, thanks so much for hosting me today. :)

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    1. Hi Terri! The pleasure is all mine! If I'm ever fortunate enough to become a published author at least I will now know how to do a blog tour properly...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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    2. WHEN you're fortunate enough to become published, be sure to remember my blog is available for that blog tour!

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    3. LOL...WHEN that happens, Terri, I just might take you up on that! ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. Blog tours are great fun for the bloggers, too! We get to "meet" cool authors and ask them crazy questions.

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    1. Agreed! I host authors as well on my blog & I've gotten to know some really great people.

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    2. Hi Sue! I agree. Whenever I interview an author I try really hard to create a unique set of questions covering things people may not know about them...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. Thanks for all the detailed information Terri and Donna! I was just asked to participate in a blog tour and didn't know anything at all about it, who, what, where, when, why, or how. I emailed the author who asked me and got the answers I needed, but it's still nice to see a post about it in such a serendipitous manner!

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    1. Juliana - thanks for stopping by & commenting. If you're interested in hosting for more blog tours, Roane Publishing is looking to build their review / blogger team. :) They 'require' 500 followers in order to sign up, but seeing as how I'm the marketing director ... hehehe

      Here's the link if you'd like to check it out -

      http://www.roanepublishing.com/for-bloggersreviewers.html

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    2. Hi Juliana! I've done book reviews before but don't believe I've participated in blog tours before. It might be something I need to look into for the new year...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. I enjoy hosting authors on my blog when they are doing blog tours. It is a great way to meet new people and learn about new books. I enjoyed reading Terri's guest post. Great information.

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    1. Hi Susanne! I'm glad you enjoyed this post. For me, it was full of information I can tuck away in the back of my brain until the day I need it...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. I think an important thing to consider is creating and developing relationships with fellow writers (and non-writers) way ahead of time, like years. I've developed and continue to nurture relationships in my local area and online with hundreds of people. I am working on a series of blogs to use when the blog tour time comes. When I'm ready to publish, I'll have many relationships I can count on to host me and help me get the word out.

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    1. Smart woman, Karen! Best of luck in reaching that goal.
      Thanks for stopping by & commenting.

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    2. Hi Karen! I knew we had a few things in common...I'm doing the same thing...;~) Like a newly planted flower, I'm tending my "writer garden" with huge doses of TLC as I know those relationships will be there in the future to help me celebrate when the the time is right!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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