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 8^th 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.

Website: http://www.terrirochenski.com/

Blog: http://terrirochenski.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terri-Rochenski-Author/192565074112400?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TerriRochenski

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832199.Terri_Rochenski