In the technology-driven age that we live in, authors have had to adapt to changes in the way we meet readers. I’m in the midst of a summer/fall long blog tour bonanza for both my new release, Chasing Amanda, and Megan’s Way, which is currently being adapted to film. Each blog stop along the tour will include chatting with readers, many will include reviews of my books, and guest posts that I have written. A few lucky winners can win copies of my books (both PDF and paperback)–see blog tour schedule for details.
Blog tours are an exciting part of a writer’s life. Virtual blog tours have allowed us to reach many more readers in a shorter period of time. We’re now able to chat with readers across the world, rather than just one city at a time. This has opened doors for house-bound readers, which is an added delight for me, as an author. Not everyone is able to travel to book signings.
Book signings are more personal. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard that statement. Yes, book signings offer a chance to shake the hand (or hug) the author, but while busy book signings allow the author just a few minutes with each reader, virtual blog tours offer contact with the author for several hours, and in some cases, several hours on multiple days. In addition, I remain in contact with many of the readers who post comments during the blog tour.
Writing good books takes far more time than just hours of writing. Megan’s Way recently won the Beach Book Award, which required going to New York for the award ceremony. Both Megan’s Way and Chasing Amanda have been nominated for Dan Poynter’s Global eBook Awards, and Megan’s Way is currently casting for the film adaptation. While each of these events are overwhelmingly positive, they do require extra time for marketing, traveling, watching casting reels, and reaching out to acting communities. Thankfully, virtual blog tours allow authors more time to do the things that matter most; connecting with readers, and writing.
While I’ll always enjoy in-person book signings and events, I am grateful for the ability to meet readers world-wide through virtual venues. I enjoy meeting with book clubs, and have added Skype visits and other online visits to my availability for those readers whose schedules don’t mesh with mine for in-person events. If you’d like to chat, or would like me to visit your book club, please email me; thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo (dot) com
Article written for Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories
Melissa Foster is a New York Time and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.