New Service for Authors Needs Bloggers

by Donna Huber

So this isn't really a tips post this week, but it is a way for authors and bloggers to work together. I'm offering a new publicity service for authors. I have said it many times that authors need to have on going publicity through blogs, not just the one time blog tour. Blog tours are time intensive and not something you want to be doing every month. However, contacting individual blogs every week for reviews and guest spots is also time consuming. I know authors would rather be writing.

Starting in July, I'm offering a monthly service where authors will have me pitch their books to my mailing list of bloggers. It is an economical (both financially and time-wise) alternative to tours or hourly PR services.

Some FAQs (Well, they aren't necessarily frequent since I'm just starting the service, but I think they might be questions you have. After the July test run, I will create an official FAQ regarding the service.)

What does the author have to do? The author will provide a packet which will include review copies, a media quick sheet, book cover, author photo, and 5 "extras". These "extras" will be a combination of guest posts, interviews, top ten lists, excerpts, etc. It's the content that bloggers can post in addition to or instead of a review.

As a blogger, why should I participate? It is an easy way to have content to post on your own schedule. I know there are times that writing a review or making arrangements on your own for guest posts and interviews can be difficult. This will provide content and books to review right to your inbox each month. Unlike a tour, there is no set date or time you have to post - some time during the month is all I ask. While there are no sign up forms, you will want to join my mailing list to be notified of the available content each month. Subscribe here. You may also want to join the Facebook Group. You will be able to share your links to the posts in the group for everyone to share. Plus we provide help and tips of other events that are going on around the book blogging world.

As an extra incentive to post reviews and other content from the authors, there will be monthly drawings for gift cards and other great prizes.

What will the blogger have to do? It's up to the blogger. You can post a review or one of the "extras". If you post a review and an "extra" as separate posts, preferably on separate days, you will get 2 entries into the giveaway.

When do I have to post? You can post any time you would like. However, to be included in the monthly giveaway you must post during the month. For July, you can post anytime between July 1 and July 31.

Are the "extras" original content? To make content quickly available and provide a time-savings to authors the content is syndicated. Not sure about posting syndicated content? Check out the benefits of syndication.

How are the files accessed? If you are on the mailing list you will receive an email with a short description of the authors and books available that month. The "extras", media sheet, and graphics will be in a Dropbox folder that I will give bloggers access to. If a blogger is interested in reviewing one (or more) of the titles, s/he can reply to the email requesting a review copy.

How can I have my book included in this service? You can contact me at donna (at) girl-who-reads.com to be put on the "interested" list. After the July test run, I will contact you with details about pricing and availability.

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. She reads most genres (NO horror or erotica), but her favorite books are psychological thrillers and stories that highlight the survival of the human spirit against unbelievable circumstances.