Virtual book tours - That is the Question

[Paul H. Kogel]

I have been reading a lot lately about Virtual Book Tours. Has anyone of you used this marketing tool? How has it worked out for you? Have you noticed an increase in book sales? Was the cost worth it?

I’d like to know – and that is my question.

Thank you,

Paul

[Jim Melvin]

I am the author of a six-book epic fantasy called The Death Wizard Chronicles and am currently on a virtual book tour arranged by Pump Up Your Book that will last through most of December and hit at least 20 stops -- stops being blogs, websites, writers groups, etc. It's been a fascinating experience, and a ton of fun ... but it's too early in the process for me to determine whether or not it has/will significantly increase book sales. Without a doubt, it has significantly increased my exposure, which already was relatively large. I'm very pleased. And in my case, it was quite affordable. I'm seeing figures of $1,500 thrown out there. I think you can do it a whole lot cheaper than that -- and still have a very effective tour.

[Marilyn Meredith]

I was on a VBT for my book Judgment Fire arranged by Pump Up Your Book and it did a great job for me. My numbers on Amazon.com went way down--the lowest they've ever done for any of my books. I'll be doing another in February for Smell of Death. Besides being helpful, I had a great time.
Marilyn Meredith

[Jean Hackensmith]

Hi, Paul:

I'm involved in a Virtual Book Tour this month through Pump Up Your Book Promotion. (Dorothy and Cheryl). So far, the experience has been great and a lot of fun. My sales are up, too, and my ranking at Amazon is going down, which is great! All this has happened in the past 10 days, since my tour began, so I have to attribute it to that. I would say go for it. It's a great marketing tool. If nothing else, it's bound to get your name out there.

Good luck!

Jean Hackensmith

[Cat Muldoon]

I am taking a virtual book tour this month. I've only had a few stops and it is too early to tell you the complete story. It is a lot of fun and yes, a lot of work too, but what isn't? I will not know how my tour effected sales until my next royalty check.

Something wonderful happened on my stop today. I made a new raving fan who cannot wait for the sequel. That is a treasure beyond measure for certain!

I am touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotions. You are most welcome to follow my tour. I post each stop on my primary blog at http://blog.myspace.com/catmuldoon

Warmly,
Cat Muldoon

Tour info --
I'm on tour, and you could win a copy of my book http://virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/2007/11/rue-day-virt...  

Fabulous review on Sadie's Storylines blog
http://sadiecass.blogspot.com/2007/12/rue-day-cat-muldoon.html

"From start to finish I couldn't put this book down, and fell asleep reading it. Cat has managed to create a colorful and magical world, complex characters and strung together a rich story that leaves you wanting more - in other words the next book in the series! I'll be one that is waiting (im)patiently for it!"
--Sadie
******************
Faerie – more sordid than surreal:

Poison, treachery, deceit, secret identities, hidden agendas, love, betrayal, and attempted murder abound in the suspenseful fantasy romance Rue the Day: The Undercover Heir, Book 1. by Cat Muldoon

Enjoy excerpts and order your copy in ebook or print
==> http://www.

[Caridad Pineiro]

I've done two virtual book tours now in addition to a number of other Internet-based and traditional publicity campaigns for my various novels. I find that the virtual book tours reach a wide audience and in general, one that is specifically looking for the product I have to offer. During my autographing session at the Harlequin booth at BEA, a number of people mentioned to me that they had dropped by because they had seen my name in the blogosphere. I think that speaks volumes for the efficacy of this kind of promotion.

While the virtual book tours were running for SOUTH BEACH CHICAS CATCH THEIR MAN, a September 2007 release from Simon & Schuster's Downtown press, the numbers at Amazon and B&N made positive moves.

I would also add that having an easy to navigate and current website is also of key importance for promotional purposes. Improving my website in the course of the past year or so and adding new content and features have really increased visitors to my site.

[Yvonne Perry]

I did my virtual book tour with Dorothy Thompson of Pump up your online Book Promotion. I saw my Amazon.com ranking soar from the last 25% of all books listed to the upper 15% of all books on their site. I thought it was well worth it.

Yvonne Perry

[Cat Muldoon]

Everyone is concerned with WIIFM - what's in it for me. As an author considering a tour, naturally that is the question we face - but what about the reader? What's in it for the reader?

I decided to post articles about virtual book tours from the reader's perspective and the author's perspective. My reader view is on BookPlace: http://morganmandelbooks.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=700682%3ABl...

Cat

[Paul H. Kogel]

That is a very interesting take of the subject, Cat. Ultimately, that is what it comes down to, isn’t it. Your article was also very interesting and at the end, the recommendation to look at the tours from Pump Up Your Book’s site was compelling.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this discussion.

Paul

[Cat Muldoon]

Paul - I'm glad it was helpful. It's easy to think it's all about "my exposure" when really it's about making happy readers. Glad you felt compelled to check out the Pump tours. I guess I my time spent learning about marketing and writing sales letters and so forth has gone in deeply, because I wasn't specifically thinking of being promotional. LOL

Cat

[Robin Jay]

HI, Paul ~
I did a VBT with Dorothy Thompson, Pump Up Your Book Promotion.com. She worked so hard- I was really impressed. She got me about 20 blogs in one month and I had a tremendous response. I heartily recommend her and her service. Robin

[Paul H. Kogel]

Yes, you and quite a few others evidently.

[Robin Jay]

...with regard to putting the readers first - if they don't know about a book, how can they enjoy it? As authors, we have to be committed enough to promote our works so that the public (the readers) can discover them! Otherwise, the entire world will only read those books that the critics drove to the top of any given list.

Are you writing books to sell them, for your own joy, or to share them? I think a VBT is a great way to get the word out - like "coming attractions" for a film. Also, many of the blogs on my tour were designed to benefit avid readers and/or writers. I think they serve everyone.
:) Robin