What’s a Virtual Book Tour?
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by Diane Eble
Last night I was interviewed by Suzanne Lieurance about my book, Abundant Gifts, in what is known as a Virtual Book Tour.
What’s a Virtual Book Tour?
This particular kind was created by Alex Mandossian. It’s a specific kind of campaign in which an “ask the author” page is set up on a web site, the author is interviewed by a host who asks the submitted questions, and after the interview, the book is offered for sale (sometimes with extra bonuses). You have to sign up and ask a question to gain access to the live call and/or recording that is usually made available afterward.
The beauty of this kind of VBT, from an author’s point of view, is that not only are you selling books–you are able to gather names so that you can begin a relationship with your readers. In most other kinds of “virtual book tours,” such as radio interviews, the author just explains the book, the listener buys the book (or not), but still there is no way to start an ongoing relationship with readers.
The number one weakness of the way books have traditionally been marketed is there was no way for readers and authors to connect. Any marketing tactic, including virtual book tours, should have as a main goal building a list–i.e. obtaining contact information of people who are exposed to your message and want that continuing relationship with you. This kind of VBT allows you to do that. Even more, you find out exactly what’s on your readers’ minds.
There are other great benefits to an “ask”-type VBT. If you would like to see this kind of virtual book tour in action, I encourage you to check out one of the VBTs I did recently.
One, which I hosted, was with Terry Whalin, and we talked about book proposals and getting published. If this interests you, check it out.
Last night I was the author, Suzanne the host, and she interviewed me about Abundant Gifts. I shared stories from the book (and “behind the scenes”), and also answered questions from readers.
Questions about Virtual Book Tours and marketing books, and questions about how a gifts journal can open your eyes to all the abundant gifts in your life. Plus a few tough ones, such as how do you know God even exists?
You can also check out the replay to that if you like. But first, ask your question, because I’ll be answering questions not answered on the call, either in my Abundant Gifts blog, my Your Book Publishing Coach blog, or here. After you ask your question, you’ll be sent to the replay page where you can listen to or download the replay. (And buy the book, which is only $10 for the hardback, and I will sign each copy.)
Topics: Publishing a Book, writing a book, writing coach, Book Publishing Coach, Abundant Gifts, interviews, Virtual book tour, Your Book Publishing Coach, publishing coach, http://philipharris.blog.com, Diane Eble, marketing, publishers, Suzanne Lieurance, Books, out of print book, Uncategorized |