Organization & Opportunities

If you host writers on your blog during book tours, you may receive posts directly from the author or the tour operator, depending on how he/she operates. I like a tour where I see tracks left by the tour organizer in the form of comments on the blogs. 

It tells me the tour operator is in touch with and invested in what’s happening on the tour. It’s usually a simple comment along the lines of thanking the host for being involved, which is good business practice.

If you’re organizing the tour yourself, the same applies. I’m always a little embarrassed when I’m late on the scene because I believe in expressing my thanks early.

It’s also good to outline exactly what’s expected of hosts, along with providing the appropriate material. I’ve been thanked for putting up the graphics in my post in a particular order. In that instance, I went with instinct. Point is, if you want things done in a particular order, a polite request is sufficient as a guideline.  

During the time you’re planning the tour, it pays not only to record what you plan to do, but also the timeline in which you plan to accomplish various tasks. Setting ‘do by’ dates will help you stay on schedule and avoid panic attacks. It may sound silly to say this, but I will anyhow – ensure that you jot down even the smallest of details. In exchanging email and making arrangements, it’s easy for jobs to slip through the cracks and surprise you at the most inconvenient time.

Make use of opportunities as they come. When I put out a call for help with releasing my first self-published book, I was surprised by the positive responses I received in the comments. I printed out the information, but eventually didn’t use it for guest posts and such, which is bad business. However, I still have that list for use whenever I need it.

While on tour, you’re going to meet other readers and writers. If you make the time to do track backs to blogs owned by these individuals, you’ll have an idea of what they read or write. You’ll also form relationships with some of these persons over time. Something to think about is doing guest posts or a mini-tour some time after the main event.

I came across an article yesterday by best-selling writer and marketer Seth Godin, which supports my comment yesterday about the business of writing/book promotion being a marathon rather than a sprint. Have a look at 100 days later if you have the time. It’s good information. Carol Kilgore is someone who does well at this. I see Carol in various places over a period of time, which helps me keep her books in mind. 

 

• Be invested in what’s happening on tour.
• Say exactly what tour hosts are expected to do.
• Along with a ‘things to do’ list, set completion timelines.
• Make use of other opportunities that spin off from your tour.