Are you a list maker? I most definitely am, even to the point of being obsessive compulsive about them. Grocery shopping lists, what-to-pack-when-I-am-travelling lists, weekly chores lists, To-Do lists…you name it, I have a list for it. I find it makes life so much more manageable. So, when it came to planning a marketing strategy for my first novel, Father of Contention, of course I made a list of all of the steps I needed to take to get my book introduced to the public market.
I’ve been diligently checking the boxes off of my list as I complete each step. First on my list was my book launch-check. Next, was a book signing at Chapters bookstore-check. Then setting up my social media platforms-check. Advertising on social media-check. Virtual Book Blitz-check. And finally, having a Virtual Book Tour-check. It has taken me a year to get through this list, but looking back at all of those checked boxes, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Although my marketing plans are far from over, the main list has been completed.
The most enjoyable step on my marketing list was, by far, my Virtual Book Tour through RABT Book Tours and PR. The tour lasted two weeks, from April 8th – April 19th, and consisted of thirteen blog stops, each featuring different content. Several sites posted excerpts from my book, or had my book as a spotlight, there were three reviews, and I had my very first interview as an author on The Avid Reader Blog. I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all of the blogs that participated and made my virtual blog tour a success. Here is a list of the participating blog sites: RABT Book Tours, Valerie Ullmer-Romance Author, The Avid Reader, Book Junkiez, Beach Bound Books, Literary Gold, Just Books, Tyto Forest, The Indie Express, Truly Trendy Blog, Texas Book Nook, Jazzy’s Book Reviews, and Momma and Her Stories. Click on the following link to see the full list of tour stops, along with their corresponding links: Virtual Book Tour for Father of Contention. I also had a few giveaways included in the tour: a signed copy of my book, Father of Contention, and a $25 Amazon gift card. I would like to congratulate the winners, Wanda L. and Linda S., and thank you to all who participated.
Was the tour worth it? Yes, indeed it was. I added many new followers to my social media, sold a few extra copies of my novel, and connected with so many nice, supportive people along the way. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. And I will get that chance with the upcoming release of my new novel, the next book in the Father of Contention series, Guardian of Angel…soon to be released! I am so excited for my next book to be published. Of course, this means making a new list for marketing my second book. Let the whole list-making process begin again!
Stay tuned for a sneak peek of the cover for Guardian of Angel in my next post!
Until then…keep reading!
💋 Lanie Mores
