Make Mine Mystery Members Revealed

I never seem to have enough time, so what do I do, instead of freeing up more, I decided to start up a new blogsite at http:makeminemystery.blogspot.com. That was Tuesday. I've spent every free moment since then getting bloggers together, putting photos up, and basically getting the bunch of us organized. We're almost on automatic pilot now. Our bloggers will be blogging all week, with special blogs on Halloween.

Starting November 3, we'll be doing a regular rotation. Here's our schedule of star bloggers:

MAKE MINE MYSTERY BLOG SCHEDULE:
1st & 3rd Monday - Morgan Mandel
1st & 3rd Tuesday - Marilyn Meredith
1st & 3rd Wednesday - Mark Troy
1st & 3rd Thursday - Vivian Zabel
ALL FRIDAYS ARE A FREE FOR ALL UNLESS WE HAVE A GUEST*
1ST & 3RD Saturday - OPEN
1st & 3rd Sunday - Dana Fredsti

2nd & 4th Monday - Anne Carter
2nd & 4th Tuesday – Marvin Wilson
2nd & 4th Wednesday - Libby McKinmer
2nd & 4th Thursday - Christine Duncan
ALL FRIDAYS ARE A FREE FOR ALL UNLESS WE HAVE A GUEST*
2nd & 4th Saturday - Jean Henry Mead
2nd & 4th Sunday – Earl Staggs

We've got a great lineup of serious bloggers together and I have high hopes for the new blogspot to be a smashing success.

*On Free For All Fridays, any member bloggers who have not blogged that particular week will have the opportunity of putting up short posts or photos. That means you won't know what you'll see up that day. Or, even a guest may appear instead. It'll be a mystery. Well, maybe not. If a guest is scheduled, we'll all be telling everyone about it so you won't miss any of the excitement.

So, if you like mysteries, after you spend a little time here, I invite you to wander on over to Make Mine Mystery at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/

Addicted - I Can't Say No

I'm hopelessly addicted. My home is testimony to that. They're everywhere, in all kinds of nooks and crannies, taking up space. I still want more. When I see them, I can't say no.

So, when my husband happened to mention I could get more on Friday, even though I still wasn't feel that great, I couldn't resist.

Off I went to the book sale at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. And, yes, although I had way too many already, I happily came back home with a tote bag jammed high with more books. I don't know where I'll put them all.

I confess, I'm addicted. Also, I don't know of any cure. Judging from attendance on the first night of the sale, I'm not the only one.

Busy Time

It's been a busy time for me lately. Despite the germ which has taken residence in me for a while, I've been setting up a new blog for mystery writers, called Make Mine Mystery, at http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com

It's already up, with lots of fabulous bloggers waiting in the wings to blog about various aspects of mystery and scary things.

Also, there's a poll up asking if you're afraid of the dark and where you put your nightlights.

Come on over if you get a chance, take a look and come back again. Have fun being scared.

Also, if you missed Ask Angela Wednesday about press releases and media kits, read on by all means.

Ask Angela

Debra Shively Welch asks:

I am with a small traditional publishing house and so don't get help with promotion.I have sent press releases out the wazoo but can't seem to get any attention from them. Most disappointing is I can't seem to get my own hometown paper interested. Any suggestions?

Debra Shiveley Welch
http://www.debrashiveleywelch.net/
Son of My Soul, The Adoption of Christopher
A Very Special Child
Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams
Buy them at the Wicked Wordsmith store!

Angela says:
I must admit, news releases these days are hit or miss. The news business is shrinking. Newspapers barely have enough room for daily news stories - and enough staff to cover them. Book reviews are out, and unless you can sell yourself as a feature story, you might be out of luck.

Hometown newspapers - especially the small ones - are some of the most difficult to break into. So scratch that and broaden your distribution. Have you tried an eRelease service like BoStick Communications? This service specializes in book press release distribution - including those for religious distribution.

If that doesn't work - or fit your budget - consider adding releases only to your Web site and pursue different marketing venues.

You have excellent marketing campaign potential with your books. You have a Christian theme in all of them, which means that you should target a Christian niche. Give review samples to church book groups. Send copies of Son of My Soul, The Adoption of Christopher to adoption agencies, or ask members of an adoption forum to review it on Amazon or their personal blogs. A Very Special Child fits a children's market, so target your efforts to blogs and Web site for children and families. If these are available for sale through a site like Christianbook.com, ask someone to post a review on it. Search for children's book readers on Amazon, and ask them if they would like a complimentary copy to review.

To save money, you can always e-mail a password-protected PDF to review.

I recently posted a column on writing news releases for hardcopy and electronic submission. Check it out for tips.

Good luck!

~ Angela

Holly Asks: Hi Angela, My daughter and I just started a Web site selling plays I've written for children to perform. The target market is teachers and youthleaders who are looking for activities to do with children.

We're thinking about mailing half-page fliers to 3rd and 5th gradeteachers in a specific city (Minneapolis). The fliers invite folks to the Web site.

My questions:
1. Is direct mail marketing still considered an effective use of marketing dollars?

2. If it is considered effective, what are some tips for driving traffic to our site?

3. Are certain direct mail pitches more effective than others? Forexample: post card vs. stuffed envelope, or hand delivered vs. bulkmail.

Thanks so much for your help. We're feeling stumped on this!

Holly Y
http://plays4children.com/

Angela says
Holly - Congratulations on your project! What a wonderful way to promote your work and get some quality time in with your daughter.

Direct marketing is still effective - in the right form. For example, political advertisement people receive in the mail many times end up in File 13. That's because politicians use a blanket system that calls up all addresses in their district. They don't break down those addresses by party or other demographics, which makes the mailers a complete waste of marketing dollars, paper, ink and time.

You do not want that to happen to you.

If you really target your niche market, you can spend very little and make a great impact. Your product is for children. You are marketing to people who teach or care for children. You could easily send fun, colorful postcards announcing your site to them. You could mail them or drop them off at district and church offices. Postcards - especially those oversized - are less likely to get lost in transit. Whatever route you choose, be certain the Web site and your contact information is prominent. Be sure the item is designed in such a way that people want to save it, post it on their refrigerators, workplace bulletin boards or other public areas.

That said, this could be costly prospect - especially if you are just starting out. I would encourage you to contact as many schools directly - perhaps work through the district PR offices to distribute the information, which will save postage fees. Join online forums with PTA members and teachers to promote the plays. Contact church district offices or community centers with the information. If you have a Boys and Girls Club, contact the district office and see if they would also be interested.

Use the Web as much as you can. Perhaps choose a group of 10 to 15 people to be part of a group that writes reviews about your site at their blogs or social networks. Ask them to pass the site on to others. Generate buzz from within the community because word of mouth is gold. You have a fun video on your Web site. Be sure to post that at YouTubeand start inviting Minneapolis users to subscribe to your YouTube feed.

You could also choose your top 10 venues and send a sample play along with http://angelawilson.typepad.com/ask_angela/create-an-effective-media-kit-by-angela-wilson.html .

I would also encourage you to consider donating a play for free to various organization to generate buzz. Nonprofits that helps kids after school would greatly appreciate it. Ask them if it would be OK to take video of performances, which you can edit and post to your Web site and YouTube. (Be sure to get signed release forms, so you can legally use the child's image.)

If you decide to go the direct marketing route, wait until after the election craziness settles down, otherwise your postcards or fliers could end up in the trash with political ads.

Good luck!

~ Angela

Angela Wilson
Find Angela Wilson at:http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

http://www.popsyndicate.com/
Book Addict Blog Editor
Pop Syndicate
U.S.: 819 W. Arapaho Rd,Suite 24-B #321
Richardson, TX 75080

Tell Me Your Secret - Cold Remedies

Since my cold is very much on my mind the last few days, I was wondering what other people use for cold remedies. I don't like to take much medication, but last night I did break down and take the generic for Robitusson DH after speaking with the pharmacist to make sure it would go all right with my blood pressure and thyroid meds.

What do the rest of you take when you have a cold, or do you just tough it out?
Just wondered.

Getting Better

Getting better, but it'll take a while. At least I'm off work on Wednesdays anyway, so I'm not using up a sick day. I fell asleep again on the couch and woke up a few hours later. It's best to get my sleep while I can. Colds are weird that way.

In the morning, I'll have to think up something special to say here, but for now I better hit the hay.

I'm a Puppy

Well, Rascal may not be a puppy anymore, but I am. To keep my blogs going, I'm posting these few lines. After that, I will try to go to sleep. This cold or flu or whatever it is came onto me yesterday and is getting worse. Bummer. At least I made it through the book signing at Barnes & Noble on Saturday before getting sick. For that I'm grateful, especially since it was very successful.

Good night,
Morgan Mandel
www.morganmandel.com

Rascal Gets Blessed - 2008 - The Blessing

It's been a week and a day since Rascal got blessed. Have I noticed any difference? Hmm, Rascal says she's taking the 5th amendment. Actually, she did good today at obedience class. She hadn't gone there in a while, but she remembered what to do and everyone was pleased with her performance.

Of course, that's that's part of her scheming - pretending to be a model dog, then being a brat later, especially when my husband is in the other room or sleeping. She knows I'm easy prey and I fall for almost anything, like when she whines and acts so sad I have to give her a treat or bone to play with, though she's got a bunch of stuff littering the floor. I really need to put my foot down one of these days. Sure.

Easy As 1, 2, 3 - Book Signings

If you prepare ahead of time, book signings can be as easy as 1, 2, 3. See my post yesterday on how I got ready.

One thing to remember is don't sit still. If you must be at your table, it's best to stand. Roaming the store with bookmarks and copies of your book is also a good way to get the word out that you're there. Bookmarks are great conversation breakers. Even if customers don't buy books that day, sometimes they'll order from the publisher,from Amazon, or the library. Also, many people like to decide what to purchase in private, so they'll take the bookmark, walk away and read it, then maybe come back if they're interested.

I'm happy to report the book signing went very well today at Barnes & Noble, Arlington Heights, Illinois. I sold books, made new friends, and enjoyed the company of fellow mystery authors, Michael Black and J.A. Konrath. They had a great selling day also, by the way.

Goes to prove a successful book signing is as easy as 1,2,3 if you know what to do.

1. Morgan Mandel

2. Michael Black, Morgan Mandel

3. Michael Black, Morgan Mandel, J.A. Konrath

Preparing for a Book Signing

Here I am at one of my first book signings - Barnes & Noble DePaul Center in March, 2006.

Tonight I'm getting ready for a book signing tomorrow, Sat, Oct 18, 1-3pm at Barnes and Noble, 13 West Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL.

For those who don't know how to get ready, here's what I do in advance:

• Confirm the date with the book store coordinator.


• Find out if the book store will be able to order the books or if I should bring them.


• Make sure I have enough books to bring.


• Tell people about the signing by word of mouth or Internet, if possible newspapers.


• Make sure I have enough promo to bring with for the event. I bring book posters, a photo of myself, rack cards, postcards, business cards, sell sheets and most important, bookmarks. I've also got some giveaway items, among them pens and keychains.


• Arrange transportation. Since there's no conflict in schedules, my husband can drive me. Also, this time it's not too far. If it were at an unfamiliar spot, I'd be checking with the store and the Internet, even my Iphone, to figure out how to get there.

If I haven't done it before, the night before I:

• Make the final decision on my clothes. What I wear depends on the image I wish to project. Tomorrow, I'll wear an argyle sweater with white cuffs and collar, a black jacket for just in case it's cold, black slacks and black leather comfortable shoes since I plan not to sit still, but scout out the readers. This is a safe outfit, which looks professional, but not overly so. Since I have both a mystery and a romantic comedy to sign, I'm treading the line. If I were selling a medical book or something more intense, I'd wear something more staid. I still have to decide on earrings and a ring. I'm not sure if a necklace will go with the outfit. I have time to figure that out tomorrow.


• Get my books together. This time I've put them in a box which fits in a shopping cart. Although it's a mystery authors' book signing, I'm bringing both Two Wrongs, the mystery, and Girl of My Dreams, my romantic comedy. I've had shoppers pick up both books without looking at them and purchase them on the spot. You never know.


• Get my promo together. This time I've put them in two tote bags to balance the load.


• Change purses. I'll pick out one of my many purses that's pretty small because I'll keep it on me when I roam the store. It's not a good idea to abandon your purse at any time during an event like this where it's easy to get distracted. The nicest looking people can hide nasty streaks. Guys don't have to worry about this item on the list.

So, I've got most of my act together. Tomorrow I'll go to aerobics class in the morning, but will have more than enough time to get ready for the 1:00 p.m. start of the book signing. I'll make sure to leave home early to get there ahead of time so I can confirm procedures with the store coordinator and set up my portion of the table. Whatever I do, I don't want anyone wonder where I am. Being late is not the image I want to project.

Time now to relax a bit. I'll be busy enough tomorrow. Let me know what you do to get ready for a book signing. Did I forget anything? Hope not. I'll find out when I get there.

Ask Angela - Twitter Help

TWITTER HELP

LAURIE (L.C. LEWIS) asks: Not only do I not know how to use Twitter I don't even know what "Twitter" is. I would also love to know about the value of marketing on Facebook and MySpace, and the best sites for virtual book tours.

I'm writing my current series under the name L.C. Lewis and my most recent release is Book Two in my historical fiction series, "Free Men and Dreamers." It's entitled, Twilight's Last Gleaming.

Thanks for the advice!
Laurie (L.C.) Lewis
http://www.laurielclewis.com/
http://www.laurielclewis.blogspot.com/

Author of the Free Men and Dreamers Series Featuring
Dark Sky at Dawn, Twilight's Last Gleaming
Buy at the Wicked Wordsmith store!

Angela says : Laurie - Great questions!
Twitter is considered a microblogging site, where you only have 140 characters to share your thoughts. Check out my column on how to use Twitter easily and effectively. I also have a column about marketing with MySpace which you might find helpful.

I will say at this time that I have much better luck meeting serious readers and writers on Facebook. This social network - which recently launched a nifty redesign -is cleaner than MySpace, and offers authors the ability to create Fan Pages, like these for Pop Syndicate and Canadian author Elizabeth Van Amelsvoort. When you create a Fan Page, be sure to put the link to the site for folks who are NOT logged in. That way, someone surfing Facebook doesn't have to have an account to find you.

Don't kid yourself into thinking that social networks are for authors who target youth. Everyone is networking with someone online - even if they don't have an account with MySpace, Facebook or Ning.

As for virtual tour stops, you need to target your market. Find sites that appeal to readers in your demographics. Book review sites are a given for nearly all authors of adult fiction. Then, you will want to target sites that support your genre.
Find out more about virtual tours here.
Good luck!

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at:http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Ask Angela

VIRTUAL TOURS = SALES?

BILLIE WILLIAMS SAYS: Hi Morgan and Angela,
My question for Angela is about blog tours -- Do these increase sales significantly? Or is there some other method of promotion that seems to do more for individual authors?

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I'll be looking forward to reading this column.

Billie A. Williams
Ancient Secrets
Buy it from the Wicked Wordsmith store!
Mystery/SuspenseAccidental Sleuths solve crimes with wit, wisdom and chutzpah
www.billiewilliams.com

Angela says: Billie -Thanks for submitting your questions through Morgan Mandel's blog. Virtual tours are the best option for authors with low budgets to reach a massive audience. You do them from home - or a coffee shop - on sites guaranteed to find fans in your target demographic.

Every author I have interviewed says they noticed an increase in page views at Amazon and their Web sites and/or blogs during a tour. Some saw significant sales increases; others got higher search engine rankings and found new fans, albeit on a smaller scale. You may not sell a book from that one viewer, but that person could forward your site to a friend, family member or coworker who likes your genre - and requests your novel as a gift, or adds it to an Amazon Wish List.

The more you are on the Web, the more chances readers have of finding you. In this vast world of books, where every cover is screaming out at readers to buy it - and promotional budgets are non-existent for non-bestselling authors - you need every advantage you can get. Online promotion - particularly virtual tours - allows you to touch base with fans, network with other professionals and save money on gasoline and other expenses.

Canadian author Cheryl Kaye Tardif became a bestseller because of her online promotions. Now, she is taking it a step further by writing her next novel, Finding Bliss, on an iPhone 3G. She has already completed several interviews on using the latest techno gadgets to write. It is a great cross-promotional tool.

I would encourage you to read my column on Virtual Tours to get started. Then, check out my other columns on marketing plans, and integrating microblogs like Twitter into your online campaign.

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at:http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Hot Mamas

Okay, after seeing Trace Adkins Friday night at Sears Centre Arena, his performance was so great, some of his songs just happened to stick in my mind. Actually, that probably would have happened even if I hadn’t gone to the show. Like everyone in the world probably knows, I do love country music.

Anyway, his song, Hot Mama, sprang to mind when I read an article in the Daily Herald in the Health & Fitness Section on Monday. It was about Moms participating in an unusual health program called StrollerFit, with all kinds of fun exercises like Peek-A-Boo Lunges and Ring-Around-the-Rosie Squats.

Apparently this craze is sweeping the NorthWest Suburbs of Chicago and classes are being held at many park districts. More on this program is at www.strollerfit.com.

Gone is the idea that once a woman has a child she can no longer be attractive. Instead, women are encouraged to get back into shape and not suffer in the process. Many books feature women who have children. Miraculously, somehow they manage to make it through birthing without losing their svelte beauty.

Some themes centering around women who give birth are the Single Mother Going It Alone, Man Falls for Woman with Instant Family, and the Secret Baby novel. Secret Baby is about how a woman keeps the birth of a baby from the biological father. At some spot in the novel he learns about his child and mayhem results. Although it’s been done often, if it’s done well, the suspense and discovery can be riveting. If you’d like to read one, I recommend This Time for Always by Debra St. John. You’ll hear more about her novel in a later post.

In the meantime, I thought I’d put up the link for Trace’s video, Hot Mama, for you to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjdpSQD2bns

Good Neighbor/Bad Neighbor

I hope to get another video ready of Rascal's blessing, but since time is short today, I thought I'd post about something I observed on the way to work this morning.

I happened to look down on the sidewalk and saw some foam pieces, black on one side, white on the other, in varying sizes. They were also on the grass. It didn't take long for me to figure out what they were and it made me sad. Vandals had destroyed someone's Halloween lawn decorations.

Another block down, I saw a friendly gent named Tom. We've gotten into the habit of exchanging a few words about his dog or mine, the weather, or neighborhood happenings as I fly by on my way to the train. I always feel good talking to someone as pleasant as Tom. Also, his wife's garden is a sight to behold. She spends her time creating beauty for everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy. I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates her efforts.

Neighbors can be great characters in novels. They can be good or bad, buddies or enemies. There are enormous possibilities of weaving them into a plot, from the best friend to the cheating neighbor. Think about adding a neighbor to your plot if you haven't already.

Rascal Gets Blessed - 2008

Country Concert Review

Awesome Concert Last Night at the Sears Centre Arena!
We had great seats six rows from the stage on the side. Before the show I met up with Marci Braun, Musical Director at WUSN-FM 99.5, America's Country Station.

James Otto came on first for half an hour, put on a great performance and got everyone all revved up.

Then came the guy I really wanted to see - Trace Adkins. I was not disappointed by his performance. His peformance lasted an hour and he was excellent!! I took the most photos of him since he's my fave.

Then came Alan Jackson, who was not a slouch. He did a terrific job and sang so many hit songs for two hours I lost count.

I went home tired, but happy. It was a wonderful venue to see a show. Not only that, the show was worth every penny.

First are my clips from the show, which aren't professional, but it's hard to get any kind of shots in the dark. After that, I found an official youtube video of Trace Adkins for you to enjoy.




Thought you'd get a kick out of this video of Trace's from www.youtube.com. There's more over there, by the way.

Do You Like Country?

What Country Artist Do You Like? Leave a Comment, please.

I Can't Wait by Morgan Mandel

Tonight my husband and I are going to a concert starring Alan Jackson and Trace Adkins. As some of you may know, I'm a huge fan of country music. I listen to country music at America's Country Station, WUSN, 99.5 FM, in Chicago each night as I go to sleep and wake up to it in the morning. I also love watching and listening to GAC.

I have no idea yet what to wear, except jeans for sure. I don't have any fringed shirts, but I'll find something. I do have a western hat, but am not sure if I wish to alienate people in back of me by wearing it. I don't expect to be able to take photos, because at places like that they don't usually allow it. Too bad. I would have liked to put some up on my blog.

I haven't been to a paying concert in a while. I've been to plenty of outdoor festivals with free concerts during the summer and was happy with the entertainment, although none of the singers were currently popular.

The last concert I attended at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois was a problem. Although I love Rascal Flatts and it's not really a rowdy group, the screaming fans were so loud I had to stuff tissue in my ears. I still got a headache afterwards. From then on, I decided to listen to their CDs instead.

That was a much younger crowd than I expect at tonight's show, since Alan and Trace are a bit older, closer to my age. Also, it will be at the fairly new Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, so hopefully the acoustics will be better. I've never been there, so I'm curious to check it out.

Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes. I better sign off now. I have to figure out what I'm wearing still.

Ask Angela

*ARCS - TO SEND OR NOT TO SEND*

CAROL GORDON EKSTER asks: I wondered what your opinion is on how many books to send out yourself (as opposed to your publisher) to reviewers or people who might spread the word about your book. Each book costs the author plus the mailing, and I'm confused about how much promotion to do. Any insight you can give would be appreciated.

Thanks, Carol Gordon Ekster
Where Am I Sleeping Tonight?-A Story of Divorce
a children's book released by Boulden Publishing, fall, 2008
http://www.carolgordonekster.com/

Angela says: Great question, Carol! First, try to find out from your publisher or publicist where ARCs are sent. Some will have standard outlets that always receive ARCs. As for your personal stack, you should only send to publications that you know want the book and will likely do a review. Don't expect every one to follow through. It simply is not feasible. Don't spend a ton of money send ARCs via FedEx, USPS overnight delivery, UPS or DHL. Send it media mail - unless specifically requested by the publication.

There is no guarantee faster delivery will get you a quick review turnaround. To save time and money, ask reviewers if they will accept a PDF ARC via email. Some will, some won't. Personally, I get a better reading experience from a hardcopy, but I do make exceptions - particularly for self-published/POD authors. You may consider using password protection for the PDF, and sending that information in a separate email. If you don't have the full Adobe program to covert Word to PDF, visit Adobe's Web site, where you can do that for a nominal fee.

*BLOG ETIQUETTE*

JESSICA JAMES asks: I am getting ready to plan a blog tour and have a couple of bloggers I would like to contact. What is the proper etiquette for contacting them, and what should I offer them in return for their time and energy in hosting me?

Jessica James
Author of the award-winning Civil War novel,
Shades of Gray
http://www.jessicajamesbooks.com/

Angela says : Jessica -Congratulations for your entry into the virtual realm! You will find most bloggers don't stand on ceremony - but that doesn't mean you should send less-than-stellar email queries.

At Pop Syndicate, I immediately delete all queries with rampant misspellings, poor punctuation and incoherent thoughts. I don't expect someone to be formal; just professional. If they don't care enough to send a well-written, but brief, MySpace message, chances are they won't follow through on their tours.

Keep your queries short and to the point. Use the host's name, if available. Tell them why your novel is a good fit for their blog and ask them to consider hosting you. Include your email, address, phone and Web site in the signature line. Do not send attachments of your book cover or excerpts until they are requested.

In return, tell the bloggers you will promote their site and your tour date to your fans on social networks, in newsletters, forums, listservs, groups and any other online venue you belong to. Some may ask you to do a permanent link to share on their site - I'll post your site if you post mine.

Consider these requests, but do not feel obligated. If you do several tours, your list will become too long and difficult to navigate, and will clutter your page.

Read more about planning virtual tours here.

Angela Wilson is an author, freelance author publicist and professional blogger and podcaster. She requests ARCs and manages the book blog for Pop Syndicate, where she hosts authors on virtual book tours. If you have a question about promotions, visit www.askangelawilson.com, or email her directly at authorangelawilson@gmail.com.
Your question may be used on that site and/or here.

Find Angela Wilson at :http://www.linkedin.com/in/angelawilson
http://www.facebook.com/people/Angela_Wilson/775118823
http://www.myspace.com/angelawilson
http://twitter.com/angelawilson

Habit - Get Into It

(Tune in tomorrow for Ask Angela, a new Thursday feature. This week authors, Jessica James and Carol Gordon Ekster, get answers to their questions about book tours and ARCs. )

At the end of August I joined a listserv called blogbooktours. The aim of this group is to get people ready for virtual book tours. Their August challenge was for its members to post a blog a day for a month.

I'd gotten in on the tail end of this challenge, but I decided to make my own challenge. Beginning August 29, I started doing a blog each day here. It wasn't easy at first, and sometimes it still isn't, but I did get into the habit of daily blogging.

I went along pretty well, but then a distracting obstacle came along - vacation. Could I or did I want to continue blogging each day while on vacation? With many fun things to do and only a little over a week to do them, did I really want to spend time blogging? Even before I got to our summer cottage in Wisconsin, on Saturday I faced an over seven hour drive. Once at my destination, I also faced unpacking and organizing, which would take up time. Could I do my blog that day?

Fortunately, I remembered a feature on blogger where I could preschedule my posts. I didn't have a bunch of posts to schedule ahead of time, but I did manage to do an extra post the night before I left. I scheduled it to post the next day and it published as promised. The string of blogs was not broken.

I used the feature a few other times on vacation, but most of the time I fit my blogs in no matter what. Why? Because I got into the habit of doing so, even with other things to do, like shopping binges, a visit to a radio station, playing slots at the casino for hours, way too much eating of food, and a book signing at Book World in Eagle River, Wisconsin during Cranberry Fest.

Here's a photo from the signing.
If you start the right one, habit can be a good thing. Think of something you really want to do, but don't know if you can carry it through. It may be blogging. It may be getting a certain number of pages written on your manuscript each day. It may be submitting your manuscript to editors. You decide.

Once you start, pretty soon you'll get into the habit and it won't be so hard to do. Try it.