Engage with readers by asking and answering questions. Even better, let the tour host know ahead of time that you'll be available during a certain hour of the day to do a rapid fire Q&A in the comment section. By making yourself accessible to readers, they are more likely to see you as a friend. Friends by other friends' books.
Another way to build buzz is to quote blog comments on your social network sites. Scan the comments for anything poignant, witty, or just plain fun. Be sure to give credit to the commenter, link back to the tour stop, and use the hash tag. Readers will remember that you cared enough about what they said to share it. Plus, who doesn't like getting a little Twitter love from an author?
Of course, like everything else, a little goes a long way. Don't try to quote everyone or your feed will turn into one big spam trap.
This is an excellent post, and it brings up a related question. After the fiascos on GR, it seems that to avoid trouble an author shouldn't reply to any reviewer at all, regardless of whether the review is positive or negative. Yet I see lots of authors comment on book review blogs (sometimes they're the only ones. lol) with a "thank you" when the reviewer posts the book's review. So what's the etiquette here? Post a thank you on the blog? Send a personal email? Say nothing so no one can take offense?
ReplyDeleteGood question. I'm hoping you wouldn't get a bad review as part of your blog tour, but I suppose it could happen. I agree that you should not comment on reviews. But you should comment on comments. It's a fine line. I suggest keeping an eye on the comments and respond to the readers, where it's appropriate.
DeleteWhere authors get in trouble is when they try to convince readers their opinion is wrong. Remember, the purpose here is to engage your (potential) readers and show them you're a real person.
Thanks for the advice, Sarah! :-)
Delete