Blogger outreach for authors

When I talk to authors about doing a "blog tour" or asking for guest blog posts or reviews on a blog they like, I'm usually greeted with a deer in headlights type stare that says, "How would I do that?" Authors who don't spend much time on the Internet see it as something separate and "other," much like I grew up thinking about the newspaper or a magazine. I mean, who ever gets into one of those? How would you even do that? I used to wonder.

But the fact is, the easiest way to book a blog as part of your blog tour, or get a review, or get a guest blog post is to... Ask.

It really boils down to the simple act of emailing the blogger, showing that you have read their blog and have some idea of what they write about, and asking them for what you want.

Will you always get it? No, of course not. Bloggers are busy, and they may not like your book or offer what you're asking for.

This Saturday, Murray Newlands is going to dig into the particulars of blogger outreach in its myriad of forms. He'll get specific about what helps and hurts a blogger outreach plea from an author.

I do a lot of blogger outreach, so I wanted to share the basic email template I use to get reviews, build partnerships, or any other objective.

Dear [Blogger first name]-

I really enjoyed your last post on [topic/post title from past week or two]. It made me think about...

Would you be intersted in [reviewing my book/ a guest post about xyz topic / interviewing me on your blog?]

Here is a link to learn more about me and my book: [insert link here]

Thanks for your time.

Best,

Scott

Three Blogger Outreach Tips

1. Keep it short: Unless you have a reason to write more than 100 words, don't. Bloggers are busy, and they will want to know what you want quickly and succinctly. I do this by creating a link so that if the blogger wants to know more, they can choose to click.

2. Compliment: We are humans, and we appreciate when someone takes the time to explore what we are doing and compliment us on it.

3. Provide content: I usually have a review/guest post/interview all set to go if the person wants it. Some people want to do a fresh one, or they want something entirely original, but it's good to have something ready to offer in case they want a quick turnaround.

What about you all? Have you had success reaching out to bloggers about your books? Any tips?

Image courtesy of gillicious via flickr

I'll be part of a Writer.ly PubCamp workshop day for authors on Saturday, May 18 in San Francisco. Each day this week I'll be writing some of my own tips and tricks based on the topics that day will cover. If you or someone you know is interested and in the SF Bay Area, find out more here.