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What on earth is a virtual book tour?

 

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If you follow my posts here with any regularity, you’ve been part of a virtual book tour!

When you see a post about a book that includes a review, a guest post from the author or an excerpt of the book, that is probably a stop on a virtual tour.

Once upon a time, when an author wrote a book, she would go from town to town to promote said book at book stores, libraries and book clubs. It was the staple of a book contract back in the day when a small number of books were published by a few large presses.

But today, things have changed. Books are published at a much larger rate, and neither traditionally  nor independently published writers are sent on those kind of tours very often. Only the big names rate that sort of promotion.

Instead, we use virtual book tours, where the author can promote her book to a large number of people worldwide. . .all without leaving home or even getting out of her pajamas.

Life is good.

I co-own Promotional Book Tours, which is a company that sets up and runs these tours. Here’s how they work.

An author comes to us and requests a tour. We offer several different options, from smaller, shorter tours to our larger, six-week versions.

Once the tour is booked, we offer it to our very select group of bloggers, people with whom we work on a regular basis. They can sign up to host a stop on the tour or to simply participate in a promotional blast, which usually is the first day of any tour.

A tour stop can be an excerpt of the book, a guest post written by the author, an interview with the author or a review of the book by the blogger or her designated reviewer. At PBT, most of our tours include two stops per day for the length of the tour.

Most tours also include giveaways, with prizes that can range from book swag to Amazon Kindles. The giveaways appeal to readers and to bloggers; it brings traffic to the tour and allows the bloggers to grow their own following. It also increases the writer’s visibility in social media.

At PBT, we also promote each tour stop heavily on our Facebook and Twitter feeds. With some tours, we offer video interviews as well.

Working at PBT is pretty cool. I have access to amazing books, work with the best bloggers in the cyber world and meet the finest authors and readers.

If you’re an author looking for a way to increase your presence in social media, raise the visibility of your book(s) and establish a strong base of book reviews, a cyber tour is an excellent idea.

If you’re a blogger, hosting tour stops will give you both content and traffic.

If you’re a reader, following these blogs and tour companies like PBT will give you a head’s up on the best books around and allow to get to know the authors.

For more information, click the PBT link above or visit our Facebook page.

My other lives

 

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Like most writers, I wear more than one hat.

Beyond being a wife, mother, cat caregiver and all around household manager, I am also an editor. I work with other writers, helping them to polish their manuscripts.

I’m also the co-owner of Promotional Book Tours, a virtual publicity firm that specializes in promoting books and authors. In that capacity, I work with both authors and bloggers.

And now, I am also co-owner of Hayson Publishing, a small press that just released its first book. I’m so excited about this venture!

I love what I do, the fabulous people with whom I work, and I am looking forward to sharing more about all of it with you in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, go over and visit our sites, like us on Facebook. . .see what it’s all about!

 

Literary Addicts Wednesday Meme: Favorite Book Covers

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One of my guilty secrets as a writer is that I am utterly clueless about covers. Really, I am not a visual person at all, and for me, the cover doesn’t really matter.

Or at least, that’s how I used to be. Since becoming involved in book promotions and publishing, I’ve become maybe just a tad more discerning. At least I can tell you what covers are bad. . .that’s a step in the right direction!

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite covers.

 

This book isn’t even out yet, but the cover just intrigues me. The finger under her chin. . .that grabs my heart. It probably doesn’t hurt that Christine designed my covers as well-I like her style!

 

 

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I also love Jesi Lea Ryan’s cover for Arcadia’s Gift. It’s evocative of the whole story. . .

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Dream Jumper 1(1)Mandie Steven’s cover for Dream Jumper is gorgeous. Can’t wait for this book and was so happy to put the cover at the end of ENDLESS!

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This is an upcoming book, too, Eddie Santiago’s soon-to-be released debut through Hayson Publishing. Isn’t it gorgeous?

Of course, I am partial to my own covers. . .I think they’re absolutely beautiful. And since the experts tell me they are, who am I to argue??

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EASY BAKE COVEN Review Blast

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Hungry-Hungry-Hoodoo

Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo

One simple revelation about her past turns Selene Warren’s life upside down. Determined not to let her elf half ruin her future, she fights for the love she’s found at Cheney’s side, despite her increasing doubts about the bond they share.

However, when her studio burns down, a new enemy emerges and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. To save one of her friends from a gruesome death, she must expose who she was and put more than just her life on the line. Her only hope is deciphering her past in time to save them all, but the more she learns, the less she can trust anyone.

Pre-Order Hungry, Hungry, Hoodoo on Amazon.

Easy Bake CovenEasy Bake Coven

For Selene Warren being a witch is no big deal. She dabbles in harmless magic with her friends and never thinks much about it. However, when a stranger who seems to know her shows up at her studio and her grandmother is brutally attacked, her simple life becomes complicated.

A world of elves, half-elves, fae—and one peculiar Sekhmet named Femi open up to her. She will discover that fairy tales are real, politics are ugly in any world, and there is a lot more to her life than she ever dreamed possible.

This new reality threatens swallow Selene whole, but with a forgotten past beating down her door, she will have to dive in to save her future.

Purchase Easy Bake Coven on Amazon.

 

 

My review:  I was latecomer to the Guardian series; actually, I read the third book first and then went back and devoured this other two. So this time I was determined to get in on Liz Schulte’s new series from the very beginning.

And I am so glad I did! EASY BAKE COVEN is an amazing mix of fun, romance and intrigue.  Selene is a likable, engaging heroine, and her group of friends bring to mind Robin Hood’s Merry Men. They are supportive and encouraging as they accompany her on the wild ride that her life becomes.  

But really, for me, true focus of the story is Cheney, the elf prince who is by turns tender and intense. His role in Selene’s life is  murky at first, but of course, we all know that his intentions are honorable and pure. At least, I hope they are. . .

An added bonus is the appearance of several of our favorite characters from the Guardian series. I won’t spoil it and say who; suffice it to say that EASY BAKE COVEN gives us another look at the fascinating Abyss. 

I devoured this book whole and was immediately ready for more. There was enough humor and lightness to offset the intensity, as well as appealing characters whose stories stayed with me for weeks.  

Don’t miss this series. Now that the second book, HUNGRY HUNGRY HOO DOO, is out, you can enjoy both without the pesky wait that I endured.

Consider yourself lucky! Run! Go get these books NOW!

About Author Liz Schulte

Many authors claim to have known their calling from a young age. Liz Schulte, however, didn’t always want to be an author. In fact, she had no clue. Liz wanted to be a veterinarian, then she wanted to be a lawyer, then she wanted to be a criminal profiler. In a valiant effort to keep from becoming Walter Mitty, Liz put pen to paper and began writing her first novel. It was at that moment she realized this is what she was meant to do. As a scribe she could be all of those things and so much more.

When Liz isn’t writing or on social networks she is inflicting movie quotes and trivia on people, reading, traveling, and hanging out with friends and family. Liz is a Midwest girl through and through, though she would be perfectly happy never having to shovel her driveway again. She has a love for all things spooky, supernatural, and snarky. Her favorite authors range from Edgar Allen Poe to Joseph Heller to Jane Austen to Jim Butcher and everything in between.

Follow Liz Schulte:
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FIREWALL: No Uncertain Logic Book 2 Cover Reveal and Excerpt!

I happen to adore C. G. Powell, author of SPELL CHECKED and IMMORTAL VOYAGE. So excited about her next book, FIREWALL.

I’m thrilled to share with you the cover for this book. . .and below it, a special sneak peek preview of the book itself.

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Firewall (book 2 No Uncertain Logic Series) by C.G. Powell

 

“I hate to cut things short, but the sooner we get down to business the better.  I’ve made arrangements for a transport to take us to the Atlantis which is sitting in the Meranna Sea.”

Before Sarik could finish, Jael interrupted. “When did you move the ship?”

“Shortly after you left for Ibis Prime.  Orion felt he needed to keep an eye on me once Aphrodite arrived, so he sent a team to assist the move closer to the capital city.”  He looked to Neria and Aphrodite.  “Ladies, if you will follow me.  I will take you to the transport.”

They walked to a smaller docking area where a transporter ship was awaiting them.  Neria’s bags were already on board, as was Captain Ross.

Sarik raised one brow.  “How did you get here so quick?”

Captain Ross cleared his throat and rolled his eyes toward the cockpit where Tal sat.

“I thought you didn’t trust mist traveling?”  Sarik laughed.

“It took a while to get used to, but it has its benefits if you can get past the nausea and the whole cellular disintegration reassembly thing.”

Sarik nudged the captain with his elbow.  “Are you sure it has nothing to do with quantum entanglement with a certain Jinn?”

Speechless, Captain Ross’ reddened face spoke volumes.  He excused himself and joined Tal in the cockpit.

Looping her arm in Sarik’s, Jael frowned and continued towards the passenger area of the transport.  “Why do you tease the poor Captain?  I think it quaint that he has taken a liking to Tal even if she doesn’t return his affections.”

“What kind of friend would I be, if I didn’t acknowledge his obvious fondness?”

“Do you really want me entertain your question with an answer?”

“No, not really.”

Over the intercom the captain’s voice boomed, “Good morning, this is your captain.  Today’s flight should be a clear shot to the Meranna Sea area.  We have favorable atmospheric conditions and low level winds upon approach.  Our estimated arrival is 14:80 standard atomic time.  That’s half-past lunch for those of you who still struggle with the local atomic conversion.”

Jael, Salima, and Aphrodite all turned and looked at Sarik.

Purse-lipped, Sarik stood and yelled toward the cockpit.  “Okay, you win.  Now get us the hell out of here.”

Coming Summer 2013

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