Saturday, September 8, 2007

Blog power

My friend Julie sent me an article from the New York Times about how publishers, lacking the budget to send authors on conventional book tours, are sending them on virtual book tours instead--now authors are doing the rounds of the book blogs.

It's a fairly positive article about the power of blogs, and has some interesting details about how authors and publishers can benefit from blog publicity.

But there was also an interesting quote about how the authors have to learn how to interact with bloggers and their audiences:
Although blogging is another form of writing, not all authors seem equally suited. Joshua Ferris, author of the critically acclaimed novel “Then We Came to the End,” guest-blogged for a week at the Elegant Variation, a literary blog, where he declared his fondness for the band the Hold Steady, rounded up literary news and promoted graduate writing programs. Still, at the end of the week, he apologized to readers: “I only posted late at night, and only once a day, whereas other bloggers keep you returning throughout the day. I didn’t respond to many of your comments, which seems an important part of the blogger-commenter contract.”
Interesting. I have that Joshua Ferris novel. I'll have to check out his blogging appearances before I read it...


9 comments:

Lotus Reads said...

The best way for authors to connect to a multitude of readers for a fraction of the cost is via book blogs, so the publishers are definitely going to be benefit from these virtual tours, but true, authors will have to learn that blogging is a two-way communication. I will keep my eyes peeled for other author blogging appearances, thanks GR!

Gentle Reader said...

lotus--I agree with you, the blogosphere does seem the natural place for authors to connect with readers with little or no cost; it seems an obvious boon to publishers. I'm sure the authors will figure out the etiquette of blog communication and get on board. I'm going to watch for author blogging appearances, too :)

Lotus Reads said...

GR, I just reread my comment and noticed a couple of grammatical errors, serves me right for not reading it through before posting it last night!

Anonymous said...

I have seen some very good 'blog tour' stops, where authors did a wonderful job of interacting with the audiences. I think it's a great idea.

Tara said...

I enjoyed this article -thanks for sharing it.

Stephanie said...

That's pretty cool! On my blog, I reviewed a new book called Marked: A House of Night novel. It's a brand new YA series by PC Cast and her daughter Kristin. I got an ARC from CurledUp and I used it for my first book in Carl's RIP challenge!!

I was so impressed that I emailed the author about it. She actually came to my blog and read my review! I thought that was pretty cool!

Gentle Reader said...

lotus--that always happens to me. Grammar and sometimes hilarious typos!

heather--I think it's a great idea, too, and I like the byproduct that bloggers will interact with authors more!

tara--you're welcome! It's an interesting phenomenon that I want to keep track of...

stephanie--it is pretty cool that that author stopped by your blog. Like I was saying to Heather, I think it's great that because the publishers are doing these "tours", bloggers and authors will interact more!

John Mutford said...

I too have been visited a few times by authors I've written about (no one superfamous so don't get excited!) Knowing that's a possibility makes it pretty nerve-wracking when I've written some unflattering remarks, but exciting otherwise.

Gentle Reader said...

john--I've only been visited by one author, who was so surprised I had read his book! Charmingly self-effacing, I must admit. But it's a very nerve-wracking proposition, you're right...