What is a blog tour? Great Question!

In response to your feedback yesterday - here is an answer to a common question:

April 3, 2013, my first book, WHERE'S HEIDI? ONE SISTER'S JOURNEY will be released. This is an exciting time. In addition to various speaking engagements and book talks The blog tour begins next week, on Thursday, January 17, 2013! 
  
What is a “Blog Tour”?
This is a question I asked myself a couple years ago. In the simplest of terms, a “blog tour” is a “virtual book tour”. Instead of an author taking time off of work and additional time away from their family to “meet” future readers, he/she will “meet” them via your blog and share his/her book at the same time. 

The author gifts you a FREE PDF of his or her book to read so you can post a review on your blog. In addition to the review, the author (That’s me this time!) will send you: an author photo and biography, book cover jpeg and book synopsis, and book release (and purchasing) information.  

Your complimentary book helps the author reach readers he/she may never “meet” in person through your blog followers. It also increases visitors to your own site/blog as I will post your name and blog on my “Book Review” page with a link. Blog Tours are one way we can help each other share God’s love and provision with those beyond our reach. 

An additional review, after your blog post and the book is released, is to post a review on Amazon. This “star” review reaches a different variety of readers that might be new to the author and you. After you leave your review, list your name and blog to increase the chances of new readers at your own blog.

What are the choices of “blog tour” options available?
Of course, you have a choice. Life is about making choices so I offer you four. Regardless of which you choose, be sure to include the above information sent to you by the author.
Your Book Review: You read Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey and then write a book review to share on your blog. 
Interview the Author (me): Instead of writing your own review of the book, you ask me three to four questions you believe your readers will be interested in and will help to share Where’s Heidi? One Sister’s Journey’s heart with your readers.
An Author’s Note: Instead of writing your own review, I will guest blog on your site about the book. You could ask me a question or suggest a topic, and then I will write a blog for you to post with the other information. This is for the busy blogger who desires to help a new author yet time prevents you from writing a short review.
Combination of Your Choice: Some of you might want to review the book and have me visit either through an interview or guest post, or all three. The choice is yours. I appreciate your time and sharing a day on your blog. I pray there is an option that appeals to you and your readers.

Some of the things you can expect from the book review on this blog tour:
*A summary of the book’s message ~ why he/she liked, loved, or recommends this book
*Things he/she enjoyed or things that caused them to reflect or act on, in their personal life
*An impact on their thinking/perspective on life ~ why and/or how
*Quotes from the book to support his/her thoughts to wet potential readers appetites for the release on April 3, 2013
*Closing thoughts/Take-Away about the book and/or author

Upcoming Book Reviews will be posted by the following people, on the date and sites also listed below. As others join, they will be added to the list on the "Book Reviews" page. For a direct link, click the photos above.

1/17/13 – Elaine W. Miller “Splashes of Serenity”
Book Review
http://splashesofserenity.com 
 
1/24/13 – Amy Quonce "Winding Road Books”
Book Review
http://windingroadbook.weebly.com/blog.html
 
1/26/13 – Diane Estrella “That’s What I’m Here For”
An Author’s Note
http://dianeestrella.com
 
2/9/13 – Terri Groh“Hearts in Service”
 An Author’s Note
http://www.heartsinservice.blogspot.com/

2/21/13 – Paula Davis “A Peace in the Puzzle of Life”
Book Review
http://pauladavispeace.com/

2/23/13 – Marlene Bagnull “Write His Answer”
An Author’s Note
http://writehisanswer.wordpress.com  

2/28/13 – Terri Groh“Hearts in Service”
Book Review
http://www.heartsinservice.blogspot.com/

3/2/13 – J.A. Zilske “Deep Calls to the Deep”
Book Review
http://deepcallstodeep-jody.blogspot.com
 
3/30/13- Dave Fessende “Concept to Contract”
Author Interview
http://fromconcepttocontract.com/

4/6/13 – Karen Beaudin “A Child is Missing”
Book Review
http://www.karenbeaudin.com/

What is something you hope to learn about the book and/or the author (me, lol) during the blog tour? Leave a comment below.