As sworn-in bookworms and reviewers, there are many ways that we’ve discovered a new book: a friend, a bookstore, but especially online. The online book community has blown up and expanded tremendously, creating a perfect breeding ground for book-loving introverts.
However, as the online community has grown, the need for in-person book tours has lessened, and the need for online virtual book tours has grown exponentially.
Now, you may ask…
What is a Virtual Book Tour?
Think like an in-person book tour, minus the need to be in person at a bookstore or event. This is the internet version of a book tour, and it happens exclusively online. For anyone who is generally used to an in-person book tour, this may be hard to fathom, and we are here to help!
Instead of physically traveling to each location, a book tour company, such as Valkyrie Visionaries, has a trusted cohort of bloggers/book reviewers/book influencers that will either review your book and/or feature your book on their blog and/or social media platform each on a different day during a time frame that (usually) corresponds with your book/cover release date!
Of course, these things can be tailored to what each author needs and wants, and we will help you come up with a tailor-made tour plan!
… And why should you care?
Less time worrying about traveling to your next book tour location equals more time writing your next great novel!
But seriously, there are many pros to a virtual book tour.
Immediate Benefits of Virtual Book Tours
One of the best things to come out of online communities is the sense of connection and creativity it brings to its users. Even if you are physically isolated, you can still connect with other like-minded individuals. Much of the bookish community interacts largely online and on multiple platforms: Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, etc.
Or more affectionately known as: bookstagram, booktwitter, booktube, and booktok.
Because of that, a virtual book tour can put your book outreach into overdrive. There will be an immediate increase in book reach and exposure, and even the opportunity to reach more diverse audiences who may find themselves interested in your work.
This is also a chance to connect with readers directly. Don’t worry, we are probably even more excited to read your work than you are to share it (and we are usually very nice people)! Readers and reviewers can provide different sorts of direct feedback that a publisher or critique partner won’t be able to. Often, this type of feedback is just as valuable (if not more) than book sales, as this can help book sales down the line and for future books as well.
Long-Term Benefits of Virtual Book Tours
Virtual book tours don’t just provide immediate benefits, they keep giving in the long run, too. This means you’ll get way more out of them than you may think. It is helpful for new readers discovering your book down the line to have reviews and buzz already surrounding your new release because it gives the book credibility and readers have a higher chance of taking a shot at it.
This can help generate more momentum and help with future ongoing sales.
Are you a fantasy writer working on a series? Having some great reviews and buzz around your first book can help you generate loyal fans who will be in line to read your next book. This type of snowball effect can really set things off in a great way!
Lastly, search engine ranking is a big deal in the online world – the more tour stops and buzz your novel has, the better it will rate in a search rank, and the easier it may be to access!
Virtual book tours are never easy to plan on your own, but Valkyrie Visionaries has the tools you need for success.
Bottom Line: Don’t do it yourself! Let us help you so you can spend more time writing your next novel! Visit our Services page for more information.