Set up a virtual book tour to get your book in front of readers. All from the comfort of your home!

Virtual book tours have become a must-do for authors looking to reach readers far beyond their local bookstore. Set up a virtual book tour to connect with your audience through blogs, podcasts, social media, and online events—without ever leaving your home. If you’re a published author wondering how to organize one, I’ve got you covered. Follow these steps to create your virtual book tour and get the word out about your book.

Step 1: Set Your Goals

Before you begin, get clear on what you want to achieve. Is your goal to generate more sales, collect reviews, grow your email list, or create buzz around your book? Your goals will help shape the type of tour you plan, the blogs or podcasts you reach out to, and what success looks like for you.

Step 2: Build Your Media List

Think about where your readers spend their time online. Are they reading book blogs? Listening to podcasts? Hanging out in Facebook groups or following certain Instagram accounts? Create a list of bloggers, podcasters, bookstagrammers, and influencers who cater to your genre or audience. You can find potential contacts by:

• Searching for book bloggers on Google.
• Browsing Instagram or TikTok for book influencers (search hashtags like #bookstagram or #booktok).
• Checking out Goodreads lists and forums.
• Looking for genre-specific podcasts that interview authors.

Step 3: Write Your Outreach Email

Once you’ve built your media list, it’s time to send your pitch. Personalize each email to the blogger, podcaster, or influencer you’re contacting. Introduce yourself, briefly describe your book, and mention why it would resonate with their audience. Offer options like a guest post, interview, or review copy of your book. Keep it short, polite, and to the point.

Example Pitch:

Subject Line: Interview Opportunity with [Your Name], Author of [Book Title]

Hi [Blogger’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! My name is [Your Name], and I’m the author of [Your Book Title], a [brief description/genre]. I’ve been following your blog for a while and love your thoughtful reviews, especially your recent post about [relevant topic].

I’m setting up a virtual book tour for [Your Book Title], and I’d love to be a guest on your blog! I can offer a guest post, author interview, or even provide a review copy if you’re interested.

Please let me know if this sounds like a good fit. I’d be thrilled to work with you!

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your Website]

Step 4: Organize Your Calendar

After your outreach, you’ll hear back from interested bloggers and podcasters. Create a calendar to track your confirmed dates, posts, and interviews. A simple Google Calendar or spreadsheet works wonders to keep everything organized. Be sure to note deadlines for guest posts or interview questions and when your book will be featured.

Step 5: Prepare Your Materials

To make your virtual tour go smoothly, prepare all the materials you might need in advance. These could include:

• A high-quality author photo and book cover image.
• A short and long bio (about 50 and 150 words).
• Links to your website, social media, and where readers can buy your book.
• Guest post ideas or interview responses if requested.
• A PDF or ePub version of your book to send to reviewers.

Having this ready will save time and ensure you look professional during the tour.

Step 6: Promote Each Stop

Share your book on a blog or podcast with your audience each time it appears! Post on social media, email your newsletter list and link back to the feature on your website. The more you promote each stop, the more traction your tour will get.

Step 7: Follow Up & Thank Your Hosts

Once the tour ends, remember to follow up with a thank-you note to each host. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in building relationships for future projects. You never know when you might want to promote another book or collaborate again!

A virtual book tour can feel like a lot of work, but it’s one of the best ways to get your book in front of new readers. By setting clear goals, building your media list, and staying organized, you can create a successful virtual tour that helps you grow your audience and increase sales.

Now that you know the steps, it’s time to get started! With some planning and effort, you’ll be well on your way to a virtual tour that brings attention and new readers to your book.

Ready to Plan Your Virtual Book Tour?

Don’t go it alone! Download my free Virtual Book Tour Checklist to stay organized and ensure you get all the steps. If you need help with your tour, contact me for a consultation or subscribe The Book Marketing Nook for more book marketing tips!