Participating in Blog Hops: Author Promotion #Wwow

Promoting yourself takes time, so why not have fun while doing it? One way I promote my blog and myself as an author is to participate in Blog Hops. Where and how do you do that? 

Here is a list of places to find specific types of blog hops:

Carrie Ann Ryan Blog Hops - http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.com/
Hops are focused on romance. She is very organized and there are many participants. You can't go wrong with this one!
Also, there is a facebook group to help with the organization: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CarrieAnnBlogHops/

The Blog Hop Spot - http://thebloghopspot.com/event-page/
Only a few a year, but worth checking out.
Also on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/367868446563993/?fref=ts

Under the Covers Book Reviews - http://www.underthecoversbookblog.com/current-giveaways/upcoming-blog-hops
Adult-centered blog hops. Upcoming hops include Naughty New Years Blog Hop and Fools for Luv Blog Hop. 

Romance Reviews - http://www.theromancereviews.com/romancehop.php
Upcoming Romance Hop and Erotica Romance Hop 

Reading Romances - http://reading-romances.com/
You can also friend this blog on Goodreads and get updates of upcoming blog hops.

I am a Reader, Not a Writer - http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com
Although I am a writer, I know other writers do participated in these hops. Family friendly and lots of YA book hops coming up!

How does it work? Usually the hosting website has a linky sign up. You enter your blog address and name. Then you will be added to the list. Next, the hosting site will send an email with instructions, if there are any special materials or directions.

Write your blog post. Schedule it to be posted early that morning. 

Most bloghops have a giveaway. This is an ideal time to giveaway a copy of your book!If you have a giveaway, use rafflectopter or another useful tool. See my previous post on Rafflecopter use.

Promote  the blog hop on twitter or facebook. Warning: Don't overpromote! You want people to visit your blog,  not throw it out the window.

If you know of other blog hop hosting sites, please let us know in the comments below! 

It's that easy! 

Visit other Writer's Words of Wisdom authors for great advice!

Paloma Beck: http://romancebeckons.blogspot.com/search/label/WoW#.UMXrW4fAeSo

Lacey Wolfe: http://laceywolfe.com/blog.html

Tammy Dennings Maggy http://tammydenningsmaggy.blogspot.com

Authors - Use Pinterest!

When I signed up for Pinterest about a year ago, I immediately loved it. I found too many recipes, too many crafts and too many funny jokes. There literally is so much out there, it can be TOO much. However, it isn't just for those who are planning weddings, baby showers, or dinner for the night.

As I became a serious writer, I soon realized that I can use Pinterest to my advantage. Today's Writers Words of Wisdom is about how to use Pinterest to an Author's Advantage.

Here's what to do:

1) Create an author page. I created a separate page since I have a pen name to use for my writing purposes. My primary purpose to add this social network was to organize my writing ideas/pictures and to get my name out there. Check me out at www.pinterest.com/melindadozier and follow me!

2) Create boards. Click the ADD+ link at the top of the page. CREATE a BOARD link is next.  Of course, you are open to create anything! Here are the boards that I think are useful for other writers:

• A board for each book you write. For example, I have a Time Changes Everything board with pictures of my MCs, the setting, important events, my book cover, etc. 
• Story Inspirations: include quotes or pictures that may inspire future stories, novels, MCs
• Hero/Heroine Inspirations: Similar to above but only pictures of possible MCs
• Blogging: Here I pin blogs that I write (another great way to advertise yourself) and blogs I read that are useful.
• Author Tools: Anything I find useful for writing, such as tips from the #Wwow weekly posts!
•  Music to Write To: Yep! You can even pin videos. 
• On Reading/Writing: Quotes about Reading and Writing to help motivate writers

Take a look at some of my boards:

3) Find friends/authors. Now it's time to network. You can click on your name at the top right corner and there is a link that says FIND FRIENDS. You can search by email or Facebook. Aditionally, you can find names in the SEARCH box. I have followed favorite authors, writing friends and publishers.

All in all, Pinterest should not be overlooked as a way to promote yourself or to organize your ideas. If you haven't signed up, now is the time!

WoW is a Smart & Savvy Group of Authors who write this weekly feature for their blog each Wednesday. While we don't claim to be experts, the goal is to impart what we've learned about writing, editing, getting published, book promotion, and more along the way. 

Follow along and read all this week's contributors' posts. 

Paloma Beck

Jessicca Collins

Tammy Dennings Maggy

You can follow us on twitter at #WWoW.

Or find us on facebook at Words of Wisdom.

We also welcome more authors' participation. Sign up is through our facebook page.

Thanks for stopping by,

Melinda