Last week we discussed book tours and author guest posts for Book Blogger Confessions. I mentioned in my answer that I have run into a few issues and came up with guidelines that I send to authors first to avoid any miscommunications.
Quite a few people asked about it so I decided to post them here. I try to keep it short and simple but I’m always reevaluating and updating the guidelines as I run into new situations. For example I recently added the – it must be an original post – line after seeing the same guest post on several blogs. I will probably also be adding something about a timeframe for receiving a post. I’ve been getting them too close to the wire lately and I find myself scrambling to format the night before it’s scheduled.I hope it helps. The authors seem to appreciate it because often they aren’t sure what will work for each blog either and I am willing to be flexible if it would make for a better post.
Let me know if you have anything to add or any thoughts on the guidelines in general.
Guidelines:
-The feature would consist of an original guest post.
-Length: approximately 500-700 words. (Does not include author bio/book summary) Topic of your choice but please keep in mind that I review books of all genres, including YA, so no overly graphic language or sexual content.
-You must include your own links/author bio/photos/ when you send me your post if you want them included.
-If you include purchase links, please keep them to no more than two.
(*Note – this may not seem like a lot but I was getting 8-10 links included sometimes and I think readers glaze over at that point. Agree? Disagree?)
-Feel free to include a giveaway but it is not required. If you do please let me know if it's US/International and what format (print/digital etc)
Topic reminder for Monday June 17th:
BEA, ALA. Have you ever been before? If you've been before, share your experiences; both pro & con. If you haven't gone before, do you participate in online events like Armchair BEA? Do you hope to go one day? Do you feel too intimidated to go? Are you jealous of the big book hauls and tweets during the events?
* More information about Book Blogger Confessions here.
gGood guidelines! I once asked an author to do a Halloween guest post with his/her to ten scary reads. The author agreed but then didn't send me the list until the day before'with only 5 titles, all of by the author, 3 ofwhich hadn't come out yet. I couldn't use it, but I thanked the author (although I'm praying the email came from an assistant) for taking the time to respond. I don't really hold it against the author because I should have set the guidelines. Plus the author was in the middle of a signing tour so it was bad timing. Fortunately it taught me a lesson, and I may incorporate your guidelines into my future dealings with authors and publishers. Thanks, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what guideline would work for that. Top 10 seems self explanatory lol And 3-5 of your own books - just tacky but yeah...things happen nd she was probably trying to be nice and squeeze something in for you.
DeleteIt's happened to me so many times that I just send this out now. I started it for a feature I hosted for Indie authors because they were sending me posts that went on forever but it seems to help with all kids of guests posts.
Great guidelines and especially the one about articles being original as I hate to say it but it can be a bit boring when you see the same interview, book/cover release on several blogs.
ReplyDeleteIt never occurred to me that they would send the same post to multiple bloggers until me friend and I had the same post within a day of each other. I thought it was a fluke until I got another one with a different blog mentioned in the post. I googled it and there it was on another blog.
DeleteIt just seems counter productive to me. No one wants to read the same thing over and over and I think it hurts everyones credibility.
Thanks for sharing this, Karen! That's a good one about the giveaway requirements. Many times I have been setting up a post and wanting to get it 'done' but I have to email the author/publicist about the giveaway requirements :( That just delays the post, and adds extra stress b/c I can't really post a giveaway and not let readers know who is allowed to enter :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! This is a great set of guidelines!
ReplyDeleteI have started turning down people who ask me to post a "pre-packaged" guest blog that's going out to twenty other bloggers (complete with 10 buy links, as you noted!). As you said above, it's counter-productive to both the author and blogger.
It happens far more frequently than I could ever imagine. I think sometimes the publisher makes the tour longer and now the author has to fill all these spots with posts?? I don't know why they would do that.
DeleteGood points. I so do not like when I get a post that i have seen everywhere. So not many guest posts on my blog anymore
ReplyDeleteLove the guidelines! I've been lucky and the only time I've had repeats, the author lets me know and it usually is only on one other blog. They also ask permission from that blogger as well. Still, great idea to do that!
ReplyDeleteI always add that I'm flexible and could discuss changes to the guidelines. Sometimes I let the post go longer or allow more links for example.
DeleteI don't think I would have a problem if I knew it advance depending on what the post was. In my case - the worst one was an author (really his publisher) who sent an interview type post to dozens of bloggers. I don't even want to post an interview that wasn't done by me really - although it was more of a bio type interview that explained the book.
Great guidelines! Thank you so much for sharing them, as it's really helpful. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks :-)
Deleteooh guidelines is a smart idea! I totally get what you mean about an original guest post. I'm not fond of hosting same post on my blog as others, as it messes with SEO and everyone wants their content to be unique. thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome article! I have gradually become fan of your article and would like to suggest putting some new updates to make it more effective.
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Interesting discussion is going well. Great guidelines and especially the one about articles being original and second the article publish in short but informative story. Well I am a tourist and I prefer bus tour in my whole traveling period. Due to this reason I am planning east coast tour to enjoy the summer vacations outdoor.
ReplyDeleteBus tour is one of the best term to relax your mind to see the natural beauty of the world during the bus tour now in these days i want to go for the Us tour due to some enjoyment new brunswick bus to nyc and if you also want to go for the bus tour in US must follow the link...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right Jangoo! The bus tour is the best way to relaxation and sees the beautiful places all over the world. Professionally I am tourist and like to visit in different countries for my travel interest. I mostly used bus tour for my every trip and tour. Now this summer I choose the New York Vacation to enjoy this summer season. I am really happy to going this tour.
ReplyDelete