Testing the Power Of Bloggers in Online Marketing

As I think about the launch date I posted yesterday, I started thinking about what was the best way to get the word out about ebooks online. I mean before an author figures out how to do it or where to put it - they may need to plan in advance for any support.



One answer came to my mind - Bloggers!



I read an article recently (and can't remember where or by whom) questioning whether bloggers can make a difference in book releases. The article basically stated that bloggers really don't have any pull or power when it comes to helping books succeed.  That the success was more due to the money put into advertising and the money from publishers.



I RESPECTFULLY AND WHOLWHEARTEDLY DISAGREE!





I have seen the power of bloggers first hand in all the online fundraising that goes on. The online auction for Bridget Zinn, the word of mouth on the Nashville auction, the success of Write on Con. Not to mention, the political arena loves bloggers in fundraising and companies love bloggers to push their products.





So, why not publishing??



Amanda Hocking - bestselling ebook writer contributes her success to ---you got it ---bloggers. She had no platform or experience in the industry, no agent and no publisher and sold 500,000 books within her first 10 months. Now granted, those numbers spanned the 9 books she released during that time and her working her tail off getting 4 hours of sleep a night.



That article got me thinking because I believe bloggers hold more power than everyone thinks they (we) do.



So who wants to test this with me and find out??? I was going to wait until next week to talk about bloggers but I think it will take some organizing to pull off so I pushed it up.



Mission: Launching with Bloggers



I am looking for about 50 bloggers who are interested in reading my book for free.



Now, disclaimer - I have NO clue or stats that show if this idea will work - AT ALL. This is an experiment. So I could be wrong but it's just a hunch I have.



First read the summary on Goodreads to see if you are interested in the book. (Again wilderness thriller and hot boys with a kicka$$ heroine.)

You will get a free ebook of my book, Untraceable.
In exchange for the free copy, all I ask is that you commit to actually reviewing the book (WHETHER NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE) somewhere - on their blog and on at least one other review site on the internet. (Example: Goodreads, Amazon B&N etc.)
Again, the reviews DO NOT HAVE TO BE POSITIVE.  I only ask that the reviews are honest, respectful, and constructive.
If I get more than 50 bloggers sign up, I will choose them in a random generator tool. I don't want to give any favoritism because I appreciate anything anyone is willing to do.
Just to say THANKS FOR SIGNING UP, (because I have a hard time asking without giving) I will do a random giveaway of a secret marketing prize (it could be a marketing book or a marketing consultation with me or a small form of free swag design).



Now, I am NOT going to police this process. It is on word of honor alone.



Also, I have gotten email questions about interviews. I would be happy to do any interview about the marketing process, ebooking, or author marketing in general for the month of Nov and Dec. You can email me at sjohannes@bilaninc.com if you are interested.



So if you would like to read the book, please fill out this form. There is no follower limit or secret formula for your blog to be included. You can be published, unpublished, self published, agented. Just your passion is required :)



So guys, what do you think? Do you think bloggers have power and why? Why questions do you have about online marketing?







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