How can I find guest posting opportunities?

[Scott]

Launch week is well past now and I'm exploring new ways to reach readers. I want to make an effort to do at least a few blog guest posts per month but I haven't done one yet. Can some of you more experienced indie authors help answer questions I have about the right way to guest post?

1. How do you find blogs to post on and how do you approach the owner of the site?

2. Is there a more tactful and less spammy method to request doing one?

3. Have you found this to be a viable way to reach readers? Is it worth the effort?

4. Who decides what the post will be about?

Please, any and all information is helpful.

[Melissa]

Be mindful of each blog's guidelines. Some offer opportunities throughout the year. Watch the group postings and maybe even suggest one yourself.

I've seen some pretty ranty stuff about unsolicited bloggers approaching other bloggers. It's all spam to them. Be respectful. Some see their blogs as actual 'homes' and stepping on their 'lawns' with your vacuum sales guy routine will piss them off. Just sayin' I see this a lot.