Palamedes PR: Bloggers are instrumental in the success of books

Book bloggers are no longer considered ‘fringe media’ but important vehicles to promote new titles, authors and publishers. Unlike mainstream news and feature outlets, which reach a wide but less targeted audience, blogs like WILDWRITINGWORLD are the go-to destination of choice for engaged consumers who return time and time again for expert reviews and advice.

According to Palamedes PR, the UK’s market-leading book marketing agency, bloggers can be instrumental in shaping the overall success of a new release and are an indispensable force in the public relations industry. As a long-time PR executive myself, I can only appreciate this switch of perception, as for a long time, bloggers, particularly in the bookish field, were rather considered as purely hobby writers, without getting the praise and appreciation that any written word made public usually deserves.

Here, we speak to one of its publicists, Anthony Harvison, to find out why book blogs are reshaping the literary marketing and sales landscape, and how they are an increasingly important advocate for underrepresented voices and genres. (material provided by Palamedes PR, the intertitles are mine - WWW)

´...a powerful force in book marketing´

Q: How has the landscape of book marketing evolved with the rise of book blogging, and what role does it play in promoting books?

Book blogging has become a powerful force in book marketing, offering a dynamic platform for readers to share their thoughts and recommendations. It plays a crucial role in creating buzz around books, reaching niche audiences, and influencing purchasing decisions.

Q: In what ways do book bloggers contribute to building a book's online presence and visibility?

Book bloggers contribute significantly to a book's online presence by writing reviews, hosting blog tours, and participating in social media discussions. Their authentic and personal recommendations can enhance a book's visibility and attract a diverse readership.

How to get in touch with bloggers

Q: How do book publicists identify and collaborate with book bloggers to promote specific titles?

Book publicists often research and reach out to book bloggers whose content aligns with the target audience and genre of a particular book. Collaboration may involve sending review copies, organizing blog tours, or facilitating author interviews to generate interest among the blogger's followers.

Q: Can you share examples of successful book marketing campaigns that heavily leveraged book blogging?

Successful campaigns often involve strategic partnerships with influential book bloggers. For instance, organizing blog tours with well-established bloggers, hosting giveaways, or encouraging book discussions on popular platforms can generate substantial online buzz and drive book sales.

´...unique ability to champion diverse voices´

Q: How do book bloggers contribute to the diversity and inclusivity of book promotion, particularly in highlighting underrepresented voices or genres?

Book bloggers have a unique ability to champion diverse voices and genres that might be overlooked in mainstream media. They can bring attention to underrepresented authors and stories, fostering a more inclusive literary landscape and broadening the range of books available to readers.

Q: With the prevalence of social media, how do book bloggers use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube to enhance their book reviews and recommendations?

Many book bloggers utilize social media platforms to share visually appealing book recommendations, snippets of reviews, and engage in real-time conversations with their followers. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube, in particular, provide a multimedia approach to book promotion, enhancing the overall impact of their reviews.

´Building genuine relationships is key´

Q: How can book publicists and authors effectively engage with book bloggers to ensure a mutually beneficial collaboration?

Building genuine relationships is key. Publicists and authors can engage with book bloggers by offering personalized pitches, providing relevant content, respecting their schedules, and acknowledging their contributions. It's essential to approach collaborations as a partnership that benefits both parties and their audiences.

Q: Looking forward, do you see any emerging trends or changes in the relationship between book blogging and book marketing?

As technology evolves, immersive experiences like virtual book clubs, interactive content, and multimedia reviews may gain prominence in book blogging. The relationship between book bloggers and marketing may deepen as influencers continue to shape literary conversations and bridge the gap between authors, publishers, and readers.

For more information about Palamedes PR and its book marketing services, go to www.palamedes.co.uk or call 0208 1036883

Rachel´s Random Resources: The Upper Crush by Evie Alexander

 

Country girl meet city boy in this enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy by Evie Alexander. Usually, when I am really overwhelmed by daily schedule and way too much work, this genre always helps me to overcome the overcrowded to-do-list. The Upper Crush is hilarious and hot romantic, therefore, guarantees a happy ending to a busy day.

James Hunter-Savage, the worse enemy of the twin brother of Lady Estelle Foxbrooke loves the buzz of London and its attractions. Lady Estelle is rather the introvert type, but in any case, she does not have too much time anyway, as she is busy to save her family estate. James just had a dramatic business failure and retiring to his parents far away from London may save not only this honor, but also the high cost of a life it seems he cannot afford any more. Lady Estelle would love to keep the estate, too long neglected by her messy parents, but the only solution may be to work together with James. Would they be adult enough to be able to follow their business objective?

I loved how the relationship between the two evolves - spoiler: not straightforward - and this part kept me very focused until the very end. The upper class kind of setting sounds genuine and creates that world that enables the interactions and relationship between the characters.

If you are looking for an entertaining romantic comedy, The Upper Crush is a recommended to start the week with. It promises a lot of noble entertainment in a very special social and ambiental surrounding.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Rachel´s Random Resources Blog Tour: Invitation to Italy by Victoria Springfield

As I am working hard towards my New Year´s Resolution of improving some of my old languages - Italian and Spanish, as well as Portuguese - I am getting tons of reading opportunities featuring Italy, and although my summer plans are far from being set, practising some Italian dialects sounds too good to not keep dreaming.

My latest book review, Invitation to Italy by Victoria Springfield, just fuels further my Italian aspirations. It is set on the island of Procida, in the bay of Naples - a lot of details of Italian geography here - and although it has highly detailed atmospheric layers, this book is not at all a travel account about Italy. Far from it, but some places may be more encouraging for adventures than the other (for example, how many beautiful romance books are set during the winter months in Germany, asking for a friend...)

Worried to stay too far away of her daughter, who is about to spend a long vacation in Italy with her ex- and his gorgeous crush, Abi is accepting the invitation of spending some time at a hotel run by Loretta, a complex character, conflicted between her current duties and her unshared past stories. Abi is going through her difficult moments as well, trying to find her place in the recent story of being a single mother and anxieties. And there are also two gentlemen who are distributed in the story, whose role is to challenge the ladies´ narratives about themselves.

I personally loved the many details of the story, and how it follow the duality between Abi and Loretta, their destinies and their life challenges. It made me curious as a reader to understand their decisions and their personalities as we were approaching towards the end of the story.

This was my first encounter with Springfield´s works, but as I´ve seen that she has another novel also set in Italy, I may definitely interested in continuing my, (as for now) virtual journey through Italy.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Random Things Tours: A Sicilian Affair by Susan Lewis

Leaving behind a broken marriage and a sensible family situation, Catie is looking to enjoy herself while spending time in Sicily. Her short vacation in Taormina is meant to cure her heartbreak and prepare her for a new easier life.

However, when she expected less, the handsome Giancarlo appears into her life and is interested in spending quality time with her. It may be a blessing, unless you have a heavy secret past that weights way too much to leave you time to enjoy the present or think about the future.

As in other books by Susan Lewis that I had the chance to review, A Sicilian Affair is exploring the role of secrecy into one´s life, particularly it´s dangerous influences, but this time there is an unique aspect of the story which stands alone: the game of emotions.

The book is following a double timeline, as the story is switching from present into the past, both episodes important for revealing details of a story who is developing into a constant crescendo. It is one of the most emotional thrillers I´ve read lately, but it is that kind of emotion that does suit the events of the story, without creating tensions for the sake of the creative impulse. The narrative is well paced and made of pieces that come together, aiming at revealing events and facts useful for understanding the story.

Last but not least, although I haven´t been to Taormina and Sicily in general yet, Lewis is able to convene a special ambiance of the place, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story.

A recommended read if you are looking for a different kind of thriller, with an interesting take on old secrets and the ways in which past may alter the future, no matter how decided one is to completely forget it.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are as usual, my own

Blog Tour: Reinventing Democracy by David Kauders

There is no secret that many old traditional democracies, particularly in Europe, are going through a process of re-consideration and re-evaluation. ´Huge economic disparities, the increasing disatisfaction of a large category of population with social and economic policies, corruption and lack of efficiency of institutions and political authorities, as well as their representatives are topics frequently discussed, no matter the system of government and the democratic age of the political system.

Particularly in the UK, the political establishment is often criticized for incoherent policies and weak politicians, The public, the voters are more and more disappointed and such attitudes are in general dangerous for democracies in general. 

Based on carefully crafted financial and economic assessments, David Kauders is suggesting a dramatic but much awaited change of the British system. Reinventing Democracy. Improving British Political Governance is an analysis, a manifesto and a generous invitation to dialogue about burning questions such as the need of changing deeply the government system and the structure of the state as such. He suggests, among others, the switch to a written Constitution, as well as a re-organisation of the territory based on the federal system and devolution principles.

Definitely, each theoretical suggestion always needs a serious nationwide discussion, but the ideas are here and deserve a larger analysis. The reinvention of democracy is a long process, but the final result needs to consider the diversity of opinions and regional requirements.

I consider the book a good contribution to this debate and I can only hope to hear more about this project. 

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own

Calling Ukraine by Johannes Lichtman

Mourning his late father, in the afterwards of a long-term relationship, a failed journalist, John accepts without second thoughts the offer of an old acquaintances to re-train a group of call center employees based in the Western part of Ukraine. With a good salary, one year contract and a native command of English, he is ready to help the team improve their innate knowledge and pronunciation of the English language.

John is an overthinker, with a penchant for self-deprectiation. However, as he (apparently) kills an abusive husband whose wife he was in love with, except some nightmares that may stop after a while, there are no terrible negative effects.

I was very curious about the book, covering 2018-2019, including the moment when the current Ukrainian president, Zelenskyy, was elected. The book is categorized under the sub-genre of ´Americans abroad´, and it does include some usual stereotypes associated with such endeavours. There are some interesting observations about language - the one we speak, we use, we learn as a second language, mispronounce and mistreat, as well as some nonfictional details about the recent history of Ukraine. There are also one or two twists that may have the effect on the reader of waking you up from a deep sleep when nothing really noteworthy happens in terms of plot.

But except those small details, I was left after around three hours of reading largely disappointed. I would have expect a lot of developments and a story, that is just killed due to an apparent lack of plot directions. I wanted to like it and I was almost tempted to do it due to the intelligent remarks on language, but I simply couldn´t.

Rating: 2 stars

Random Things Tours: Clickbait by L.C.North

´Living with the Lancasters has something for everyone. You´re going to love us, and if you don´t, then you´re going to love hating us´.

Since the cover reveal for Clickbait, I couldn´t wait to have the chance to read and review this book. If you are following my reviews, you may notice that I am fascinated about stories that relate to social media episodes, either through the characters interactions or as a main setting or both.

The Lancasters aim at being the British Kardashians. Every Sunday, at 7 pm, there is a new episode on YouTube, revealing daily episodes from their glamorous life: parties, launch of new product lines, daily interactions. But there are cracks in Paradise and once a disappeared teenager appears in one of their videos from 20 years ago, the family is overexposed for all the wrong reasons and there is a tragic chain put into motion.

The story is created through various reports of social media interactions which gives you the impression of being part of a reality show as well. It made me think a lot about way too many glamorous families and couples on screen, struggling in fact against the odds of very miserable private lives. It is sad, indeed, and teaches us to never try to compare our lives with the projections of happiness we see on screen. Comparing in general is toxic, but pushing ourselves under pressure to replicate empty lives is very dangerous for our mental health as well and the reality shows - reality, indeed, but still shows - do deliver us an attractive reality.

The story enfolds like a puzzle game during which the reader should stay alert for not missing any single detail of the story. As you advance from one episode of the story to another, there is a growing feeling that there is something more serious and dramatic about to happen and this expectations are largely met. As for the end, it is very unexpected - at least for me - one last twist after many surprising turnes of the story.

I really enjoyed Clickbait for its engaging plot and the psychological insights into a world we are all writing off, one social media or YouTube like or comment at a time. A fully relatable story of our busy times.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own