How Bloggers Have Helped My Writing Career by Vicky Dreiling

Today, it's my pleasure to have historical romance author Vicky Dreiling on the blog. I'm not a big fan of historical romance but I've read several of her books and enjoy talking with her on Twitter. It's been a few years since she's been on the Nook. A while back, I asked some authors to write about their experiences with bloggers and today we have Vicky's post and information about her forthcoming book, "What A Devilish Duke Desires".

Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”

When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.

Find Vicky Online:

website
blog
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facebook
pinterest
goodreads
newsletter
email
printable book list
 

HOW BLOGGERS HAVE HELPED MY WRITING CAREER

 

When my first book HOW TO MARRY A DUKE released in 2011, I was delighted that my publisher Forever Romance had set up a blog tour for me. Since it was my first book, I was thrilled to write fun blogs about the thrill of selling a first book and some funny blogs that helped showcase my book and brand.

I’ve heard some authors say that blog tours are ineffective or a waste of time. Many think it only works if it’s a blog site that has a ton of traffic. While that certainly is helpful, it can be difficult to get noticed on one of the larger sites. But it isn’t the only way to get the word out. I’ve posted on numerous smaller sites over the years, and I’m grateful to these bloggers who willingly feature my books and/or provide much needed honest reviews. Authors need others to help spread word of mouth, and a giveaway of some sort, particularly the book itself, helps create awareness of a new release.

More important, honest reviews are critical. Let’s face it, the romance market is glutted with books. In order to stand out, you have to get the word out. Visibility is key to promoting your books. That’s where bloggers can help make a difference with features, reviews, and interviews.

I want to emphasize, however, that this is not all just about the authors. Early on, I realized that the bloggers work really hard to brand their sites. They schedule all sorts of fun activities for holiday themes, giveaways, and honest reviews for readers. I imagine keeping track of dates for reviews and features involves more than a little work. Because an author’s schedule may change, this also means the bloggers have to be flexible. That’s a two-way street, meaning as authors we need to respect the time and effort that bloggers put into their sites.

I’ve kept in touch with many of the bloggers I’ve gotten to know over the years. I truly appreciate all of their hard work. You guys make a difference. Thank you!

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WILL A FEW FLIRTATIOUS STEPS

Harry Norcliffe never wanted to inherit his beloved uncle's title. The rigidity of the ton, the incessant reminders from his marriage-minded mama that he must settle down with a highborn lady and produce an heir and a spare: it's all such a dreadful bore. So when his mother asks him to take part in a dancing competition, he patently refuses. The last thing he needs is another chore . . . until a beautiful, brilliant, delightfully tempting maid makes him rethink his position.

LEAD TO A SCANDALOUS SEDUCTION?

Most women would be over the moon to be pursued by a wickedly handsome—not to mention wealthy—duke like Norcliffe. But Lucy will not be any man's trophy. She could use a friend, though, and what begins innocently soon ignites into desire. As Lucy tries to resist Harry's scorching kisses, he makes an utterly irresistible offer. Enter the dance contest with him, and win a prize that could change her life forever . . . if falling in love doesn't change it first.

Publisher: Forever Romance
Series: The Sinful Scoundrels #3
Format: paperback, ebook
Release Date: February 2, 2015
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