Virtual Book Tours

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

Today I got a message from BronzeWord Virtual Book Tours, a website that promotes Latino/Latina literature.  Okay, it's cool that someone is promoting a branch of literature that often gets overlooked.  I was also really intrigued by their idea of virtual book tours.  They organize the dates so that each day the author is featured on a different host blog, and will be available to make comments on that blog and interact with the audience during that day.  Definitely check this site if you like this kind of literature.

I've been doing a series in "Hypatia's Hoard of Reviews" where I feature an excerpt from a crowdfunded project.  So far those have been ongoing serials, though I'd like to branch out.  I've also reviewed a few hardcopy books that were crowdfunded.  It occurs to me that virtual book tours of crowdfunded books would be another effective tool for promotion.  Although that would seriously benefit from a hub site, I think we could start  doing it here.  We can always upgrade if we ever get a dedicated crowdfunding site established.  Meanwhile, if anyone is interested in the idea of virtual book tours for crowdfunded books, let's discuss possibilities.

A Cyberfunded Project for Haiti?

[flutterbychild.livejournal.com]

Since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I, like many others, have been thinking about things I can do to help...and I am hopeful about the project I have in mind.

I want to create a piece of artwork with the help of my audience over on therebirthofme, my personal journal, and my Facebook fan page which will then be donated to a charity for Haiti relief (I haven't decided on a particular charity, but I am thinking about UNICEF). How will my audience help? In what way will it be an example of crowdfunding? They will have the opportunity to comment and critique (and, of course, donate) on the piece as it comes together, from first sketches to final product.

I think this has the potential to be a wonderful project...but what can I do to encourage participation? My audience isn't particularly large, and only a few of them seem to comment regularly. I've even thought of an incentive for those who donate--an ACEO sized print of the final piece.

What should I do? What would you do? Any thoughts on listing this piece on Etsy versus eBay, or another site? Any thoughts at all?

New Projects Launched

[pensandquills.livejournal.com]

So, I have been hard at work lately getting my own crowdfunded project started and off the ground. I realized that I hadn't officially announced the launch of either project here on the community and so, I'm here to do this tonight as a means of trying to market and get a bit of feedback.

I started with The Fahlin Chronicles which begins with a more refined and polished retelling of my original novel that will continue on once the end of the original story has been reached.

I have posted at least seven chapters for free and am about to take the project to donation and subscription based.
You can find it at capefolston
It can be classified as paranormal, pagan, romance, family saga, suspense, and mystery. Please stop by and let me know what you think. Also I would greatly appreciate any help in spreading the word about this one.

I'm also working to launch Crimson Currents which can be found at crimsoncurrents
So far, only a prologue and intro about the project. However, I plan to launch preview chapters after our move is complete. Feel free to check it out as well.

I admit that I'm a bit nervous in taking it all public. I hope it is better received than the book was. Marketing it has been the real kicker for me. So any help in this department will be greatly appreciated.