How to Get Invited

Libby asked a question in the comments recently on how I go about asking for invitations to guest blog.

Nowadays I don't have to ask other than in the most informal manner of nudging someone and saying, "Hey, can you help a pal out?" For this particular blog tour coming up, most of the dates were promised last year when I learned I had a contract.

But in the early days (circa 2008), I had to ask formally and with hat in hand. I hardly knew anyone in the blogosphere, and even less people knew me. I was virtually friendless.

So off I went, cold calling (or in this case, cold emailing) prospective blog hosts and asking if they'd let me visit their blogs. Most were absolutely wonderful, gracious people who welcomed me like they'd known me for years. They had no idea if I'd be a good guest, but I'd like to think it was the thoughtful comments I'd left on their blogs that gave me an edge.

There's a dark side to guest blogging too. I've had two instances with my first book Touch Of Fire where I was unceremoniously snubbed by traditionally published authors because they felt digital was, shall we say, not validated by the writing community.

And that was their first mistake. Not that they looked down on digital--everyone is entitled to an opinion. It's that they forgot we write for readers--not for other writers.

I guarantee you, readers (who are not writers) don't care who's doing the publishing. Most aren't even aware of the dichotomy between traditional and digital. All they want is a good story.

Out of curiosity, I went back to check on the two bloggers who slighted me way back when. The first one I could no longer find. Of the two, he was the more elitist when he realized Touch Of Fire was a digital book. He dumped me like a bad date when he asked me who my publisher was--he asked this after he extended the invitation. You'd think I was a leper for as fast as he back-peddled his regrets.

The second was a community blog. It still exists, but if comments reflect traffic, they are nearly invisible. I've also noticed that they've changed their criteria on what qualifies as legitimate publishing.

:yeah, whatever:

Just be aware that you could run into various forms of prejudice. Strike them off your list and move on to people who'll appreciate you.

Here are some tips for guest blogging:

• Read the blog where you want to appear to make sure it's a good fit for each of you.

• Comment on the blog regularly. While I commented on the blogs where I asked for an invitation, I was too new to be much more than a blip on their radar. But it all counts. It means I wasn't pandering; I truly had an interest in their blogs.

• Ask nicely. If someone comes at me like a rabid hyena telling me how great he is without at least complimenting my blog or why my readers would like him, I am unlikely to extend an invitation.

• Write a thoughtful post. An all-promo post is bad juju--especially here. I want my readers to be entertained, informed or enlightened. I don't mind if the guest finishes with a blurb and links, but no shilling. That's what your blog is for.

• Respond to people who comment on your guest post. I know not everyone does this. But it'll make readers feel like their comments were important to you. When you're starting out, you want to muster all the goodwill you can.

• Ask friends for their advice on worthwhile blogs. I did this several times. Some of my friends even introduced me so I didn't come off like a total stalker. Not only did I find some good blogs, but eventually good friends too.

Prospective hosts: If you're interested in hosting someone on your blog this summer, Krista D. Ball wants to stop by. She's looking for a few blogs to visit and chat. Go to this link for more info.

I've had small press, self-pub'd, and traditionally published authors on my blog. I treat everyone the same. I don't invite a lot of guest bloggers because this blog runs on a specific format, but I will occasionally--especially if they've been kind to me. 

Karma does come back to repay you--often when you least expect it.

Have you had any experiences with guest blogging that surprised you--as a reader or as a blogger?