Wednesday 13 April 2011

The Future of UK Book Tours

For some time now I have been thinking really hard about the future of UK Book Tours and I have finally made a decision that I can no longer run it and I hope you believe me when I tell you that this was not an easy decision to make. I have literally agonised about it for months now. I’ve really enjoyed founding and running UK Book Tours but it costs me a lot, both in time and money. Everything comes out of my own pocket and I'm juggling my time between working full time, running my book blog, writing, and being a domestic goddess (HA!). Sadly, I can no longer sustain the site and so I’m afraid I’m bowing out. So I leave you with two options and I need your help to decide what we’re going to do...

1. Option one is to carry on with the current tours and then close the site down.

2. Option two is to have someone else run the site in my place.

I’d be really grateful if you could let me know what you think about this and I’d be very open to receiving offers to run the site. Just e mail me and let me know why you’re the right person for the job! However, think carefully about the realities of running the site before you apply.

It’s been really fun running the tour site (apart from the one blogger who stole my personal copies). We’ve been really fortunate that Royal Mail has only lost one of the many books that have been on tour. I hope you’ve all enjoyed reading the tour books and I thank you all for the continued support.

12 comments:

Michelle at Clover Hill Book Reviews said...

I can imagine how hard that decision was to make. Whilst I haven't taken part on here as yet, it was something on my to do list once I'd reached my three month milestone as a blogger...which has since whizzed past....anyway...just my thoughts...would it be worth considering having multiple tour hosts...not only does it spread the cost it would also spread the work involved?

iffath said...

It's totally cool with me, I'm really sorry that you can't run it any more but THANK YOU for doing it in the first place. I know you're incredibly busy, but you still gave us the opportunities to read books we otherwise probably wouldn't have been able to get copies of. Your rock <3

If there's nobody who'll be able to take over, you could always make it a group blog. Gather about 5 or 6 bloggers who can work on it together so it doesn't become a massive responsibility for just one person. That way, it'd also be less expensive because different bloggers could send out things that they acquire..does that even make sense? lol ;)

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I'm really sorry that it's come to this! It must have been a really tough decision :( I think you've done a fabulous job and it's been a wonderful tour site.

I would love to help in some way to keep the tour site going, but wouldn't be able to take on the full responsibility of the site.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear this Lynsey :( I can tell it's very time consuming and hard work. If you decided against closing down the site, I'd be happy to help you out with the 'housework' side of things - you know, letting people know where to send the book next and keeping track of who has what book ...

Anyway, make the decision that's right for you. Best wishes xxx

Splendibird said...

I totally understand where you're coming from but it would be a shame to see it all end, as it's so successful. Like Michelle, I can't take over the entire running of the sight but would be happy help with the administrative side (keeping track of who has what book, chasing people up etc).

Books for Company said...

This must have been a very hard decision!
I can see how much work it must be and also a big cost with postage constantly going up. Thank you so much for the work you have done.
I hope that maybe it can become a group blog and you just be in the background to keep an eye on things maybe?
l would love to offer to help but already run two blogs. but l could keep the blog up to date with any new books or anything if you wished though.
Hope it can somehow still say open!

SusanKMann said...

This must have been such a hard decision to make I know how much time, energy and love you put into it. I'm so sorry to hear that you are having to give it up. I've loved it and gotten to read so many wonderful books I wouldn't have otherwise. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'd love to take it over but I don't have the time to do what I already have. Good luck and thank you x

Sarah said...

Hi Lynsey, I'm sorry to hear you're having to give up the book tour site but I can completely understand where you're coming from. I'm impressed that you've managed to keep it going for as long as you have as I know how busy you are! That isn't even thinking about how much it must have cost you.

I'd love to offer to take over but I know I couldn't keep up as well as you have and I just couldn't afford to pay the costs involved. Hopefully you'll find someone (or a group) who can take over but please don't feel guilty if you have to close the site down. You've given us all a fantastic opportunity to read some amazing books so thank you for that & all of the hard work you have put in! Hugs xxx

Books Glorious Books said...

Hiya Lynsey!
I'm sorry to hear that you can't run the book tours anymore but it is totally understandable. I agree with having multiple tour hosts and spreading the responsibility and the costs. It would be a real great shame to see this site go and I would be happy to help in any way I can.

CarlyB said...

Aww Lynsey, you've done an absolutely amazing job and everybody's so grateful - I completely understand why you don't have time to carry on as it must take up a ridiculous amount of time.

As so many other people have said, I'd be happy to help assist running the site - I'd love to take it over completely as I think it's brilliant but I just don't have the time or funds to dedicate to it. I'd be more than happy to fly the YA contemporary flag and take over that side of things :).

If there's anything I can do just let me know, I do work part time and write part time so it gives me more time than those who work full time/have children to look after.x

serendipity_viv said...

I can't believe I missed this. Lynsey - so sorry to hear this, but you have done an utterly amazing job. We are all truly thankful for what you have created for us.

I would love to help out if we did it as a group thing.

nomzam said...

Hi LYNSEY, hw you are doing well. Thanks for the lovely post about Uk Book Tours. And I can imagine that was a hard decision.