Leave a Comment:
(12) comments
I’ve found some of my favorite authors by reading their blogs first. This gives me a feel for what their writing style is before opting to buy their work.
I have a mixed audience, since my books contain religious and feminist themes, so I blog about topics related to both.
ReplyExactly, Beth! Developing a readership through a blog allows authors to also develop a fan base that they wouldn’t have through just a website or other social media outlets, such as Twitter or Pinterest.
An author friend of mine, Patricia Sands, writes a series based in Provence, France. Her blog/website (http://bit.ly/1mopbdP) is so unique. Although she does have some writing information on it, the majority of her blog is mainly focused on traveling. She has established many different pipelines for developing a readership.
ReplyThis is probably my favorite blog I have ever read regarding marketing tools as an author. This is some very valuable information. I really like how you broke down the process on how writers can come up with blogging ideas. I completely agree when you said, “Because I consider blogging to be such an important aspect of every author’s business development plan, I think it is worthwhile to bring in a blogging coach to learn the ins and outs of successful blogging.” I know that I am loving this information. Keep it coming! 🙂
ReplyThanks, Ashlee! Naomi is awesome. I often look to her advice (and asked her to be a staff writer) because she has such an extensive business background and she sees the good, the bad, and the ugly that authors do. I always learn from her, too!
ReplyAwww…shucks! Thanks, Rachel. I am always in awe of indie authors and their forge ahead mentality instead of waiting for a traditional publishing house to come to them.
ReplyThanks, Ashlee. Remember Molly Greene’s list too. Like Rachel, she is a wonderful expert to follow. I find her advice so worthwhile that her posts, like Rachel’s, frequently hit my Author CEO Facebook page.
ReplyWith a full-time job plus writing my novels – I have several in the works – I have all but given up blogging because I simply don’t have the energy. I keep reading posts like this, and I realize I need to get back to it in some way, but I just have to find the time. I appreciate the encouragement. It’s been months, so maybe it’s about time my blog gets a new post.
Also, hate to say it, but speaking of editing, there’s a typo in your first paragraph. Doesn’t bother me a bit, but we all want our stuff to look its best, so I thought I’d pass it on: “Blogs are wonderful because they give authors an opportunity to be an opportunity to take an active role in marketing their works to their reads while also providing a way to network with other authors. ”
Happy writing!
ReplyThanks, Scott! I know Naomi sends each article to an editor, so I’ll let her know (she’s a staff writer). I will fix. I appreciate the heads up.
I agree, it’s time-consuming. Part of why I have guest bloggers and staff writers now! My own business, writing, and family make my days longer than there are hours — so I feel you. Personally, I think having focus helps immensely — pick 5 key subjects, and stick to them. I also find inspiration in delving into topics, as well as the comments and replies. So for that reason alone, it’s totally worth it.
good luck, Scott and thanks again.
ReplyThanks for the catch, Scott! The team was trying to get this post up quickly, and it simply didn’t want to cooperate with us. It had gone through many a rewrite and some other “hammerings” in the posting process.
I agree. It is very time consuming. Partner that with daily life and all the other aspects of being an author, it can get overwhelming. That is why I talk about developing a calender. For example, I have a calender that is set and the posts are written well in advance. This allows you to write them when some “down time” occurs without sweating profusely at a deadline. Also, if an “emergency” post or the ability to have a guest post comes up, it is easier to set aside the time and space to slide it in.
Reply[…] marketing. To that end, Molly Greene shows how to vet book blogging sites, Naomi Blackburn lays out how to create a blog strategy, Anne R. Allen urges us to find success partnering with other authors, and S.R. Johannes lists 8 […]
Reply[…] keywording, HTML, CSS for faster loading, etc…all to increase your SEO). Look it up. — an active blog (once weekly minimum). — a book trailer (share on your own site, social media, and YouTube) […]
Reply