ByElizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig
Recently, I’ve noticed a shift in writers’ opinions
on the importance of blogging as part of a writer’s general platform.
Popular blogger Jody Hedlund expressed it well inher post, “Blogging News,” stated:
I think the nature of blogging is changing.
While blogging was once considered essential to a writer’s platform, most of us
are beginning to understand that a blogging platform for fiction-writers
doesn’t translate into significant sales (at least for the average blogger).
While blogging was once considered essential to a writer’s platform, most of us
are beginning to understand that a blogging platform for fiction-writers
doesn’t translate into significant sales (at least for the average blogger).
In a day and age with limited time and resources, writers are realizing their
time is best spent writing books—including eshorts and enovellas. Getting our
stories in front of readers does much more for furthering our careers than blogging.
I definitely see where Jody is coming from. I’ve read other posts by other writers lately
stating that they think writers should bring their focus back to their
writing.
stating that they think writers should bring their focus back to their
writing.
What I’ve done was to cut back the number of days
that I’m blogging. I blogged every day, religiously, for a couple of years
before my schedule last year got out of control. I cut back last year…at first temporarily so
that I could handle a few deadlines that were happening at once. Then I decided
to make it permanent. I was getting
more writing done—and not just writing. I was getting a lot of writing-related
activities done (required outlines, Twitter promo, edits, emails, etc.)
that I’m blogging. I blogged every day, religiously, for a couple of years
before my schedule last year got out of control. I cut back last year…at first temporarily so
that I could handle a few deadlines that were happening at once. Then I decided
to make it permanent. I was getting
more writing done—and not just writing. I was getting a lot of writing-related
activities done (required outlines, Twitter promo, edits, emails, etc.)
What
I get out of blogging:
I get out of blogging:
I still feel that blogging is an important part of
my platform. I’ve gotten to know a good number of writers through blogging, and
the blog has even received some recognition.
my platform. I’ve gotten to know a good number of writers through blogging, and
the blog has even received some recognition.
The blog provides a good home base for me, helps me
interact with other writers (writing can be a lonely job), and provides me with
encouragement and support. And…it’s hard
to explain, but I feel more of a part of the writing community with my blog
than I do on Facebook and Twitter. This is probably because I don’t interact on
Twitter except through DM (leaving my tweet stream clean) and because I have a
fan page on Facebook instead of a regular profile. It’s harder for me to interact through those
platforms.
interact with other writers (writing can be a lonely job), and provides me with
encouragement and support. And…it’s hard
to explain, but I feel more of a part of the writing community with my blog
than I do on Facebook and Twitter. This is probably because I don’t interact on
Twitter except through DM (leaving my tweet stream clean) and because I have a
fan page on Facebook instead of a regular profile. It’s harder for me to interact through those
platforms.
Blogging serves as a good writing warm-up…sort of a
writing prompt.
writing prompt.
Blogging
challenges:
challenges:
Sales. If you’re blogging to see a direct impact on
your book sales…you’ll probably be disappointed. I can’t say I’ve seen a direct
correlation. Let’s just say that this isn’t why I blog.
your book sales…you’ll probably be disappointed. I can’t say I’ve seen a direct
correlation. Let’s just say that this isn’t why I blog.
Time. As
always, writers are juggling a lot of promo and their stories. There are only so many hours in the day.
always, writers are juggling a lot of promo and their stories. There are only so many hours in the day.
Connecting with readers. Do readers visit author blogs? I think they
do if the bloggers create blogs specifically with readers in mind. Writer Roni Loren changed her
writing-related blog to focus more on readers. She explains why in her guest
post “Social
Media Overload: How Do You Reach Readers?”
on Anne R. Allen’s
blog:
do if the bloggers create blogs specifically with readers in mind. Writer Roni Loren changed her
writing-related blog to focus more on readers. She explains why in her guest
post “Social
Media Overload: How Do You Reach Readers?”
on Anne R. Allen’s
blog:
… I chose to go a slightly different route because
(a) I get tired of writing about writing at times and (b) I wanted to provide
my readers with something fun to if they happened to stop by.
(a) I get tired of writing about writing at times and (b) I wanted to provide
my readers with something fun to if they happened to stop by.
Roni gave suggestions for reader extras in her post,
“Author
Websites: Layering Yours With Sticky Extras.”
“Author
Websites: Layering Yours With Sticky Extras.”
Ways
to lessen the impact of blogging challenges:
to lessen the impact of blogging challenges:
Accept guest posts. (While still keeping an eye on
quality control.)
quality control.)
Reduce the number of days a week you’re blogging.
Find other ways to connect with readers. I’ve found there are more readers on Facebook
than other social media platforms (much as I dislike Facebook.)
than other social media platforms (much as I dislike Facebook.)
The
problem with group blogs:
problem with group blogs:
A word about group blog challenges. As a link curator (I share writing-related
links on Twitter that archive to the Writer’s Knowledge Base), I’ve noticed a
widespread problem with group blogs—attribution. The reason most writers are on group blogs is
to increase their reach and help develop their platform. If you’re not getting
credit for your post or if your byline isn’t linking back to your blog,
website, Twitter page, etc….then what’s the point?
links on Twitter that archive to the Writer’s Knowledge Base), I’ve noticed a
widespread problem with group blogs—attribution. The reason most writers are on group blogs is
to increase their reach and help develop their platform. If you’re not getting
credit for your post or if your byline isn’t linking back to your blog,
website, Twitter page, etc….then what’s the point?
As unbelievable as it sounds, sometimes I can’t even
tell who wrote particular posts on group blogs.
The byline will just mention “posted by Group Blog” or something
similar. That author got absolutely nothing in return for the post. No promo
value from the time spent writing the article.
tell who wrote particular posts on group blogs.
The byline will just mention “posted by Group Blog” or something
similar. That author got absolutely nothing in return for the post. No promo
value from the time spent writing the article.
The best group blogs immediately identify post
authors with a byline hyperlinked to contact info, an author headshot, and
short bio at the end of the post.
authors with a byline hyperlinked to contact info, an author headshot, and
short bio at the end of the post.
Now I’d love to hear from y’all—because most of you
are bloggers, yourselves. How many days a week do you blog? Do you have trouble
finding time to blog? Thought about cutting back on blogging? Ever considered trying to connect more with
readers than writers? What are your thoughts on group blogs?
are bloggers, yourselves. How many days a week do you blog? Do you have trouble
finding time to blog? Thought about cutting back on blogging? Ever considered trying to connect more with
readers than writers? What are your thoughts on group blogs?
Thank you for a sound perspective on blogging. Blogging is fun as long as it is out of choice and not out of compulsion. I have read about published writers cutting back on blogging because it was eating into their writing time. One writer-blogger mentioned that he spent a fair amount of time visiting other blogs and leaving comments. Another noted that blogging ate into his reading time. To answer some of your questions, I blog three or four times a week, to post my own stuff; and almost the entire week, to visit other blogs and comment. I blog whenever I find the time, during office lunch-break or after dinner at home or any time during the weekend. I have thought of cutting back on blogging as I would like to write, seriously, perhaps short fiction or a short story collection to begin with. I am not familiar with group blogs though I visit a couple of them. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth – Thanks for such interesting ‘food for thought.’ I still find blogging to be a great way to connect with readers and other writers. It may not translate into sales, and yes, it does take up time. But here are some reasons I wouldn’t want to give it up. First as I say, I love connecting with other writers, readers and other people interested in my genre, which is crime fiction. Also, blogging is for me daily writing discipline. It keeps me thinking like a writer if I can put it that way. Also, blogging teaches me. I learn a lot from comments and from others’ blogs. I agree completely that one has to think of ways to balance it with writing so it doesn’t take up too much time. But I have to say – I love blogging.
I love my blog, but I rarely post more than once a week. When I do post, I try to make it something of interest to my readers. I also have a FB page, which has worked well for me. But I agree–the most important thing is writing the best book I can.
Oh, this is a tough one. I struggle with it all the time. I cut back to 3 times a week. Sometimes I want to give it up altogether. Then I think, but won’t it help me when and if my new book gets published? Who knows?
Karen
I find that I’ve cut down on visiting other blogs, but I’m trying to get that back into my schedule. I’d love to attract more readers, but a recent poll on my blog said people who visit my blog want writing posts…kind of a catch 22, because they’re writers (not that writers don’t read!)
I cut back on my blogging although I post M-F. However, I’m only writing ‘writing’ posts on Mondays and Thursdays. I have guests on Tuesdays, and share recipes on Wednesday; photos on Friday, and I invite people to share theirs.
But it IS time consuming, and I’m now a contributing blogger at The Blood-Red Pencil. My compromise was to use one of my writing craft days and simply direct people over there on those days instead of coming up with more content.
Terry
Terry’s Place
I only post twice a week, and even that can be tough to keep up with sometimes. I think it’s so important for writers to prioritise writing over blogging, but I’m still thankful for the sense of community that blogging offers.
I’m one of those writers who would happily churn out four or five books a year if I had the time and the means to promote them properly.
E –
First, I love your blog. I get a great deal of utility out of your posts.
Rick Blechta had a great post in the October/November timeframe over at the blog Type M for Murder where he discussed writing activities other than producing our fiction. The premise – and I paraphrase from memory – was that structured text that we consider and produce exercises those writing neurons and helps improve our prose.
We had a discussion about this and he’s convinced me. The key here is text “that we consider.”
For those of us less accomplished avocational writers, the daily blog is a welcome exercise in discipline (produce something !) and in the experience of writing for publication ( ^#%@! did I just post with a hanging participle AGAIN!).
Stealing from the performance arts: we might be singing to an empty auditorium; but, in our little minds we’re singing in public as if at La Scala. This is a big help for confidence even if I’m incorrect on the blog helping the focus on prose.
Ultimately, the blog is for me the writer. The books and stories in publication (eventually) – those are for the readers. The bar tab I pick up : that is what I have to offer my fellow writers.
[ I offer successfully published authors a sharpie marker to sign their latest work I just bought. ]
Prashant–Thanks for coming by. You’ve brought up another good point–blogging isn’t only about writing the post. It’s about interacting with the community–responding to comments, visiting others’ blogs. That’s another time-consuming element to it, although a rewarding one. I’m thinking you’d probably find a little more time if you either cut back to twice a week or divided the blogs you visit on a regular basis into days of the week (e.g.: “If it’s Monday, I visit ___blog. If it’s Tuesday, I visit ____ and ___.” Best wishes for your writing!
Kathleen–There’s quite a movement out there to “slow blog”–blog once a week or twice a month. Anne R. Allen is a blogger who has found a good deal of success that way.
Paul–Yes, there does have to be a balance, doesn’t there…the writing and the blogging?
Time is always a stumbling block, isn’t it? Although I’ll admit that I put very little money into promo each year. I used to buy bookmarks and postcards, but I haven’t even done that in ages. I’m not planning on attending any conferences this year or doing any signings. I’m being bad. :) But the books still seem to sell!
I just found out my sales figures for November and December. Slightly higher than I was being conservative in my hopes. Lots of room for more marketing. The trick is getting more word of mouth going, because that’s still the primary selling point for books.
I blog 3x a week and have started taking breaks when I need to get writing done. I think blogs are valuable for connecting with other writers. I learned a lot through the blogs and met wonderful people who helped me and help me every time I launch a book. That’s valuable.
I’m also about to retool my blog to gear it more toward readers. I’ll still do some author stuff, but probably not as often. I’ll still promote other writers and their books & blogfests, but will try to steer it more toward the reader.
Anne R. Allen had a post about this last Sunday, and she’s still a believer in blogging for authors.
I post three days a week and occasionally at the A to Z Blog, where yes, I do get credit for my post.
I do think it sells books and can help an author reach readers. The first time CassaStar shot up the Amazon charts was about the time I launched the IWSG. (I was also participating in three big blogfests.) I think it was all related.
This is such a timely, great post, Elizabeth. Many of my writer friends and I have been discussing this lately.
I’m going to take it beyond blogging. I think ALL promotion online for writers is changing. And I think it was inevitable with the tidal wave of self-published books over the last 2 years. The sheer number of people promoting books has exploded.
Any writer using social media to reach readers has to keep up with trends, and what was a sure-thing 24 months ago may be drastically different now.
Thanks for this discussion!!
Blogging is important to me, but it does take up time that could be spent writing. As with most things, I suppose it’s a question of getting the balance right.
Timely post Elizabeth.
As with everything else related to social media, the nature and benefits of blogging change as well. I still think that blogs work well in combination with other forms (Twitter, FB, etc.) as it gives the writer a venue for a piece that is longer than a catchy sentence.
I also agree with cutting back on the number of days a persons posts. Anyone who has been around blogging for awhile quickly realizes that the more you blog, the more time and effort it requires.
Paul –Fantastic! Congratulations. :) I think your blog tour was a good one…seemed to go to a lot of different kinds of blogs. Yes, word of mouth (or, maybe, book bloggers and GoodReads) seem to be the best route to sales.
Margot –I’m glad you love it because I love your blog! I learn a lot there, myself. :)
Alex–I’m glad you chimed in with your experience…I thought about you when I was writing that bit of the post. And you’re right–mileage may vary among writers with blogging related profits. Mine has been more of an indirect effect. But I do think that bloggers shouldn’t expect sales to follow blogging….that they should look for other ways blogging benefits them (as I know you do–you’re incredibly close with your followers and vice versa.)
Jill– Thanks for coming by! Yes, there are a lot of voices out there now with the advent of digital publishing–glad you brought that up, Jill. Good point.
Good point, also, about keeping up with the trends and the changes! Yes, it’s changing quickly. Who knows–it might go in cycles where we blog more during some cycles than others.
Slamdunk–That’s what I feel, too–that it offers the opportunity to provide a fuller picture of the writer/blogger more than Twitter and Facebook.
Exactly–more blogging=more time spent in creating posts, responding to comments, and visiting other blogs.
Your post put in words my thoughts for some months, but I made a decision early on to write blog posts relevant for readers rather than writers, although the occasional writer’s blog post crops up. This makes the posts seem fairly random at times but I try to stick to themes over a period. I’ve connected with many readers that way, but its very hit and miss and certainly time consuming, thus cutting down on precious writing time. I love reading blogs for writers though…. its a hard one. My current theme is a virtual tour around locations in my novel…. has anyone got any great ideas for blogs for readers?
Like Margot, I love to blog. I blog 5 days a week – this and than, daily life, stuff about reading, stuff about writing, stuff about running. I use my blog like Morning Pages – and if I don’t get any writing done during my busy day, I know that I’ve at least put ‘pen to paper’, so to speak.
Kristen Lamb had a fabulous 3 part article on blogging a week or so ago. Good tips there – and I finally (!) acknowledged that blogging is my social media choice.
Always insightful, Elizabeth – thanks :)
I honestly have no hard evidence for or against blogging with regard to book sales. But I know I really enjoy it and that I’ve made connections who have helped me emotionally with writing. That in itself is worth a lot.
I’ve said from the beginning that Under the Tiki Hut is a place for readers and writers to get together. I’ve been blogging for four years, and I have always had more writers than readers participate, although I know of new readers coming onboard from time to time. I think it’s a little bizarre because I never really write about writers or writing.
I’ve cut back from 3x/week to Monday-Friday only. From time to time, I have a guest on Wednesday. I’m trying to schedule all future guests to Mondays.
I find it very difficult to schedule blogging time. I spend approximately equal parts of my day on social media and on actual writing. My social media is 3/4 blogging, 1/4 Facebook, and a smidgen of Twitter.
Karen–Oh, that’s a good point and one that I neglected to bring up. Yes, if you’re querying agents/publishers, they do Google us to see if we have a blog/website/online platform of some kind. So a blog can be useful from that standpoint, too. Thanks for bringing that up, Karen.
Janet–I keep saying that I’m going to try Morning Pages, and I haven’t gotten around to it! Love the idea of a writing-related brain dump. (Here’s the link, y’all, if you are interested: http://paperartstudio.tripod.com/artistsway/id3.html .
I didn’t see Kristen’s article (probably because I’m about a month behind in my Google Reader…ha!) Thanks for the heads-up…I’ll check it out. And thanks so much for coming by, Janet.
Terry–Yep, a Catch-22 for sure…ha! Although I think I said I wanted recipes too (because I’m running out of ideas!) I sort of like the way you have your blog set up with the different topics/focuses for different days.
I think directing folks to a group blog post from your blog is the only way to do it, to keep from getting completely slammed with time. And Blood Red is one of the good group blogs…headshot, bio, links.
Michael –Ha! Well, you got me there. I don’t have hard evidence either. I guess a way to collect data on that would be to analyze clicks from the blog to buy-links or to establish and Amazon Associate account. I’m with you–I do it out of enjoyment and because it’s helped me build a platform…with writers. :)
j– Thanks so much for saying so!
I’m in favor of exercising neurons and making synapses connect…whatever I can do to help my brain out. :) I haven’t been to Type M for a while…thanks for reminding me to head over there.
I totally agree with him. Blogging gives us experience with working on a deadline, following through, creating topics, proofing our own stuff…it’s very helpful. Oh, and writing for an audience. It helps with that, too.
Love that analogy. :) Yes, with my link curating, I’ve read some fantastic blog posts from little-visited blogs and the writer wrote as if the whole world were stopping by to read the post.
Yes, blogging is for us, isn’t it? And…picking up the bar tab will always make you very popular with writers at conferences. :) Not to mention buying their books!
M Pax–I feel exactly the same way.
I’d think that a blog that appeals to both writers and readers has got to be a good idea. I know Roni Loren is making it work for her (and her link for “extras” for readers is a good one.)
Patsy–It all comes down to balance, doesn’t it?
Thanks for the mentions, Elizabeth. I love to blog, but I do see it as a moving target. I’ve tried to roll with the changing tide. Before I was published, the writing craft blog was a fantastic experience (introduced me to lots of other writers and by sharing what I was learning, it helped me improve my own craft.) But then after being published, I really wanted to vary it up and not leave out my readers. I’m still working on what types of posts to do, but I have no intentions of giving up blogging. I still think it is a very valid medium to connect with people. :)
I think it still has an impact. I’ve been blogging almost seven years now and of all the social platforms I’ve used, it’s still the most effective. I’ve seen authors have great success as a result.
I think on Feb. 5th, we will both be counting on blogging still having an effect on book sales.
Roni–I thought it was interesting that you related your blogging experience in terms of a journey. I definitely see that…there’s a cycle to writing-related or writer blogs. I know your next part of the journey will be just as successful as the first, no matter how you approach it.
dianamj –Do you post your blog schedule/themes in your sidebar? I think that does help with the random aspect of it. You know…not to get you into even more of a time-suck…but what you’re talking about reminds me of Pinterest. Have you thought about doing Pinterest boards with the locations of your books? Sounds like it could be a nice tie-in if you wanted to cut back on blogging.
As far as blogging for readers…I think it depends on the genre. I know that other cozy mystery writers feature recipes, photos, etc. on their blogs, etc.
L. Diane Wolfe–I like that point of view. Makes me feel like I’m doing some actual promo!
Let’s hope so! Fingers crossed. :)
Carol–I think you’ve nailed how my time is divided exactly, but with more time allocated for Twitter. Funny that we’re in the same boat! Yes, we writers come over just because we like you. :) Ha! You’re right, though–you don’t have a lot of craft posts, so that’s interesting.
I blog because I enjoy it as another avenue for writing but I connect with readers primarily on facebook and through my mailing list. I find blogging and twitter are a great place to connect with writers. I agree that blogging can take up a lot of writing time so it is a case of balancing everything in a way that works for you.
I Elizabeth,
I must agree with your points. I started blogging over two years ago. I posted every day for the first year and then cut back to five days a week for about six months. I am now down to two or three a week. Sometimes only one, depending on my schedule.
I feel a blogger SHOULDN’T blog every day. It’s exhausting for them and us. I have MANY blogger friends who I adore, but I would have to spend seven hours a day to keep up with all their posts. Who has that kind of time?
I would NEVER give up blogging. It has a wonderful sense of community and support. And since I am still unpublished, I really do appreciate posts of published blogger friends. Their wisdom is priceless to me!
I agree about group blogs. I ALWAYS look to see who’s written them and it sometimes frustrates me when It isn’t clear.
I do need to connect more with readers, although my posts are diverse. That’s why I post only a few times a week. I want my post to be worth reading, not just a bunch of “my kid’s did this,” or “I’m having a crappy day.”
Elizabeth, this is a fascinating topic that I’ve been rolling around in my head for months. I’ve 30 years of sales & marketing experience behind me and came to this conclusion:
Blogging produces different results depending on who is blogging, their subject, their likability and their experience.
I follow your blog (and 2 similar writers) because you speak from experience and help me understand certain nuances in writing. (In short, Your blog ROCKS.) If one has an area of expertise, one might blog successfully on that topic. But to what end? The number of followers, comments, and re-tweets has nothing to do with a writer’s ultimate goal: to entertain as many people as possible for money. (Although it does translate into visibility.)
To be frank, I don’t buy your books — they’re not my cup of tea (I’ve read one – sorry, not enough explosions :). But I hold a high opinion of Elizabeth Craig -because of this blog- and have recommended your books to people who thought the kind I write & review are too violent.
Similar but different is Joanna Penn. I don’t follow her blog for writing tips, I follow it for the nuts and bolts of indie publishing.For anyone contemplating the indie life, no one comes close to offering all the information she’s compiled. A great and highly regarded blogger.
Both you and Ms. Penn have 20,000+ Twitter followers. A remarkable number. But not one a newcomer like me should spend time trying to duplicate. Writing to writers is a finite universe between 20 and 50,000 people while there are > 50,000,000 readers out there. For a newcomer, as Hugh Howey proved with WOOL, coming up with a great concept, writing a great story, having it professionally edited, and being nice to readers, is the best marketing you can do.
We are grateful for the writers with your experience who share with the rest of us. You are doing us a favor and we, in turn, are recommending your writing.
For debut authors though — just write.
Peace, Seeley
I started blogging 4 years ago as a way to meet other writers. Over the course of the first 2 years I blogged every day; when I started querying I brought it down to 3 days per week. After I decided to self-publish, it went down to one day per week. But then after I started selling books, I gave myself another blog, one that was entirely reader focused.
I found it isn’t that hard to maintain. I only post once a week on the reader blog with posts relevant to my books, and once a week on the writer blog with posts relevant to writing and self-publishing.
I’m not sure either blog helps sell books, but I’m glad that I’ve kept them both.
From my reading on the subject, the most successful bloggers who sell books are nonfiction authors and those who can tie their fiction topic to reader interest. A blog on Regency clothing, for example, for someone who writes historical romances set during that period.
Even before the advent of the blog, writing friends warned me that writing advice almost never sold a novel to a reader. I’ve found that to be true about my writing blog which is now six years old. I almost never get a click through to any of my books even though I have lots of traffic.
However, I’ve never written my blog to sell books but to promote my writing courses, to advocate for various writer issues like copyright, and to educate authors on the business aspects of publishing so they won’t be victimized.
Plus, I’m a teacher, dang it, as much as a novelist.
After realizing that most of my readers have no more free time that I have, I’ve moved from a 5-7 day post cycle to twice a week. Monday is for answering questions or posting on craft or publishing, Wednesday is for links to the best articles and information I’ve come across for that week.
My traffic didn’t drop when I did this.
Hi Elizabeth .. I blog erratically and am exceedingly lucky people seem to like what I blog about and keep popping by …
I’m not an author – though I’ve been told to put my work into a book – I’m thinking about that …
I love the learning I get via connecting with other bloggers – be it about authors, writing, reading, books etc .. and then others’ life experiences – we need to learn more about these …
I particularly like the interaction via the comments … and then the relationships we build with a few – where there’s that extra connection via emails etc –
I wouldn’t be blogging now – if everyone hadn’t give me so much support over the years ..
Re authors and books – I’d say that if we as bloggers buy a few of your books – it opens the doors to other bloggers (if we comment about it) and promote your books as Michael suggested …
None of us could have got where we are today without the help and information we can pick and choose from by interacting with other bloggers …
Cheers and your blog is definitely one of the ones I want to visit … Hilary
fcmalby–The mailing list! A newsletter for my readers been on my t0-do list for…oh, probably five years. :) I hear great things about them, though–I know very successful writers who have used them to their advantage.
Anne–What I’ve noticed is a definite pattern…pre-published bloggers and post-published bloggers. The post-published bloggers (who have series, especially), start running out of time.
Two blogs sounds like a lot, Anne! You’re good to keep both of them going. Although I can see where it wouldn’t be too bad to update both, considering you’re drawing on different topics for them.
Michael–The thing is that you’re still blogging consistently–still updating your blog each week. It’s an active blog, but you’re not driving yourself nuts over it.
I like your perspective on the daily bloggers….what if followers feel compelled to stop by every day? That can be draining for both blogger and follower.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who’s noticed that about group blogs!
Marilynn –Absolutely. Yes, I’ve heard Jane Friedman and others comment on non-fiction writers’ success with blogging.
Yay for teachers! Yes, I know what you mean…protecting writers (who have got to be among the most vulnerable professionals out there) would be an incredibly useful service to provide on a blog.
Interesting! You know…my numbers seem to have stayed the same, too. Maybe they’ve even increased a smidge.
Seeley–Ha! Okay, now I’m thinking about writing in a Seeley-inspired explosion in my WIP. :) (Okay, maybe it’ll just be an exploding Coke can…) Thanks for being kind enough to recommend my gentler reads to friends…I really do appreciate it.
Your thoughts on the subject are very interesting. Yes, it’s a little silly for me to say that I’m in the same spot as everybody else–I honestly frequently forget that I’m not. I’ve got a couple of traditionally published series, for one. And 11 books either on the shelves or on their way to them. Although I don’t, again, specifically know how those factor into the sales for my total output of books (self-pub and trad.), it obviously does factor in.
I do have a good-sized following on the blog and I have a large Twitter following. But, I’ve chosen to connect with writers, not readers. I’m shy with readers. I do connect with readers on Facebook, but I dislike FB (and there’s the shyness thing), and so I don’t capitalize on my presence there like I could.
I do think the best promo is a large footprint on Amazon and the other online book retailers. The bigger the better, until readers just can’t *avoid* accidentally running across your books there. For that reason, nothing should interfere with our writing time. If it’s a choice between writing and blogging…yeah, we should write.
Joanna Penn is fantastic–great source of useful info. She’s got great vision and shares her expertise with the rest of us…which I really appreciate. I think Joanna and I have both grown our Twitter followers organically…just because it’s what we like doing. You’re right–it doesn’t make sense for other writers to duplicate our efforts. We’re connecting with writers there and just building up a name and visibility.
Thanks for coming by, Seeley.
Hilary–It’s fascinating stuff. :) I love that I always learn something new whenever I come by your blog.
Do put your work into a book!
I think the difference is…I don’t usually announce my releases here or ask anyone to buy my books. I *have* seen very successful grass-roots-type efforts at promo where bloggers carry a friend’s book to the top of the list. That definitely works! It’s just not my thing (which probably speaks to the fact that I’m very, very poor at sales…ha!)
You’re so right about the information and resource sharing. It’s constantly helping me improve my writing!
When I began blogging 3 years ago, I posted daily mostly writing posts. That was fine while I was learning the ins and outs of writing a novel and getting my feet we in the social media pool. Today I’m down to once a week, a 6-annual issue newsletter and a once a month special post called The RedHots. My posts (99%) of the time are for readers rather than writers, though most of my subscribers are writers. My brand is fairly well established (Sexy, Smart and Strong Women – write about and for them) I’m gradually adding in more reader-oriented pages to my site where they can have fun exploring. My book will be published late summer. So by then, it will be a more reader friendly, well-branded site. I’ve blogged about Slow Blogging, as Anne R. Allen has. It works for me. One post a week has allowed me more time to write and i haven’t suffered a loss in page views. Win-win!
Marcia–Congratulations on your upcoming book!
When you changed your blog from a writing-related blog to a reader-based one, did you make the change gradually, or all at once? I’ve clcked over to your blog–it does look like a very smart set-up for interacting with readers.
Slow-blogging has definitely become a buzz-word…and it does sound like win-win for you!
Thanks for stopping by my site, Elizabeth! Even though my writing posts were my most popular, I stopped them abruptly. I focus on posts about strong women and all things that affect or fascinate them. Sometimes it’s shoes or fitness or spotlighting a female author or athlete. I’m still tweaking and looking for the things that women want to read about and interact with on the site. Eventually I may get rid of slider and tone things down a little, focus a little more on my books (when they’re out) and keep tweaking til I know the readers are happy. Thanks for the congrats–it’s a long road but I’m plugging away. Sorry i don’t comment more – but I always read!
At first I started blogging because I had to, but now I do it because I love connecting with other writers. I have nothing to sell…yet…but I’m not expecting the blog to create sales for me (when the time comes). I think of blogging as a big water cooler, where we can all geek out about writing together.
I did cut down my blogging time though. I used to post twice a week, but I’ve cut it down to once. No reason why I should fret about blog posts!