Whether published or just starting out, all writers today can benefit from keeping a blog. However, many novelists are unsure of what to blog about, or how to find their target audience.
Keeping a blog is an important marketing tool for any author, in addition to having an updated website. Here are a few tips for novelists on post ideas, networking, and attracting a large readership.
Make It a Professional Blog
Professional doesn't have to mean uptight and reserved. Novelists should feel free to express themselves and interact with readers. However, keep in mind that agents, editors, and others in the publishing industry will also have access.
Aspiring novelists in particular should save the inappropriate or goofy pictures for Facebook and make sure the photo on their blog is a nice head shot. Personal information is fine – it helps readers connect with their favorite authors – but writers should also include a "sticky" post or a separate, permanent page with information about their book, like a blurb, the cover image, and/or a few sample pages, along with a bio if desired.
Write Posts About the Progress of the Novel
Of course, no novelist wants to (or should) give away all of the secrets in his story on his blog. In general, posts should not be about what happened to the protagonist in chapter six.
Rather, writers should focus on some element of the story, like world-building, or something they discovered during editing, like using too much passive voice, and post about it. How did the author design the fantasy world in the novel? Who (or what) inspired the antagonist? What editorial mistakes were made in the first draft?
Little tidbits about the plot of an upcoming novel every now and then can also serve to ignite reader curiosity and stir up excitement about the story. Novelists should be careful not to post too much of the story, however, and save enough so that readers still want to buy the book!
Blog About the Posts of Others
Not every post need be a long, involved essay on the writing process. If a novelist stumbles across an interesting post on another blog, or a fascinating (and relevant) video or other piece of media, it's perfectly acceptable to write up a quick, opinionated post with a link to the original content.
Occasional personal posts are also encouraged. However, writers should take care to remember that anyone can view what they write. Bad-mouthing another writer, agent, or editor, or sharing extremely personal information that might make others uncomfortable, should be avoided.
Join the Community of Publishing Industry Blogs
Active, successful bloggers are part of a close, helpful online community. The absolute best way for a writer to attract traffic to his blog is by visiting and, most importantly, commenting on the blogs of others.
Aspiring novelists must take the time to find the blogs of their favorite authors (published and non-published), literary agents, and editors. After reading a few of the posts, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section.
Leaving a comment on another blog allows writers to leave their name as a link to their own blog, which is the quickest way to increase traffic. By commenting, others in the publishing industry will become familiar with the writer's name.
Likewise, when a writer begins to receive comments on his blog posts, he should make an attempt to respond. Readers enjoy following the blogs of those who interact with them and value their thoughts and opinions.
Use a Blog to Promote Writing
Blogs are easy to maintain and fun to create! With just a few short posts a week, novelists will go a long way toward developing a devoted fan base.
For more reasons why blogs are great for writers, see Why Aspiring Novelists Should Blog.
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