While some published (and not yet published) authors have been using blogs for some time to promote their work, and even create books based upon their blogs’ content, the UK-based Writing Magazine has decided that one of next year’s top five trends will be the use of blogging to promote a best-selling book.
For example, Kate Hardy is the author of over 25 Mills & Boon novels, and she updates her blog several time a week.
“Blogging means that readers get a glimpse into the ideas behind my work — whether it’s an awards do, a research trip or random musing. It also updates my website frequently to bring readers back; I use it to interact with my readers and my publishers can use it on their website as a publicity tool.”
Award-winning writer Patrick Ness, on the other hand, isn’t so public about his blog. Not only does he not like to call it a blog — “I like my diary (I hesitate to call it blogging, which to my mind always implies ‘sloppily written’) because it feels like it’s a secret way to talk to fans.”
He doesn’t actively publicise the site, and he believes that improves interaction with his fans:
“They really feel like it’s personal… like you’re having a real exchange outside of any need to get someone to buy something, or pay to see me at an event or similar.”
Blogging won’t automatically convert visitors into loyal readers and fans, nor will it guarantee a book deal, but it is being promoted as a useful tool for self-promotion and personal interaction.
