I've been mulling for a while now on the direction I want to take my blog, and I've decided after much hard thinking that it's time to make some changes. Nothing too serious, but hopefully another small step in the right direction.
So, I'm proud to present "Rach Writes..." with my new blog address at http://rachaelharrie.blogspot.com/. A big step for me, but one I did feel it would be worthwhile to take sooner rather than later.
That's got me thinking though, just how important is your public persona as a writer within the industry, on the internet, and generally around the traps???
How much effort do you put into building up your name recognition? Are you taking the time now to promote yourself within the blogosphere, or will you wait until you are published? If you are already published, do you still think about these issues, or did you sort them out at/before the time of your book launch?
I'd love to hear your thoughts...
10 comments:
Love the new look Rach!
Personally, I do think name recognition and developing a platform on the internet are important.
Like you, I've started this process even without being published. It can't hurt, right? And blog posts are good writing practice (and great procrastination).
At the very least, if you build up a following on your blog, those people are hopefully much more likely to be motivated to buy your book if/when publication happens. I also think the journey each writer takes on their way to publication makes interesting reading for those still on the path. I know I've spent countless hours reading other authors' websites and blogs for insight into how it all works...and I doubt I'm the only one!
Excellent! I love the clean look of your blog.
I've been blogging for a while now. My book doesn't come out for another 9 months. I was blogging religiously for about a year before I even signed with an agent.
I think blogging is a great way to be involved with other authors and writers. It's a good place to start building your brand, which is what I'm hopefully doing.
Thanks so much Adina & Elana :)
I'm finding that one of the best parts about my blogging is getting to know other authors/aspiring writers/industry peeps out there in the blogosphere. I love to hear about their journeys, and it's giving me powerful motivation to keep writing, which of course is why I'm doing this to start with. And I'm starting to learn too just how beneficial it can be to build your brand recognition...(Am following your fantastic posts on blogging religiously Elana!) :)
I've started blogging and I'm not published or even agented yet. I think it's important to start building a platform.
Over the past week I've been using Elana's tips and have really been enjoying blogging.
I'm also loving getting to know other authors/ aspiring writers and industry people.
I love the look of your blog and your banner.
I love the picture on your title! Love the hair :-)
I completely agree with the prvious comments. I've noticed how important it is to get involved with the online writing community, which is why I've started blogging even though I'm not quite finished my manuscript yet and haven't even started looking for an agent!
I also just started following Elana Johnson because I was so encouraged by everything I found on her blog :-)
PS. It can be really intimidating sometimes following all these established authors... It's great to find people who are also just starting out on this online journey!
Hey Quinn and Rachel, love your comments (and thanks for the great feedback on the new site look!!!) :)
It's amazing how much there is to learn about building a platform isn't it! I wonder, has anyone done an Aspiring Writers and Beginner Bloggers Platform-Building Crusade yet? Hmmm, might be a worthy ambition, to unite the aspiring writers and start-up industry bloggers together, so they can start to build a network amongst themselves (following along with sites, commenting regularly, retweeing, linking between sites, etc etc).
Actually...I think I might just start the Crusade myself. Stay tuned for further info, and drop me a comment if you're interested in taking part! :)
I started blogging because I wanted to get used to putting my words out into the world where people could read and comment on them (something that scared me). I considered it a great tool to get myself writing regularly. It has been a success on both counts.
I am no longer afraid to post my thoughts, so I've gotten much more confident in my words and my voice - something I'm sure translates to my WIPs. It's also definitely kept me writing regularly, and it gives me a diversion from my WIPs when I need one, which stirs the coals of creativity.
The best part, though, are all the people I've "met" in the process. I'm so glad to live in the Internet age, where writers can create communities from our own living rooms.
I'm not blogging to build a platform (yet), but I did have it in mind that I wanted to get used to doing it and figure out all the social media stuff before I got published. When I do, hopefully it will help me sell books, but I really believe what sells a book is a great story. That said, I think having an online presence is becoming more of an expectation among agents and editors than a "nice to have."
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Julie. I love how blogging has helped develop your voice - I've noticed the same thing. And you're so right about the people we meet!!! :)
Great thoughts. I think about this a alot. I figure the more people know my name the better. Part of me doesn't want my name all over the internet but I think it'll pay off in the future.
Post a Comment