Five Reasons Why Blogging Will Get You a Book Contract
Publishers want a track record.
They need to see that you’re committed to the writing process on a consistent basis, and the most-efficient way to share your words online is by blogging about your proposed book topic.
In the early 1990s, before the Internet became mainstream, I created my version of a book for distribution to a niche audience. It was 40 pages, printed on off-white paper, bound between a clear (front) and black (back) cover, and connected with a spiral comb.
The publication sold briskly because I focused on a subject that wasn’t widely known.
When my publisher requested to see previous writings, I sent the book to her. Looking back it was terribly written, but without it and the journalism courses I enrolled in years later at New York University, my proposal may never have been accepted.
Today, maintaining a blog is the best outlet to convince publishers that you are the person they want to write a soon-to-be-popular book. Here’s why.
1. Followers grow slowly and steadily; that’s what publishers want to see.
2. Each blog category expands and builds your commitment to and passion for the subject.
3. Feedback and comments provide material that creates dynamic chapters.
4. Your insights elevate you to expert status.
5. Publishers will realize your “bankability” and green light the book.
Some bloggers who didn’t submit proposals to publishers have been invited to write books due to their online presence. They happened to be writing about the right topic at the right time.
My suggestion is that you create a blog that focuses squarely on the topic (no side issues about family and non-subject problems), check your spelling before publishing each post, and build your followers by visiting competitive spaces.
As you start (or continue) your blog, what’s the question that comes to mind about the additional steps you’ll take before signing a book contract?