Do blogs Sell Books?

[Barbara]

Jack wrote: "I'm enjoying the discussion on this forum and want to add a comment.
First of all, I don't think I have the chops to write an author's blog and I"m not sure who would be that interested.

But I'v..."
Hi Jack,

So, is it working? Can you tell if your books sales are impacted by the blog?

Barbara

[Barbara]

Jan wrote: "Jan Hawkins Hi there. I have really enjoyed this discussion and like others I was advised to consider a blog to give my readers a presence and to assist marketing.
Never was quite sure what I was ..."

Hi Jan,

It is a lot of fun. It may even be ncessary these days---readers almost expect it. I just hope and pray I'm drawing on a different store than I use for my fiction.

Barbara

[Jon]

Barbara, I wish you'd let the subject drop. Every time I try setting up a blog site, my home page gets all boogered up and I start in on recreational drinking. I give up, kick back, and wait for providence to discover me. Then you pipe up and start making SENSE and stuff, putting on the pressure, and the next thing you know, I'm online with tech support and raiding the fridge! And I have nobody to blame but YOU.

[Barbara]

Jon---you've got a voice and a great sense of humor. I'd read your blog.

How's that for turning the other cheek?

[Ted]

I've been using a free WordPress blog for two years and it has resulted in sales.

The blog has a variety of topics, not just about my ebooks. It isn't a targeted blog, as some authors prefer, more of a shotgun approach to marketing.

[Barbara]

Ted, that's good to hear. You're the first writer in this whole conversation to say that you've definitely sold books through your blog.

[Anna]

When I first started even thinking about writing novels, I read many how to type articles. They seemed to think a blog was something to seriously consider. So I did. I was so unsure of how to even do this, and set up one finally. I found it a delight, of and by itself. Then I began to venture out and comment on other people's blog. I also have learned so much about writing because of this. I really think that it is an important and useful tool in the writing and publishing process.

[Daniel]

Anna wrote: "I found it a delight, of and by itself. Then I began to venture out and comment on other people's blog. I also have learned so much about writing because of this."

That's been my experience too! In all forms of social media, interaction seems key. Many of the comments I get on my blog are from other bloggers whose blogs I've visited and left comments. Their comments often inspire other visitors to leave a comment as well.

If you like reading thoughtful articles about writing, try following Roz Morris at NailYourNovel.wordpress.com. She has one of my favorite writing blogs and often has a lively discussion in the comments.