If you’re an un-agented writer, you might be thinking—do I even NEED a blog? What content should it contain? How often should I post? What SHOULDN’T I blog about?
Well, relax. I asked a few agents what they thought of writerly blogs. Their responses may surprise you.
Erin Murphy, Erin Murphy Literary Agency:
“I don’t have any strict rules or do’s and don’ts. I find blogs are perhaps less useful than they used to be, with the exception of those with large followings. Mostly I go to them, when considering signing someone new, to get a sense of their personality and how they present themselves (whether to fellow kidlit folks, gatekeepers or kids).”
Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary Agency:
“A writer’s blog wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for me unless it was wildly unprofessional. First and foremost, when I’m looking at a potential client, it’s all about the writing. But beyond that, a blog or website gives a sense of who that person is, how our tastes and interests might mesh, etc. So make sure your web presence reflects who you are, and that it looks clean and tight and polished. I don’t think they’re essential, but it is nice to put a face and background to the voice I’m reading on the screen.”
Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency:
“I don’t care if an author has a blog or not. But if they DO have a blog, I hope it is lively, interesting, informative, fun to read, and gives a sense of their “voice” and a glimpse into their lives.
Turnoffs: Lots of word-count posts. Constant self-promotion. Complaining about blogging, complaining about the publishing industry, complaining about specific people (your agent or editor, for example)—or “Humblebragging.” Overly political or “sexy” posts (unless you are a political or sexy writer).
If an author HATES blogging and is struggling to find the time or energy…if it is taking away from their work or making them miserable…then they should absolutely not do it. An unused blog, or a blog that is just complaints or self-PR, is so much worse than no blog at all.”
Teresa Kietlinski, Prospect Agency:
“Blogs are absolutely important in my decision making. When submissions come in, I tend to visit blogs first because they give me a taste of the writer’s (and illustrator’s) personality, voice and interests. It also lets me see how dedicated they are to the craft of writing or illustrating. Do they post frequently? Do they talk about topics of interest in the children’s book world? Are they honing his/her skills? What books is he/she reading? Would I like to join him/her for
Excellent post. I wonder if editors would have a similar spectrum of responses.
Tara, this is an interesting and timely post. I got the same message from SCBWI-LA this past weekend. According to Jen Rofé, it’s nice if you have a platform so your books will sell, however a platform does not automatically mean a blog, FB and twitter. A platform means credibility. Your platform could be your teacher’s credentials, your art history expertise (if you write about that), your obsession with natural disasters (if you write about that) etc. For most of us, our blogs don’t attract a big following, and most of our followers are fellow writers. That doesn’t really make a platform or generate a lot of book sales. Plus spending a lot of time blogging, FBing and tweeting can take you away from your own creative work. The takeaway was, “If you use social media, use professionally.” However, it’s totally not necessary.
Thanks for adding this, Kirsten. It is precisely what I told my picture book writing students last night. Most author blogs attract other writers and not necessarily parents and the people who buy books. But those reader-writers are a good source of support and may help promote your books, too. Blogs aren’t necessary, especially if you don’t ENJOY writing them. I happen to really love blogging, and I hope that shows through in my posts.
Aha! Yet another blog post for the future…
Good thinking! I’ll look forward to that.
so helpful Tara! Reminds me to update my website. Thanks to you and the agents!
This does surprise me, Tara…it’s good to hear from the agents themselves. Maybe I can relax a bit??
And yes, I wonder what editors would say….
This very topic has been heavily on my mind lately. I know authors need web presence, but blogging just hasn’t clicked for me yet. I need to devote the time I have now to writing stories and keeping my household together. So, for now, I read only a few *select* blogs to help gather the seeds for what will someday be my own. Now, don’t you feel special?
Tara, your love of blogging does show! I let myself take a blog-cation this summer, and it was very freeing. Now with the understanding that I don’t HAVE to blog, I hope to write fewer, but hopefully better posts.
YES! I DO!!! Thanks.