An online friend wrote a blog post that went viral. It elicited emotion. Passionate comments spewed forth in support and opposition. Because of the firestorm his post created, a publisher offered him a book deal. He turned his blog post into a book.
This is one-way blogging that can result in a published book. Though we can’t plan on this occurring or even scheme to make it transpire, it could happen. Possibly.
So each time you post on your blog, do so knowing that it could result in a book deal. Maybe. Yeah, right. But it might. Don’t hold your breath. It could happen, but it probably won’t.
After all, having written 1,500 posts none of mine have ever gone viral; no publisher has ever knocked on my door waving a coveted book contract. Yet it could happen, but it probably won’t.
So aside from this one-in-a-million, perhaps one-in-a-billion, the chance of this happening, Blogging can:
Build Our Audience: Each post can expand our reach. As people appreciate what we have to say they follow us and share our words with others. Over time we grow an audience. We build our platform.
Sharpen Our Writing: With each post our writing improves, we write better or faster or with more passion. If we truly need to write a million words before we get good, then each post brings us a couple of hundred words closer.
Hone Our Voice: As we write, various styles emerge. Eventually, these all converge into one cohesive, consistent comportment. We have found our writing voice.
Provide Feedback: Blogging allows us to get quick feedback. We learn what elicits a reaction and what doesn’t. We realize when an idea is half-baked and when it is fully formed. Let’s handle these things with the correctable, immediacy of a blog and not the permanence of a book.
Form the Habit of Writing: By showing up to blog on a regular basis, we demonstrate to publishers we have established the discipline, the habit, to write regularly. They can expect we will do the same for our book and not let them down.
I blog for these reasons. I also blog because I have something to say and because people appreciate what I write. Yes, I do a blog to move me closer to a book deal, too. It may not happen quickly, but it will happen.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
