If you are an author, you’ve probably heard this. And there’s no question a successful blog is a great help to an author. But most blogs – well over 90% in my estimation – don’t contribute much of anything to an author’s marketing success. A successful blog requires time, long-term commitment, creativity, focus, and discipline. All these attributes are generally in short supply and all of them can be used in other important activities such as building a speaking practice or conducting a major long-term radio push.
My point is simple. Building a successful blog, like every other activity that drives real publishing success, is challenging and requires real commitment. It can be tremendously productive, but if you don’t have the commitment, don’t bother. And if you do decide to commit to blogging, recognize that it’s a choice, a choice that will prevent you from doing something else that might also be very productive.
So think about your skills, your book, your market, and your interests, and develop a marketing plan that suits you best. If it does include blogging, some very helpful advice is here (thanks to Herb Schaffner for this): http://digitalbookworld.com/2010/gretchen-rubin-social-media-happiness-for-authors/#axzz0mMNa6p8e
