Authors: Three Reasons You Should Blog

Blogging is a wonderful tool for authors. It can help you in multiple ways, including getting a book contract, writing your book, getting ongoing feedback, marketing your book and more.

1) Selling your book idea.
Publishers and agents love blogs and bloggers.
Why? They want authors with a "platform," and your blog is part of your platform.
Platform? Well, ideally you're supposed to be famous so people will buy your book. They don't want people who want to write a book to become famous or well-known in their niche.
They know your blog will help get the word out about your book and convince people to buy it.
Publishers and agents can also get an idea of your writing style, and that you can write, by looking at your blog. Also, if you've been blogging a while, your commitment and demonstrated expertise of your topic is also a plus.

2) Writing your book
You can write bits of your book via your blog. Small bite sizes pieces are easy to write, and you'll get feedback from readers too, which can help you create a better book.
If you're already blogging before you start thinking book, much of your book may already be written! Even if it's only 5 or 10%, that's a great head start.

3) Marketing your book
Yes, getting your book to sell is your job, whether you self-publish or use a traditional publisher.
Blogging is a great way to sell books. People who read your blog are more likely to buy it!
I know, I said three, but this is important.

4) Don't expect to make much money writing a book, but you may make a lot of money from follow on products, like audio CDs, videos, courses, and other information products, mentoring/coaching programs, speeches, etc.

Your blog is a platform to test ideas, help develop follow on products, and market them, all while still pushing your book!