Updated 6/02/11
Disclaimer: Please take into consideration that these are only my suggestions. You can agree or disagree with them. I’m not saying you have to follow them, and I’m not saying I’m a blogging expert.
Check out my first post on: Getting Started.
Now that you’ve gotten your page started and the layout tweaked to your preference, it’s time to work on your content. If you are starting a book blog, obviously reviews are going to be a big part of your content.
So, lets address that first. Content.
Figure out how you are going to write your reviews. Here are some questions you might want to ask yourself before you start:
- Are you going to take a professional approach or more personal?
- Do you want to summarize the plot yourself, or would are you going to use the flap summary?
- What length would you like your reviews to be?
- Are you going to have a rating/grading system?
- What about cover art? Do you want to post that with your review?
- Do you want to include other information about the book besides your actual review, maybe a link of where to purchase or how many pages the novel is?
You might find things that work for you further down the line and things that don’t, it’s okay to change your style periodically until you find what fits you. It’s always a good idea to at least mention the title of the novel and the authors name. Since (hypothetically) you’re just starting your blog, and I’m assuming at this point that you’ve started your blog in hopes to one day review ARCs, (although I hope that is not your primary reason) now probably isn’t the time to be actively seeking out getting copies. Build up your content, get a few reviews under your belt and go from there. (We’ll talk more about advance readers copies later.)
While book reviews are great, it’s also nice to post other book related content. For instance, you might want to participate in weekly memes around the book blogging community, this will help you network your blog and meet other book bloggers! I actually host a meme called In My Mailbox, basically I share what books I’ve gotten that week in my mailbox, or what books I’ve bought, got at the library or borrowed and then I ask others to share too! And we go around and comment on each others posts. Here are some more memes you might be interested in participating in:
I’m sure there are a lot more, but these are a few I remember off the top of my head. But like I said, a great way to network and meet other bloggers! But don’t overload your blog with memes! Maybe you can have some relevant personal posts as well. It’s always nice for your readers to know a little bit about you. Of course, some people feel differently about that, a nice balance is always a good idea. And once you get some content going, maybe you can get an author interview and make up your own feature, have some fun!
So, now you have all this great content, but your still not getting visitors? What’s up with that? Let’s get some visitors!
Don’t:
- advertise your blog on other people’s blogs especially in the comments section. No one likes SPAM! And I know that’s a pet peeve for several blog…. sometimes it can result in automatic delete of your comment.
- go to a forum and list a “check out my blog” post in every thread. That’s probably going to turn people off more than anything.
- spam people on twitter. “hey check out my blog.” probably not the best approach.
Do’s:
Network! Here’s what I did when I started out, because no one knew I existed at one time either! First off I made a MySpace page. This is a great networking tool, because 1.) Lots of authors have MySpace pages. 2.) Lots of readers/book lovers have MySpace pages! I hate MySpace now and I no longer have an account, but this worked for me. That being said… I would NOT use MySpace as a social networking tool today. One of the biggest referring sites to my blog, is Twitter. Get a Twitter account. If you’re not sure how to use it. Learn!
You could also do Facebook! Remember with social networking tools, like Twitter and Facebook, you have to make them work for you. Interact with other people. It can be hard to keep up on everything, so I use feedburner to update my Twitter status when I have a new blog post up and I use NetWorkBlogs to update my Facebook page!
There is also a huge book community to join!
Visit other Blogs
Another suggestion is to visit other book blogs! Leave a comment relative to the post for that day. I almost always check out where my comments come from if it’s a blogger I’m unfamiliar with! There are tons of easy ways to get your blog name out there.
Blog Directories
There are a ton of them! (do a google search! I’m sure a dozen will pop up!) I host a directory that you can join: YA Book Blog Directory!
Related posts:
some good tips
i made my blog just a while ago and those are pretty good tips since i honestly have no clue where to start
Enjoying your series.
As long as a reader comments in addition to requesting I check out her blog, I don’t consider this spamming. I do think it’s bad form to leave a calling card but fail to revisit a blog regularly and leave comments. In other words, make it clear that you enjoy the blog and that your priority is not getting others to check you out. And about commenting: Comments are the best indicator that readers like what you’re doing. jmo
I think it is equally bad form for a blogger to fail to comment to readers. Now if you have a gazillion comments, I don’t think it’s necessary to comment to each individual poster. A general acknowlegment is always polite and appreciated. If a reader takes time to comment, do respond. This is basic manners. And when you respond, a reader is likely to comment again.
When you leave comments try to say something beyond the generic. If someone says, “love this,” I will always say thank you, but I might not be motivated to visit your blog. I’m especially interested in visiting readers’ whose comments suggest they are really interested in the content of my blog.
In short- support, support, support. Regularly show interest in others and you’ll receive in kind.
How else can you entice readers to check you out? Engage them. I am drawn to bloggers who invite interaction. Ask the reader questions, ask for their opinion, invite them to share something with you. I blog to communicate with others. Bloggers who clearly demonstrate an interest in an exchange are the folks I want to visit most often.
I just found your blog and was happy to read such an excellent post. I’ll be saving it. I’ve only been blogging about 6 months and I was happy to read your advice. Everything helps! It looks like I just missed a terrific contest here. Timing! I’m looking forward to visiting again. Great blog!
Excellent advice! Thank you for sharing the knowledge that you have.
I agree with susan – when people do comment, go to their site and find something to comment on. It’s polite.
Thanks Story Siren and Susan for summarising it so well! If I see someone commenting on a blog regularly and their comments are actually relevant, I often follow the link to their own blog.
lol you spelled lost instead of lots at the author interview section. ;P
I really appreciate this! I’ve only had a blog since January and I’m always looks for ways to make people come visit.
Could you maybe talk about how you made your cool star rating? Is there a website to make those?
Thanks!
Thanks for such a great post! I will definitely take what you said into consideration.
Thanks for the tips! I just started my blog earlier in the month, so it’s helpful to have suggestions like this.
i’m glad everyone is enjoying the posts. really they are just some suggestions! i’m still discovering how to do things myself.
andd those are some really good points susan!
i’m am one of the biggest offenders about commenting back on comments! i really need to work on that!
One of my goals recently has been to have something new to post everyday. I figure if someone is going to take the time to visit I should have something new for them to look at! I’m almost there is an occasional blank Thursday.
Linked!
Oh and thanks for reminding me about the book blog tip ning. My Friend Amy told me about it but got busy and never went. I just joined!
No prob. Lenore, thanks!
I’m so glad you started this! Thank you for the great advice.
You have some really good advice. I just started blogging in January and hadn’t been exposed to many blogs before December. I can see that I’m going to have to make some changes in my blog. So many good tips!
This is such an informative series! I’m so happy that you are taking time to share blog advice
My reviews go every which way – I take as long as I need, summarizing and highlighting things that I liked and disliked. I don’t know if that is at all helpful.
Will you be discussing how to handle reviews for books you disliked or did not particularly care for?
Thanks!
cecilia
This is a great post – thanks for doing this!!!
As an author, I’d like to second the suggestion that a person get the blog and up and going and work at gaining readers before contacting authors and publishers. I get quite a few requests from people wanting me to send them a book because they’ve “just started a blog to review books.”
If you’re new, go to the library and dive in there! Get some good content up. Meet other reviewers and network. All of that should come before asking an author for a book, I think.
I am loving these posts. I started my blog in July so a lot of this info is still very helpful.
I participate in way too many book challenges, get more than enough books through trading and the library that I want to read and review that I hadn’t thought to ask authors or publishers for books.
Like Story Siren suggests, I belong to book communities. I am pretty active at Shelfari, paperbackswap, frugralreader and multiple writer-related blogs. Have been for almost two years. Being active means you’re visible.
Because I’m active, first time authors have offered me books. I also run a community library so I appreciate book gifts. Luckily for me and our readers, writers know that reviews aren’t the only way to promote their books. When I like a book, I tell everybody within virtual earshot. Most recently, I have enjoyed exchanges with Melissa Lion and Nancy Amanda Redd. Ms. Redd’s book is already in our library. I wrote her telling her how much I loved her book. She’s agreed to give me an interview. I didn’t ask for a free book. And several reader-friends have told me they bought her book because I shared how much I enjoyed it. I wrote on my blog that I got a copy of Ms. Lion’s book and she wrote me. She’s wicked cool, and after I read and review her book, it will be in circulation, too.
After reading at several book blogs, I did add that I accept books for review. My hope is that my notice is acceptable. My thinking was if I am good at what I do, someone might offer me a book. I agree- better to establish readership and ample content first.
As a new blogger myself I found your blog always so entertaining and informative. thank you!
susan! Book challenges are another great idea!
Great ideas.
I’m not a book blogger, but I love books and I always come here to get ideas for what books I should request at the library.
But I am a new blogger, and these tips are wonderfully wonderful.
Thanks for the tips. I’ve been struggling to get more people to come to my blog for the last few weeks, and have been trying to come up with ways to increase the traffic. Your ideas sound great.
still with ya and agreeing.
this is going to sound nitty but, i am really tired of people apologizing for not posting. life happens. i don't think you need to apologize for it. explain, ok but…
just one person's opinion.
now I know it!
now I know it!
I really appreciate your series of posts on blogging! My blog is more focused on writing (with some reviews and commentary on books), but I picked up some good tips regardless. Also enjoyed your explanation on ARCS — I was really curious from reading other posts in your blog!
I really appreciate your series of posts on blogging! My blog is more focused on writing (with some reviews and commentary on books), but I picked up some good tips regardless. Also enjoyed your explanation on ARCS — I was really curious from reading other posts in your blog!
Wow, thank you for all the great advice! I'm new to the blogging community and I just started my own book review blog, so I was feeling a little lost. I will definitely be using some of your advice. I wasn't sure what weekly memes were, so thanks for clearing that up! I love your blog and I just applied for your fresh faced Fridays! I agree with almost all of your advice, although since I only have book reviews so far I feel like it might be a little awkward to just pop in a personal post, I'm not sure.
Wow, thank you for all the great advice! I'm new to the blogging community and I just started my own book review blog, so I was feeling a little lost. I will definitely be using some of your advice. I wasn't sure what weekly memes were, so thanks for clearing that up! I love your blog and I just applied for your fresh faced Fridays! I agree with almost all of your advice, although since I only have book reviews so far I feel like it might be a little awkward to just pop in a personal post, I'm not sure.
Wow great advice! Thanks so much it really helped alot.
-Jenny
Wow great advice! Thanks so much it really helped alot.
-Jenny
I know I just commented the same thing on another one of your how-to-blog pages, but seriously, these are incredibly helpful. So thank you!
I know I just commented the same thing on another one of your how-to-blog pages, but seriously, these are incredibly helpful. So thank you!
I agree with everything EXCEPT in regards to contests.
Many people who visit your blog and similar book blogs do not live in the US. Thus, we are excluded from both contests and advance reader copies because of this … this is inexcusable and discriminatory.
Please do not take offence, but I would be interested to hear from you why contests and advance reader copies can't be offered to international readers.
Per capita, Iceland and Australia have the largest reading populations in the world. In the UK, there are entire 'book towns'. Thus promotion in these places means more sales, which I am sure no author or publisher would turn down.
I agree with everything EXCEPT in regards to contests.
Many people who visit your blog and similar book blogs do not live in the US. Thus, we are excluded from both contests and advance reader copies because of this … this is inexcusable and discriminatory.
Please do not take offence, but I would be interested to hear from you why contests and advance reader copies can't be offered to international readers.
Per capita, Iceland and Australia have the largest reading populations in the world. In the UK, there are entire 'book towns'. Thus promotion in these places means more sales, which I am sure no author or publisher would turn down.
@Desert Book Chick
There isn't anything inexcusable or discriminatory about it. The fact of the matter is, I can't afford it. Not many bloggers can. Not to mention most of the contests that I host here are in accompany with a third party. This means that they provide and send out the copies. I don't choose where they are sent.
I do have international contests as well, though not as frequently.
Publishers don't send arcs overseas because a lot of it has to do with international rights. Pubs aren't going to send an arc to a county that won't be publishing the book, what would be the benefit to them?
If you would like to further this discussion please feel free to email me.
@Desert Book Chick
There isn't anything inexcusable or discriminatory about it. The fact of the matter is, I can't afford it. Not many bloggers can. Not to mention most of the contests that I host here are in accompany with a third party. This means that they provide and send out the copies. I don't choose where they are sent.
I do have international contests as well, though not as frequently.
Publishers don't send arcs overseas because a lot of it has to do with international rights. Pubs aren't going to send an arc to a county that won't be publishing the book, what would be the benefit to them?
If you would like to further this discussion please feel free to email me.
Desert, it costs a LOT more money to ship overseas. Like, $20 more. It has nothing to do with discrimination…
Great post, Kristi! You're v helpful, and I can tell you put a lot of effort into this. Rock on, K!
Desert, it costs a LOT more money to ship overseas. Like, $20 more. It has nothing to do with discrimination…
Great post, Kristi! You're v helpful, and I can tell you put a lot of effort into this. Rock on, K!
Hi and thanks for replying.
Whilst, I am very familiar with publishers' whims on publishing or not publishing in particular markets, (I'm a published author of spec fiction, fantasy and anthropology), I will agree to disagree on blogger-run contests. I hope you didn't take offence at my comments.
At any rate, thanks for this post series and I've added you to my links.
Hi and thanks for replying.
Whilst, I am very familiar with publishers' whims on publishing or not publishing in particular markets, (I'm a published author of spec fiction, fantasy and anthropology), I will agree to disagree on blogger-run contests. I hope you didn't take offence at my comments.
At any rate, thanks for this post series and I've added you to my links.
@Chelsea – I never realised that postage in the US was so high! $20… that's About $23 Australian. What a rip off! No wonder people won't send books overseas from the States.
In comparison, I can send a paperback book to friends in California for around $7-8, via airmail from where I live in outback Australia – that's about $6-7 US. Oh well… at least I raised the issue and had it sorted (kind of).
@Chelsea – I never realised that postage in the US was so high! $20… that's About $23 Australian. What a rip off! No wonder people won't send books overseas from the States.
In comparison, I can send a paperback book to friends in California for around $7-8, via airmail from where I live in outback Australia – that's about $6-7 US. Oh well… at least I raised the issue and had it sorted (kind of).
@ Desert Book Chick… I wasn't lying when i said the simple fact is that I can't afford it. I used to to a books for grabs where I let people have books if they paid shipping so I'm very informed about shipping costs over seas and it's ridiculous.
It's $18 to send two paperback books to the UK! Priority mail to Australia for one book is $28!
It's not that I don't want to have international contents, like I said, I just can't afford it.
@ Desert Book Chick… I wasn't lying when i said the simple fact is that I can't afford it. I used to to a books for grabs where I let people have books if they paid shipping so I'm very informed about shipping costs over seas and it's ridiculous.
It's $18 to send two paperback books to the UK! Priority mail to Australia for one book is $28!
It's not that I don't want to have international contents, like I said, I just can't afford it.
Thanks for the post! It was pretty timely for me, as I'm just sort of peeking out of my shell and figuring out how to join the fray. It's kind of daunting transitioning from lurker to poster, but I need to start networking more online (see? lol). Thanks for the insight!
Thanks for the post! It was pretty timely for me, as I'm just sort of peeking out of my shell and figuring out how to join the fray. It's kind of daunting transitioning from lurker to poster, but I need to start networking more online (see? lol). Thanks for the insight!
These are full of really good information. I just made my blog today and this helped a lot with figuring out everything! Especially the part about the "personal meme's" because, in all honesty, I had no idea what they were until I read this blog.
These are full of really good information. I just made my blog today and this helped a lot with figuring out everything! Especially the part about the "personal meme's" because, in all honesty, I had no idea what they were until I read this blog.
These are great tips. You seriously helped me start my blog!
These are great tips. You seriously helped me start my blog!
Thank you so much for these tips! At the moment I am trying to get more people to read my blog and follow it.
Thanks so much for this! As a newbie blogess, this advice has really helped me. & by the way, I love your blog and I love your writing! Keep up the good work! =)
Thank you so much for these tips! At the moment I am trying to get more people to read my blog and follow it.
Thanks so much for this! As a newbie blogess, this advice has really helped me. & by the way, I love your blog and I love your writing! Keep up the good work! =)
Thank you Kristi!
These tips were all very helpful!
I think I'll start doing weekly meme's.
Thank you Kristi!
These tips were all very helpful!
I think I'll start doing weekly meme's.
Super helpful post, Kristi. Thanks for taking the time to help out new bloggers! It's really daunting to start out with nothing especially because there are so many respectable and well-established bloggers out there! The little people appreciate your advice
Super helpful post, Kristi. Thanks for taking the time to help out new bloggers! It's really daunting to start out with nothing especially because there are so many respectable and well-established bloggers out there! The little people appreciate your advice
Thanks so much for these tips!! They have been a great resource in creating our blog.
Thanks so much for these tips!! They have been a great resource in creating our blog.
this made me relax a little since I am starting out. Thanks!
Thanks for the advice… as a complete newbie to the blogging world, any tips are very much appreciated!!!
This is extremely helpful. I will definitely be using your tips! They are appreciated.
I made a blog a while ago but then stopped because it wasn't working for me, but with these tips iv'e made another one so thanks.
I just started my blog a few weeks ago. Your tips have been really helpful. You have mentioned things I hadn't thought of, Thanks!
Twitter: bookprowl
Thank you so much for the tips. I’ve just started up my own book blog and this has been a huge help.
Rachel @ Book Prowl recently posted..Review: The Reapers are the Angels