It can feel overwhelming to be a writer in the internet age. But rejoice! Never has there been so much great information right at your fingertips. Writing and publishing blogs are both a wealth of vital information and the perfect place to interact with your online writing community. And marketing your work is all about building community right? Right.
I have amazingly talented colleagues at Girl Friday, and I regularly harangue them to share their knowledge with the world (wide web). The more complex publishing becomes, the more important it is to stay informed. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran looking to stay current, blogs are your best bet at getting and staying sharp when it come to new technologies, industry trends, and evergreen writing advice.
Over the next few weeks, I’m going to share some of my favorite blogs about the craft of writing, the business of book publishing, and the art of marketing your work, along with some bonus blogs intended to help you manage all of the above without losing your wits.
Writing and Publishing
· Nathan Bransford: This long-time agent and now novelist is a treasure-trove of knowledge about writing and publishing. He blogs several times a week in his friendly, humble style on everything from setting and characterization, to how to write the perfect query letter. If you’re new to the game, his “Publishing Essentials” sidebar is a must-read.
· Carly Watters: Full disclosure, I’m lucky enough to be represented by Carly, but even if I wasn’t, I’d still read her blog on the regular because it’s chock-full of insights on how to query an agent, how to maximize social media, and how to navigate the often byzantine publishing industry. Her straightforward, friendly advice makes her an invaluable friend to authors both on her roster and off.
· Jane Friedman: From long, thoughtful meditations on writing, to invaluable, exhaustive how-to’s about publishing in the digital age, this industry veteran is a much needed voice of reason in the madness that is modern publishing. I often wonder how first time authors who haven’t ever worked in publishing even know where to start, the lucky ones find Jane.
· Betsy Lerner: The day Betsy stopped blogging daily was a sad one for me. Her irreverent, thoughtful take on writing and publishing earned her a loyal following and comment section of which I was a devoted member. She blogs less frequently now, but check out her greatest hits page for helpful and hilarious advice on everything from how to write a query letter to how to know if your work is any good. While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and buy a copy of her seminal book The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers.
· Pub Rants: This blog from agent Kristin Nelson (who has represented such bestsellers as Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet and Wool) started way back in 2006 and is still going strong. In addition to writing tips and query recommendations, Kristin gives authors a full backstage pass to the world of being a literary agent, taking readers on her adventures through the slush pile and being candid about what she goes for and what she passes on (and why). A refreshing reminder that agents want to find that great book in the slush pile.
Next up: Books blogs worth reading!