Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Sometimes we agents speculate on what our clients and potential clients think about us blogging. After all, they know what we’ve left undone to write and respond to a post: proposals our clients have submitted for our review; manuscripts to read; queries sitting in our in-boxes; contracts to negotiate; phone calls to make. I can only speak for why the agents at Books & Such blog; others might have different motivations. But we were intentional in our decision to start a blog 4 1/2 years ago and have remained true to those reasons.
I think it’s instructive for you to know what we hope to achieve because it can help you to evaluate why you blog or why you don’t blog. It’s easy to decide to start a blog because everyone else seems to have one, but that’s a decision not to have a target to aim at let alone hope to hit.
With our blog:
1) We aim to right the record. Because agents work at the crossroads of publishing, with authors, hopeful authors, and publishers all converging at Agent Central, we live at the crux of publishing. We hear from writers, and we talk to publishers–lots of publishers. We are, in many ways, interpreters for each interest group to the other group. We can tell publishers what authors are saying, and we can explain why writers view publishers as they do. We also can interpret to writers what’s happening in the publishing houses. I’m often amazed at how much misunderstanding occurs between these two entities. Our blog gives us a chance to say: Listen up, guys, the “other side” doesn’t grasp why you’re making the decisions you are, whether that’s why writers see self-publishing as such a viable option or why publishers are paying what they are.
2) We aim to contribute to the discourse. Agents are an opinionated lot. For those of us who have worked in the industry for several decades, we have ideas on how authors and publishers can be more effective. We’re not always right, but sometimes we do have good insights. A blog gives us a forum in which to express our opinions. And to hear from others about what we could be doing differently. It’s a great place to have a discussion.
3) We aim to effect change. For a few years before we began our blog, I see-sawed back and forth on whether we should. I just wasn’t sure it was going to be the best use of our time. After all, other agents already had established blogs. What could we add that others weren’t already saying? Then a publisher made a major change in how it did business, and I saw that change being given just the spin the publisher wanted–through blogging. The power to present a certain situation the way you want others to see it wasn’t lost on me. I didn’t have an agenda I wanted to promote through a blog, but I saw a blog is a place to be an influencer, and I decided our agency needed to be in that place. I’m not interesting in spinning what’s happening in the industry a certain way, but I am interested in helping others to think through the implications of how the industry is moving, both on the authors’ side and the publishers’ side.
4) We aim to encourage and enlighten. Agents see ways in which authors could be smarter about how they’re building their careers. And ways in which writers could more successfully approach agents. And ways in which publishers are being innovative and taking risks. Our blog enables us to applaud what others are doing well and to suggest ways they might be more effective. Agents receive satisfaction from seeing others succeed; it’s a driving force for many of us. A blog is a perfect tool through which we can give back to an industry that has enriched us.
I hope you’ve found, as you’ve read our blog, that we’ve remained true to our aim–and even hit the bull’s eye every now and then.
Bonuses have resulted for me that I didn’t expect when we started the blog. I have a sense of community with our regular readers, and I enjoy the exchange of ideas that occurs in the comments section. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I see someone at a conference or book convention who states he or she reads our blog and has benefited from it. That’s when I’m like a kid whose mom happened to find her not with her hand in the cookie jar but in the soap bubbles while washing the dishes.
Now, why do you blog? Or why have you chosen not to blog?
Sarah Thomas
I started blogging because I went to a conference and learned I was “supposed” to. Now I blog because I love it. I’ve always had a tendency toward journaling, but could never stick with it. I have waaaay too many journals with a dozen pages filled and then . . . Turns out what I needed was an audience. I so enjoy connecting with people, sharing my thoughts and finding out others have thought the same thing (or havent’t before, but do now!). I love getting feedback on what I should name a character in a manuscript or posting a survey that helps me get to know who my potential readers might be. And I like having a “home base” for other bloggers and writerly connections to come find me. PLUS posting regularly keeps me feeling connected and active in the writing world.
Janet Grant
Sarah, I suspect your experience is typical. Writers start to blog because they’re told to. You’re among the fortunate ones who found an audience and enjoyed connecting with it. It sounds as though you’ve used your blog in smart ways.
R.A.Savary
Fortunately for me, when I approached a colleague about finding an agent, she related her experience of how her teachers or mentors got her stated into blogging after she’d finished her book. I say fortunately, because I rarely do anything I am told to do, and even as a suggestion, I better have reason to hold the suggesting party in a position of high regard before I try what is suggested.
It’s really a mind-twist because what it really amounts to is whether or not I think I can afford to miss out on an opportunity to move forward.
Lindsay Harrel
First, let me say that I really enjoy this blog. I get to come to one place and get five different perspectives on the industry weekly. It’s fabulous and professional, and I love the personal interaction in the comments with other writers and the agent who is writing the post.
I blogged initially because I knew I needed to get my name out there, etc. I started off writing posts about writing, since that’s what I thought I was supposed to write about. When I switched to blogging more about my faith and things I was learning in daily life…well, everything changed. I love using it as a way to express my thoughts on subjects that otherwise would only fill my journals, because I get to hear what others think on the subject too!
Jennifer Major
I must say Lindsay, I look forward to your blog everyday! I know I’m going to learn something, smile AND be challeneged. You are very good at what you do.
Lindsay Harrel
Aw, thank you, Jennifer! That’s so sweet of you. 🙂
Tianna Clore
I must echo the above sentiments. I have found this blog incredibly helpful and useful. In fact, it is the only blog that I read consistently. Now that I know that Lindsey has one, I will have to check that out too!
I have been debating about starting a blog of my own so that I can get my name out there as well. I am willing to do whatever I need to do to further my writing career!
Karen Robbins
Back before blogging got so popular my son said to me, “Mom, if you’re a writer, you need to blog.” When did he become so astute?
My blog has evolved over the years. It started more as a journal but as our travel adventures increased in number, I found my niche. Dubbed the Wandering Writer, I try to make my posts of interest to those who love to travel or just love to live vicariously. Along the way, I interject book reviews (Books For The Road) and also give a little insight into a writer’s life–especially on the road.
It’s always a challenge to keep to the theme. This summer/fall I started a series called “What I did on my summer vacation” and asked writers to guest post and do the old fashioned school essay topic. It also gives them opportunity to plug their newest book. (There’s still time to get in on it.)
Janet Grant
Karen, what a clever way of developing a blogging concept. I love the way you incorporated book reviews without diverting from the travel theme. And the “what I did on my summer vacation” is a fun idea.
Jeanne T
I “discovered” your blog a few months ago, and I love visiting here each day. I learn so much from each of you ladies, and it’s fun getting to know others who stop by here during their day.
I’m gearing myself up to begin a blog. One thing you mentioned today was knowing the goals you want to accomplish with your blog. I plan to begin one because I know that I should as a writer. As I thought about my goals for it, I realized having a goal for my blog is essential if I want to know where to keep my focus and if I’m meeting my goals.
With this in mind, I have a question for you. Is having a goal of wanting to encourage potential readers and maybe leave them something to think about enough of a goal? Just wondering about your thoughts on this. 🙂
Thanks for all you guys offer, as agents, and as people. I’m enjoying getting to know each of you beyond your names. 🙂
Janet Grant
Jeane, I find it instructive that several of the comments today indicate it took bloggers awhile to find their niche. They meandered a bit to begin with. You probably should give yourself the freedom to do that as well, looking for what you enjoy writing regularly and what others find beneficial.
So having a broad goal to start out with is probably okay, but you’ll want to focus it in as you continue.
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Blessings as you start your blog, Jeanne. You always do a great job here and on Rachelle’s blog with your comments. Just be yourself and I’m sure you’ll do fine. 🙂
Jennifer Major @Jjumping
You’re going to enjoy blogging Jeanne. And I’m fairly certain we’ll pounce when you finally go “live”. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself though. Start with a simple, “HI, I’m Jeanne….”.
But ya know, annnnnnnnnytime now is good.
😉
Lori
Janet, let me say that I enjoy both the Books & Such blog and Rachelle’s blog. Both have been extremely educational and informative.
I don’t blog nor do I do Facebook. The only social media I use is LinkedIn and that’s only for business purposes. My employer (a government contractor) frowns on employee’s using social media. (They use to ban it.) Periodically, my entire company goes through background checks and I feel it would be better for me and my day job which pays my bills that I don’t have a blog or a Facebook account.
Janet Grant
So, Lori, if you WANTED to blog and wrote about only things not connected with work, that still wouldn’t be permitted?
All I can say is I’m glad I don’t work where you do! I like social media too much.
Lori
“So, Lori, if you WANTED to blog and wrote about only things not connected with work, that still wouldn’t be permitted?” That’s right. It use to be that way. But now, it is recommended that we don’t. When the time comes and if and when I am ready to publish my book of fiction I would then create the necessary Web site and/or blog.
My background check included them interviewing my neighbors and friends. Even with the intrusive background check, I still LOVE my job and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. After almost five years with this job, I can’t believe the stuff that I get to write about.
Jeanne T
I understand this. Because of loved ones’ being in a similar field to yours, I am very careful about what I do in the social media realm. 🙂
Jennifer Major @Jjumping
This blog is one of my Top Visits everyday. I have a drop down menu of my favourite blogs, one of which is Lindsay Harrel’s, go check it out, she’s a smart cookie. I also visit Rachelle Gardner’s faithfully as well.
I have lept an online journal/blog since June of 2001. That’s eleven, 11, ELEVEN years of boring the living daylights out of my loyal fan. FanS.
I started with Facebook in 2007 to keep an eye on our daughter. Alot of good that did. At least I know she tells the world that she’s “married” to her live in dreamboat, the one who hasn’t worked in 11 months. While she works 2 jobs.
I began my current blog a while back. I’m not one to get deep and all Revelation/Leviticus/What is that in the original Greek? everyday. Okay. Ever.
If I have a pressing question, I’ll ask it. But I whenever I think I should do what others are doing, I step back. I cannot do what others do, because I’m not them.
Which is good for their families. Trust me. 😉
My blog , I guess, could be described as a “joy in the journey”. God has brought me A VERY LONG way in the last year. It has been a rough road, but I’ve grown alot AND lost the desire to pretend all is well and be what others expect me to be.
I’m not entirely sure how many people read the blog. But I know I’m to keep going and do what I do.
Janet Grant
Jennifer, it sounds as though the blog is almost like a journaling publicly, which is great. And that you’re not concerned how many readers you have. The point is: Each of us has different motives for blogging. You know yours and don’t try to imitate others. That’s great.
And it seems the “get real” message you’ve learned would make a great focus for your blog.
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Jennifer, I love how you describe your blog as a “‘joy in the journey.” I read your blog and I’d say that that is a pretty accurate description. Keep it up, Redhead; you’re doing great. And welcome home. 🙂
Jennifer Major @Jjumping
Thanks CD! It’s good to be home!! I finally realized I just need to blog *me*. I’m not Beth Moore, Katie Ganshert or Jon Acuff. But I have something to say, so as Peter Pan says “and away we go!”
It’s nice to see you writing more often too.
Amanda Dykes
Janet, I loved this post. Every one of the reasons you highlighted I see exemplified in the countless posts I’ve read here. Thank EACH of you for all you pour into this!
I blog as a way to share what God’s been teaching me, as a way to hopefully encourage others, and as a way to connect with readers and potential readers through these things taht are important to me.
Janet Grant
That seems like a good beginning place, Amanda. As your writing career grows, you’ll probably focus on topics that reflect what you find yourself consistently writing about. It’s a process.
Heather Day Gilbert
My first thought when I read the title of today’s post is “I’m so GLAD agents blog!” You are truly a wealth of info for newbie AND veteran writers.
I’ll add one more perk of agent blogging–It helps writers get to know your personalities BEFORE deciding who to query. Part of my query to my agent included a reference to one of his blogposts that really struck me (about looking for the next “Gone with the Wind…”).
Writers and agents can both share glimpses of their worlds via social media. And I know lots of writers check this blog every day to keep up w/the industry.
Keep up the good work!
Janet Grant
Heather, that’s a good point that we become better known as we blog; so writers have a sense which agents they connect with. I like that your queried your agent because of something he said in a blog post. What a wonderful way to know you had strong connecting points.
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Heather,
I agree. There are agents whose blogs I follow and agents whom I follow on Twitter. Doing this has helped me get some sense of them as people and not just a name to put on my query letter. Also it has given me a sense of who not only who I might succeed in querying, but who I would–and who I wouldn’t–want as an agent. I started following agents to learn more about the business. The surprise bonus has been connecting with some who are people I would like to know personally, not just in a business capacity.
Jennifer Major @Jjumping
Oh Heather, what an excellant point! Since I started reading various industry blogs, I feel like I’ve gotten to know the personalities of certain agents better(and who likes what kind of chocolate)and can figure out who would potentially be a better fit in a working relationship.
I might need to buy shares in Cadbury…
Scott
Heather made my point. I’m always glad to find blogs by agents I’m researching. It helps me know their personalities, as well as what they are interested in. All of the “rules” say to learn as much as possible about an agent before querying, and blogs are probably the best tool we have for doing that.
I’m sure there’s a downside for agents, besides time spent. I’d imagine that in addition to people who don’t query because they see that the fit isn’t right, there are others who feel like they know the agent personally because of the blog and comments, so they can query even though the agent doesn’t rep their kind of writing. I hope that’s infrequent.
Janet Grant
Scott, if writers are querying even when the agent isn’t looking for their type of writing, I’m not aware of it. It seems as though blogs are better at ferreting out that sort of writer rather than encouraging him or her.
Sarah Grimm
I really appreciate when agents blog. It helps me get a better sense of who you guys are, what you stand for, what you like, and how willing to help writers you are. So, thank you. 🙂
I’d like to blog again, BUT … excuses, I know. When I can find the time to do it right and do it well, I’ll start up again.
Janet Grant
You’re welcome, Sarah.
Sarah Sundin
I’m also thankful agents blog – especially the Books & Such bunch. I love the insight into all aspects of a perplexing industry.
As for my own blog, I’m one of those who started blogging because I “had to.” Originally I decided the purpose of my blog was to provide new and changing content for my readers who visited my website. Over time I’ve found what my readers enjoy most are features about World War II (recent posts have discussed Victory Gardens and canning, for example), book recommendations (I hate to call them reviews), and devotions (these are my least popular posts).
Since I focus on readers rather than writers, my blog following is small, but I’m still glad I chose that route. That’s where my heart is, and I’ve made some interesting friends through my blog.
Janet Grant
Sarah, I think it’s smart to focus on your readers; part of your job as an author is to take care of them. And blogging is a great way to connect. It seems as though your readers are voting what parts of your blog you should be concentrating on. I know I try to write about what our blog readers are most interested in, although I’ve been known to decide on a blog topic because I had a bee in my bonnet!
Steve
For the record, I think you guys do a good job in the discourse. I subscribe to dozens of blogs and read those from most of your agents 90% of the time. If I want you to pick up my query, I must know how you think. I run three personal blogs, some for money, some for pleasure, and my life as a writer would be incomplete without them. Sometimes I want a Fresca, other times I want a beer. It gives me variety.
Janet Grant
Wow, Steve, you’re a prolific blogger. With three blogs, how often do you post on each one?
Steve
About 5 times weekly on the primary; twice or so weekly on the sister; and maybe once on the cousin. It’s an interconnected family, and the beauty of multiple blogsites is pushing readers to and from each one with shortlinks.
Becky Doughty
THANK YOU for blogging. I have learned so much about the industry, about your personalities as Heather pointed out, and about myself, too.
Why do I blog? My reasons were actually stages in my blogging career.
Stage 1. Just do it. THEY told me to blog. “Build a platform,” THEY said. “Start a blog.” So I did.
Stage 2. Do it cuz it’s good for me. Hone my skills, gain some discipline, be accountable.
Stage 3. Do it because I love it. This is where I am now. I don’t always FEEL like I love it, but I do. My blog has become my travel journal and I love to look back over where I’ve been and how far I’ve come in order to better plan where I’m going. And my followers? Talk about love. Where would I be without their support, their friendship, their faithfulness, their love?
Janet Grant
Becky, I suspect your route toward loving your blog is a common one. Which is instructive for those who have been told to blog but who are resisting. Maybe it’s like an arranged marriage; the love will come after a time.
Jennifer Major
I adore you, your blog and your honesty. You are an amazing person. I check Beckyland everyday!
Jennifer Hallmark
I’m so glad you all take time to blog. I follow this blog and other agents blogs and learn so much. I want to know how each part of this writing “journey” works and you help so much. Keep up the good word 🙂
Janet Grant
Would that be “good word” or “good work”? Hopefully both, right!?
Robin Patchen
Janet, I love your blog and read it faithfully every day. I think your agency has done a wonderful job of letting us hear from different agents every week, and I always learn so much.
I started a blog because I was told it would be necessary to get published and then promote my book. The truth is, writing a blog post is about as much fun as cleaning grout with a toothbrush, only it takes longer. I wonder, is it really necessary?
I’ve received my first contract. When I read other writers’ blogs, most of the comments are from other writers. And no surprise there. As a reader, I never go to my favorite authors’ blogs and only check their websites to see their books’ titles. Which begs the question: Is it necessary for writers to have blogs?
Janet Grant
Robin, no, writers don’t have to have blogs. Especially if you aren’t drawing book readers to your blog, what’s the point? (Well, that brings us back to setting having a mission in mind for your blog, doesn’t it?)
Authors do need to be connected online. For some authors, they effectively meet up with their readers via Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest. The point is to give your readers a place to get to know you.
Blogging isn’t for everyone, and blogging isn’t necessarily a magic key that opens the door to more sales.
Susi Robinson Rutz
Blogging helped me to get my footing as a Christian writer. I began a year ago, blogging about my bible study insights, with the hope of inspiring others to study. Then, I began sharing how spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and service also transform us. I came to realize that my passion for writing focuses on the steps in spiritual growth and the disciplines that help to move people forward in the process. So, blogging helped me focus in on the topic of my book and brought new clarity and excitement to my writing.
I am grateful for your blog. I am not yet at the stage where I can implement all of your suggestions, but as my writing and blogging evolves, I’ll keep coming back for more of your great ideas.
Janet Grant
Susi, that brings us back to the idea that finding out what your blog is about is a process most writers need to let unfold rather than thinking the purpose behind your blog will be born fully mature. How nice that your blog revealed your passions to you and helped you to focus your writing career.
Michelle Lim
Thank you for all of wonderful information you and the Books & Such team have shared on your blog. I have learned so much about the industry that I wouldn’t have learned any other way.
About 8 months ago I started blogging for two purposes. 1. To build my writing community/platform as a writer. 2. To Provide writers with plot and brainstorming tips as well as basic craft information that newer writers don’t know and are seldom taught in a workshop.
I love blogging. There is something about the fun personality you can share on the page and know you are helping others. It is also a way that I formulate my own thoughts about writing. As an auditory learner, I often process my own thoughts by speaking or putting them into words on a page. As I share what I’ve learned, I become a stronger writer myself.
For those who don’t love blogging, sometimes it is helpful to brainstorm those topics ahead or use pictures or the news to inspire your topics.
I have learned most of what I know about blogging from Edie Melson at The Write Conversation.com. (EXTREMELY HELPFUL!)
Thanks for another great post!
Janet Grant
Michelle, thanks for the recommendation on a site that helps to make blogs effective.
And for your insights on what causes a blogger to want to keep at it–write about something you are passionate about and something that helps you to think about a topic.
Jeanne T
I will add that Michelle does a wonderful job on her blog! Love the hook she uses for each blog and then the pertinent topics she writes on. 😉
Edie Melson
Michelle, I loved helping you develop your blog. I frequently use it when I teach as an example of how to do it right. Thanks so much for the shout out!
Janet Ann Collins
I started blogging twice a week several years ago when I got my first book contract and have kept it up ever since. I don’t think most blogs get the kind of attention they did in the past because there are so many of them now so they may not be effective marketing tools, but I keep blogging because I enjoy it. And I enjoy your blog a lot, not only because of the helpful information but for the sense of community with Books and Such agents and the other writers who post.
Janet Grant
Janet, in a crowded marketplace, it can be hard for a blog to find where it fits and to find the right readers, but when the synergy happens, it’s a beautiful thing.
Janet Ann Collins
Thanks, Janet.
mike addington
To stay informed, to learn, and to teach (when the occasion calls for it).
Laura Christianson
Janet,
I so appreciate the fact that agents blog — I have learned so much about the publishing industry from people like you, Rachelle Gardner and Steve Laube. Your wise council has served me well as I’ve forged relationships with various publishing houses, both as an author and now, as a social media manager.
I started blogging back in “the olden days” of blogging (2004) as a means to establish my author platform for a niche book I wanted to get published. Through the process of writing books and blogs, I discovered that I really prefer short-form writing. I also discovered that professional blogging pays substantially more than writing books, and because I’m at a place where I need to provide a good chunk of my family’s income, blogging was also a practical decision.
I feel as if I’ve found my niche; I absolutely love helping pre-authors and published authors learn how to become better bloggers.
Janet Grant
And people like you are vital in making author effective as bloggers, Laura. Thanks for what you do.
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
My blogging story is one you’ve already read several times today, Janet. I started a blog because I want to become a published author and I was told, in order to do that, I had to blog. So I blogged about writing. Then I learned that that was a mistake and that I should be building an audience for my novel, so since it is YA fantasy, I started a blog on fantasy topics.
Recently, I changed the focus of the writing blog. Originally, I was just sharing the journey on the way to getting published. I’ve changed it to focus on getting out the message that writing is a skill and that anyone can learn to write effectively.
I’ve changed direction with the fantasy blog as well. In the beginning, the topics were a bit random and I wrote the posts in an informal yet expository way. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to tie my characters more actively into the blog. The blog is called Whispers of a Banshee Weaver. One of the characters in my novel is a banshee and I’ve started doing interviews with her on the blog. Originally, in Celtic culture, it was an honor for a family to have a banshee. Movies and television have presented banshees as fearsome, murderous ghosts. Keira, my banshee, has been answering questions on the true nature of banshees, what they do, how they feel about humans, etc. This has been fun to write and I’m hoping that anyone who reads the blog will enjoy it too. I hoping to stick with this approach, profiling characters from the novel, maybe sharing some stories about them without actually telling much from the actual novel.
Thank you all at Books and Such for blogging. You have helped me SO MUCH in learning about the business of writing. And as I said to Heather above, I visit your blog now not just for information, but because of my experience of you as people. I don’t know that either of the novels I’m writing would be right for the Books and Such agency, but I will keep coming to this blog because I enjoy connecting with you and with the writers who are apart of this community.
Blessings all! 🙂
Janet Grant
Christine, I always look forward to your comments. What a great idea to interview the banshee on your blog. I had the misconception you mentioned and could use some educating from your resident banshee!
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Thank you, Janet! That’s so sweet of you to say that you look forward to my comments. You made my day! 🙂
sally apokedak
I’m sure glad you blog. I’m addicted to industry blogs. Plus, I’ve found several bloggers to follow among the people who comment here.
I started blogging seven years ago and loved it. I still do love it, but there are so many blogs now that I don’t want to blog every day. I don’t want to add to the noise. What I love about blogging now is that there are so many ways for people to subscribe. I don’t need to blog every day for fear people will forget to come back. Once a week is fine. I can blog when I have something to say, and my subscribers will get the post. I’m thrilled with this and with my small group of followers.
Janet Grant
That’s a good point, Sally, that you can find stimulating blogs to read by checking out comments on other blogs. It’s a great way to make connections you wouldn’t otherwise.
Lisa
I am so thankful for this blog. I feel that I have learned so much from checking in each day. The great people who comment frequently here also have taught me so much on my writing journey.
I started blogging daily to make a difference. I love the dialogue it opens up and the friendships that have grown from honest words. I think if I am touching lives in a small way, my writing does not return to me void:)
Janet Grant
Lisa, that’s the point isn’t, it? To have an effect on others. I love the way blogs do that!
Cheryl Malandrinos
Great post, Janet. I’m very glad you started this blog. It gives me a perspective different from my own and it helps me to understand publishing better.
I began blogging because I didn’t know how to design a website, but I still wanted to create online exposure for myself. When virtual book tours really hit the scene in 2007, I began to blog about other writers too. That has led to me creating more blogs. I now have seven–some I post to five days a week, others I post to less frequently, and one I maintain for fun. Only one is geared toward my target market, but I feel blogging as a busy mom, and as a lover of books for adults allows people to get to know me better as a children’s author and Christian.
Thanks for starting the week off right.
Janet Grant
Cheryl, wow, seven blogs. I find it mind-boggling to maintain that number of conversations and to have that many ideas. Anyone else in awe of Cheryl’s output?
Christine Dorman / @looneyfilberts
Definitely! And Cheryl, I’ve visited one of your blogs and it’s fantastic. I don’t know where you find the time and energy to maintain seven blogs–plus be a mom and an author. You are amazing!
Cheryl Malandrinos
It is definitely a balancing act, Janet. Christine, thanks for the compliment. God gives me the ideas, I just have to make time for them.
Peter DeHaan
I started blogging in 2008. At the time it was because I thought it would be fun (and usually it is).
Then my reason for blogging became: because I had something to say.
But I persisted because it was something I was supposed to do.
And now I blog to give to others and interact with them (plus all the other reasons, too).
Janet Grant
Then you started about the time we launched our blog. I’m shocked at how many words we’ve written in those 4 1/2 years.
Edie Melson
Janet, I appreciate the fact you blog. You provide valuable information on the industry from a perspective I don’t have.
I began my blog in 2009 to build a platform and launch my freelance career. Now I’m grateful I can share what I learned with others.
Thank you for your willingness to be a liaison between writers and publishers.
Janet Grant
Blogs can be a great way to build a freelance career, can’t they?
Sharon K Mayhew
I read your blog almost every day. I comment every once and a while. I appreciate all of your posts. They are always full of beneficial information.
I began blogging because writers are supposed to build a platform, but I continue to do it because of the amazing connections I have made. I have a huge circle of writers (and a few agents) I can call on for advice because of blogging. I would encourage any writer to start blogging. It will open up lots of doors.
Janet Grant
Good point: Blogs help us to create networks, and that can only help the blogger.
Sharon K Mayhew
I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities thanks to blogging. I’ve “met” agents, won or been given agent critiques, “met” published authors and prepublished authors and swapped manuscripts with them. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t joined the blogging community.
One of the wonderful things about writers is that they share. They want to see their “friends” succeed. It is so much fun when something good happens for one of your bloggy friends. 🙂
Sarah Thomas
Janet, I think this post is having an unexpected benefit–I’ve had several visitors from your blog come visit mine through my comment link. In the past, that’s happened once in a while, but today there are more. How cool is that?
Janet Grant
Sarah, that’s cool! Glad we could help to introduce readers to your blog.
Caroline @ UnderGod'sMightyHand
You all do this really well (in my opinion): “I am interested in helping others to think through the implications of how the industry is moving.” You guys are superb at #4, too. 🙂
I began blogging because I saw the massive benefit of community surrounding blogs and to flesh out my own studies and thoughts. That community aspect has become more of a focus. As I blogged for a while, I also became a monthly contributor to three larger blogs. I’ve noticed these blogs have now become more of a focus lately. (I like being a part of these teams.) While my personal blog still exists and I still take it seriously, I see that it’s going through a revamp of some sort with a strong focus on attempting to foster community to encourage each other to grow deeper in faith.
Janet Grant
I realize, as I’m reading the comments today, how much writers’ blogs morph in terms of focus and purpose. That’s instructive for me, since we started our blog with such specific goals. I suspect the difference is that an established literary agency is a very different animal from a writer defining him or herself online.Thanks for the insights.
Caroline @ UnderGod'sMightyHand
That’s a great point, Janet.
As I thought about this morphing process more, I’m seeing this about my current personal blog revamp: the main goal (encouraging one another in the faith) is the same as when I started the blog. But the way I’m going about doing that is changing a bit.
As you described in your post, I think it’s important to consider specific reasons and goals in starting a blog. Thanks for giving us all more to think about in why we write on our own blogs!
Ann Bracken
I absolutely love your blogs. I don’t always comment though, because I’m usually reading during those spare moments at work before having to run off to do something. Of course, tonight I’m staying up late to watch Olympics.
I have a blog, and have posted a grand total of two times. I’m still trying to figure out what I should post. My work also monitors the internet (even on off hours), and my husband is in public service so what I write can be scrutinized to his detriment. As a result I’m very hesitant.
Thanks so much for all the great information you’ve passed on to us. I read every post.
Donna Goodrich
I started a blog because my publisher asked me to, and I’m loving it! I send it out each Monday to those who want it automatically in their email, and also post the site on Facebook. I begin with an Update to what I’ve been doing the last week (books I’m working on, etc.), a Thought for the Day, a Laugh for the Day (clean joke), answer any questions that have been sent in, and end with Writing Tips.
Wendy
I sat on the fence for a long time about blogging, not sure I could keep up the commitment to regular posting and faithfulness to a readership. But as with any writing project, I decided that a clear mission statement for why I was blogging was essential. It was an interesting exercise: I found that really what I needed most from it was not visibility or marketing or myriads of blog friends, but simply the discipline of writing regularly, treating each post as an exercise and letting the results be secondary.
It’s been an excellent training ground. And along the way I discovered the joy of influencing and encouraging others through my words, and making friends whose faces I may never see. When I’m too busy to work on other writing projects, this is something that keeps me connected and moving forward with my writing.
I just discovered your site and eagerly look forward to reading some of the archives and learning from your ongoing posts. Thanks so much for making the effort to be ‘available’ to us out here! 🙂
Panama
What this argument/debate seems to be doing of late, which I find problematic, is that you are getting a group of self-published folk who are saying you’re basically ignorant and/or stupid to try for traditional publishing. They take too much of your well-deserved money. Compared to what you can potentially earn self-publishing, this is an easy statement to make. Publishers can no longer snicker at writers who self-published. We’ve reached a level where the successes have shown that it’s legitimate. It’s up to them now to act to balance this tipping of the scales. What’s a fairer compensation from traditional publishing? That’s a hard question to answer. How much are the services they provide worth to you as an author, assuming a positive working relationship/experience. Is 10% royalty fair, 15%? I’ve yet to see any real discussion about what exactly would be deemed reasonable and fair. It’s always “traditional sucks, so don’t do it.” I’d love to see a real, transparent breakdown so we could see just what might legitimately be deemed fair. If I were to venture a guess, I’d say that publishers try to get away with the lowest rate they can. The question then becomes, where is the ceiling? At some point, it would break through the bottom line, but there is obviously a gap between what is offered and what can legitimately be given. There’s a happy medium in there somewhere that I’d like to see. And writers now have the leverage of self-publishing behind them to begin to ask this kind of question. So, publishers, what is that ceiling number? What royalty rate could you actually be offering me? I’m curious, as are a great many others I’m sure.