blogging

, , ,

Can You Blog a Book? (And should you?!)

You know I’m a fan of writing. You know I believe that we should each write Every.Single.Day. to exercise that muscle and make sure we’re in momentum.

But have you ever wondered what you should be writing?

Let me be honest:

When I got started with publishing my books, I did take a collection of my past articles, shape them into chapters, and use that as the basis of my book.

I’ll say that again:

The BASIS of my book.

I didn’t take 25 blog articles, slap a cover on them, and call it a book. That’s not a book!

I did the work to see what I had, see what I was missing, and then bring the two together into a book.

And that work great if you have a backlist of on pointe articles that are already written in a way that would support that approach. For example, my book on fishing “Must-Know Trout Fishing Tricks, Tips, & Techniques” was written this way. I’d spent the 4 years leading up to that book writing a weekly blog article about fishing so I had content already created.

So you want to write a book…

  • Do you start with a blog or a book?
  • Should you “blog a book”?
  • Do you write articles related to the topic so you can “get started”?

(I was asked a variation on this overall question just this week!)

My short answer:

No.

Don’t start a blog when you really want to write a book.

Write the book!

Don’t write articles on that topic when you really want to write a book. Keep Reading!

, ,

Should You Write a Blog Or a Book?

You know I’m a fan of writing. You know I believe that we should each write Every.Single.Day. to exercise that muscle and make sure we’re in momentum.

But have you ever wondered what you should be writing?

Let me be honest:

When I got started with publishing my books, I did take a collection of my past articles, shape them into chapters, and use that as the basis of my book.

I’ll say that again:

The BASIS of my book.

I didn’t take 25 blog articles, slap a cover on them, and call it a book. That’s not a book!

Slapping a cover on a collection of blog articles is NOT a book. You can't blog a book. Click To Tweet

I did the planning and re-reading to see what I had already written, see what I was missing, and then close that gap to create a book. For example, my book on fishing “Must-Know Trout Fishing Tricks, Tips, & Techniques” was written this way. I’d spent the 4 years leading up to that book writing a weekly blog article about fishing so I had content already created.

This system ONLY works if you have a backlist of on pointe articles that are already written.

Let me say that again:

  1. They’re on topic.
  2. They’re in your voice.
  3. They reflect your current views.
  4. They are ALREADY written.

Keep Reading!

,

Should You Write a Blog… Or a Book?

You know I’m a fan of writing. You know I believe that we should each write Every.Single.Day. to exercise that muscle and make sure we’re in momentum.

But have you ever wondered what you should be writing?

Let me be honest:

When I got started with publishing my books, I did take a collection of my past articles, shape them into chapters, and use that as the basis of my book.

Should you write a blog or a book? Click To Tweet

I’ll say that again:

The BASIS of my book.

I didn’t take 25 blog articles, slap a cover on them, and call it a book. That’s not a book!

I did the work to see what I had, see what I was missing, and then bring the two together into a book.

And that work great if you have a backlist of on pointe articles that are already written in a way that would support that approach. For example, my book on fishing “Must-Know Trout Fishing Tricks, Tips, & Techniques” was written this way. I’d spent the 4 years leading up to that book writing a weekly blog article about fishing so I had content already created.

So you want to write a book…

  • Do you start with a blog or a book?
  • Should you “blog a book”?
  • Do you write articles related to the topic so you can “get started”?

(I was asked a variation on this overall question just last week!)

My short answer:

No.

Don’t start a blog when you really want to write a book.

Keep Reading!

,

4 Tips to Being a Guest Expert on a Blog

I recently got asked to submit a guest article for a blog. My first thought was “Yay! Awesome! Of course!” Then when I actually WROTE it on my To Do list, I realized that just WRITING the article was only part of what I needed to do.

100814-GuestExpert

Here are 4 steps when you’ve been asked to submit a guest post:

(This is when SHE is asking YOU – not you pitching an idea!)

1. Review their website and blog
Since you were invited to write, it’s probably a safe bet to say that HER audience is a good fit for you. But you still want to spend some time checking out her website and blog.

  • What’s the tone? Is it formal or conversational?
  • Is there anything there that doesn’t align with your business or personal vision? Your name will be forever associated with this other person so before you send them your article, be sure there’s nothing there that you’re uncomfortable with or regret.
  • How long are the articles?
  • Is the target audience beginning or advanced?
  • Have there been any guest experts in your field or industry? It’s okay if there are, you just want to make sure you’re saying something different.

2. Make sure you’re crystal clear on the requirements and deadline
Guest posting are only a win-win when BOTH of you are clear! That includes:

Keep Reading!

, , ,

What Does Ghostwriting Look Like?

I received some excellent questions last week about what types of ghostwriting I offer and how I work. This is a bit different from my normal article style but I wanted to highlight exactly how I work!

090214-GhostwritingVision

1. I write in YOUR voice and style

Of course it’s not going to be 100% perfect but you’d be surprised at how much like you the writing sounds. This is a skill that I’ve been developing for years.

The writing will sound like you BUT it will also be written using proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. For one of my ghost blogging clients, we are making the transition from a prior ghostwriter who wrote in a choppy, uncomfortable manner. The writing sounded formal, stilted, and a bit like a non-native English-speaker was writing. We are making the transition to convey the “author’s” ideas and thoughts but in a writing style that is professional and conversational.

For me to write in your voice and style, I need to examine your writing. Which means I spend serious hours reading and examining your blog, book, and newsletter – stuff you’ve written in the past. The only time this falls apart is if you DON’T already have samples of your own writing; in that case, I have a great Plan B!

Keep Reading!

, , ,

How to Hire A Ghostwriter

Let me be really clear – there’s nothing wrong with deciding to hire a ghostwriter. You don’t do everything in your business, right? You are probably already outsourcing the tasks that you are either not good at, don’t like, or don’t have time for. Most people start out with outsourcing their bookkeeping, taxes, or sending out their newsletter.

A ghostwriter is just another person on your team who helps you get it all done!

082614-GhostWriter

Here are some great reasons to hire a ghostwriter:

  • You don’t like writing or feel you’re not good at it. I’m a firm believer that everybody has a story to tell but I 100% get it that not everybody is in love with the written words.
  • Tasks like your blog, book, newsletter, or articles keep getting added to your to do list and then stay there, day after day, week after week.
  • There are other activities that only you can do. Instead of being a money-making activity, these writing activities are taking you away from other things that do make you money.

I want to say this clearly: it’s not a failure AT ALL to bring in a writer! You’re an expert at what you do and people pay you for your knowledge, skills, and passion. Writers are the same and we love to write!

Here’s what you need to do before hiring a ghostwriter:

1. Be realistic about your budget

You might be able to get a writer on the cheap but is the writing of any quality? This writing is representing your business – more than video, podcasts or interviews ever can. You don’t need to pay through the nose, but don’t expect a quality writer to be cheap either.

2. Look at their credentials

Your writer should be a native English speaker or have the writing skills of one. Ideally she should have a degree in writing (Creative Writing or Journalism) or English. If not, then years of experience will also do the trick!

3. Be clear about your expectations

Nobody is going to write EXACTLY like you do but a good ghostwriter should come close. However, understand that there will be a process while your writer gets to learn your voice so there might be more edits in the beginning. You’ve got to be okay with letting go and letting the writer do her job. That being said, if she isn’t matching your voice and style, you might need to look elsewhere.

Keep Reading!

, , ,

Writing Groups: The Good, The Bad, and The Business

Have you ever thought of joining a writing group?

Hang on – do you know what a writing group is? There are several different types:

  • Writing groups – authors hanging out together and typing away
  • Critique groups – examine each other’s writing for tone, style, clunky passages and moments of brilliance
  • Commenting groups – for blogging, usually, where you read and comment on each other’s blogs
  • Review groups – swap reviews on Amazon.com or other online reviewing sites

So, back to my original question: Have you ever thought of joining a writing group?

081914-JoinAWritersGroup

Here’s why you want to take a look at joining one or more groups:

Writing Groups

The Good:
Writing is a lonely business so it’s nice to get together with other people who are doing the same thing. It’s a lot like when I was in college and would head to a study room to work. I wasn’t studying the same subject in a group – like quizzing each other but rather working on my own stuff in a room of other people who were really focused. It always helped my concentration and focus.

The Bad:
These types of groups can quickly become a social event. Which is totally fine (and fun) UNLESS you’re really just there to work and everybody wants to chat. There’s also the challenge of hauling your materials to a location and hoping you have all your resources, research, and tools.

The Business:
Writing groups usually accept any type of author. They might not be the best place to make connections for clients or referrals but you can also be inspired by sharing a table with a novelist, poet, or playwright! Remember that the purpose of the group is to write – not to network so be respectful of the rules of the group.

Critique Groups

The Good:
It’s always a great idea to have somebody read over your work! Critique groups might focus on the technical aspect of writing (spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.) but they usually are more of big-picture view looking at flow, rhythm, tone, plot, etc.

The Bad:
When you’re picking a critique group, it’s easy to fall into a group of writers who aren’t experienced. While I believe that everyone has something to offer, if you’re years down your writing training road, you might not get a lot out of a group filled with college students. Try to find a group with a mix of wanna-bes, trying to break ins, established authors, and career writers. Also look for a mix of ages – you’ll get a better perspective on your work. Also be wary of groups who ONLY tell you everything is wonderful – that doesn’t help you grow as an author.

Keep Reading!

1 2 3