Friday, July 10, 2009

Does Blogging Help Sell Books?

Lately, there's been some talk amongst bloggers about whether or not it's worth blogging. Are we really getting what we want from it? Will people actually buy our books if we mention them on our blog? What I've read in a few places is that not many people will. Infact, some agents say the amount of traffic you get on your blog won't influence your sales' numbers because a high percentage of your followers won't go out and purchase your book anyway. Oh, yeah? Take a look at Nathan Bransford's blog. Over three hundred people commented and many of them said they learned about the book their reading from a blogger they follow. So, keep blogging people. Get your name out there!

While we're on the subject, what do YOU get from blogging?

22 comments:

  1. Go Nathan! Go Nathan! I have two author friends who can attest to the power of the blog to increase sells.

    I blog for the community, to learn even more about the writing world, to help others when I can, and because it's a hoot. There are the nicest writerly people who blog!

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  2. I love reading Nathan's blog. I was so happy to see that word of mouth and blog helped to sell so many books!

    I think any type of online presence helps. Facebook, Myspace, blogging, and yes even twitter all help get the word out. People have to hear about a book to become curious about it.

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  3. I've met MANY people by blogging and gotten a great deal of support. And that support is greatly appreciated. Without it I'd be all too tempted to give up.

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  4. I don't know if his site was a very scientific poll as he was asking bloggers where they learned about a book :) BUT, that being said, I do think that it helps to increase sales or at least builds a stronger fan base.

    Personally I enjoy seeing that others out there are writing and that I am not alone. I do notice the increase in my weekly word count when I am more actively blogging.

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  5. I read countless blogs and when they mention a good book and I see a trend--I will go out and buy that book.

    Blogging is crazy--I like it and it's fun! You meet some great people and they offer tips/advice you can use for your own writing.

    Nathan is a god LOL! How does he do it?

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  6. I felt like you were speaking to ME! :) I like blogging because it has taught me sooo much about the writing journey. To read other's paths and to know what to expect is invaluable to me. It has taught me was is realistic and what is not!

    I've gleaned nuggest of writing wisdom, have learned to love many new friends, and have been encouraged by people who know exactly what I am going through.

    I don't know I would be where I am today in regard to progress on my novel if it had not been for the blogging community.

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  7. If blogging will eventually help me sell more books, then that's a bonus. Because for me, blogging is about the relationships and community that I've formed with other writers and without that I'd be lost!

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  8. I like connecting with people and jabbering about books and writing, BUT I originally started my blog for networking purposes. I've actually bought a couple of different bloggers' books. If there's a personal connection, then I think that'll help sell books.

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  9. I blog for lots of reasons, but one is to be accessible to my (someday) readers. I'd like to get a book in print and then be the type of author that kids (thats who I write for) feel connected to. That's what I hope my blog will morph into post-publication.

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  10. Awesome! Great info, thanks. I knew I blogged for a reason!

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  11. I buy books based on word of mouth on blogs. I might not buy it the first time I see one of my blogger friends mention it, but after several? Yup. And these days, with blog tours and networking and all, I'm seeing books mentioned tens of time before they even hit shelves. I think it's safe to say my familiarity with titles, and my desire to purchase a book, all stem from blogville talk.

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  12. I enjoy blogging because it gives me a sense of accountability to know that people (even if just a few) are reading what I'm saying. I do try to put more effort into the craft and the content because I never know who might stop by.

    A couple of years ago, my sister's town was destroyed by a tornado, and for a while after that, many people stopped by to see pictures, read updates, and see the non-media influenced side of the story. That was a new kind of pressure to "deliver!"

    And through the blogs I love to read, I learn about everything from politics to motherhood to ways to approach my relationship with God!

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  13. Camaraderie and support, more than anything else, but also that following I trust (and pray) will help me down the line. I definitely think it's worth it.

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  14. I read that post at Nathan's blog and it truly amazed me how many people said they found a book through social networking of some sort, particularly blogging. I think that's awesome!

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  15. I sold my books from my poetry blog :)
    To be honest I love blogging and if,(when the time comes),I do not sell my novel from my author blog, I really won't mind. I love the friendship and support I get from blogging, anything else is an added bonus.

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  16. Just like advertising, the more times we get our books in front of people, the more likely they will be to buy it. I think blogging and blog tours work. So do social sites.

    L. Diane Wolfe
    www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com
    www.spunkonastick.net
    www.thecircleoffriends.net

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  17. I don't know if blogging sell a lot of books and really I haven't thought much about it. But I have definitely purchased books recommended by other bloggers. So that says something.

    Word Vertification: kings :)

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  18. I agree it does help but it sure gets hard to balance your time.

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  19. I have bought books because of blogs! It works!
    What do I get from blogging?? Do you have a bigger box??lol
    All of the above and more. Worth every second of my time.

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  20. Thanks Lynette for the heads up. Seemed a lot of them said they bought the books they were reading by following the authors on twitter too, besides from blogs. I've twitter account too but I still find it hard to update it. Should I rant, talk about my story conception or what? Still trying to find a balance.

    Bargain with the Devil

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  21. I agree that blogging is a great way to connect to other published and unpublished writers and to learn about the writing craft. I would buy a book from a blogger I read because I feel I have connected to them via their blog.

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