Judy Schneider's Writing Lab

I completely agree with you, Judy. A web presence is a must these days. I have met so many people in this business through my blog and commenting on others' blogs that I never would have met otherwise. I think I have a pretty strong platform for what I write and hopefully an editor will eventually realize that I can sell a few books. Maybe more than a few.

I missed you at Pennwriters. I can't wait until next year's!

Joyce, I'm certain you have the platform to sell numerous books! As you know, the writing is hard work and the blogging is time-consuming, but it's so worth it. If nothing else, it is an effective way of networking with other writers and staying in touch with the publishing community.

Thanks for your post, Joyce! Enjoy the weekend!

Thanks for the many compliments, Judy. It's exciting to be part of creating a platform for a book or series.

Kathy has done an amazing job in crafting her proposal and promoting the concept, on her blog and elsewhere. In the same way, you created a whole promotional campaign for The Frantic Woman. Each website was part of a larger plan -- and a lot of persistent effort on each writer's part.

Congratulations to Kathy! I, too, have to compliment Cindy on her tremendous talent as a web marketer and site designer. I love the site she built me to promote the two sides of my writing business. She really helped me figure out my brand, and now she's helping me get my blog up and running. I'm lucky to have both Cindy and Judy as sounding boards and to keep me moving forward in promoting my writing.

Judy (and Cindy), thank you for getting me started on my blog and reassuring post. I hope, too, that one day it attracts agents and editors.

Do you think it is important to show agents/editors that you offer something "useful" (e.g., tips, information) to readers, like on your site? Or is it enough to simply show that you can write by sharing thoughts and entertaining?

Kudos to Kathy!

Judy:

Excellent post and I've taken your advice and set up my own blog at
http://janswritinglane.blogspot.com/. Now I have to get people to read it. Thanks for the swift kick in the butt to get going on this. You are one great motivator.

Cindy & Julie, thanks for your comments. We ARE fortunate to have each other for exchange of ideas, motivation, and unwavering support! Thanks!

Susan, you have adhered to a steady schedule of posting regularly on your blog, a task that is so important, second only to getting the blog up and running in the first place. For that, you should pat yourself on the back (and keep going)!

In answer to your question, should you post content of substance including useful tips, etc. I think the answer to that depends upon what you're hoping to accomplish in hosting a blog. For example, if a writer is working on a nonfiction how-to manuscript, it's a good idea to offer subject matter that will keep potential book-buyers coming back to your site. On the other hand, if the point of your book is to entertain, as is the case with most fiction, just having a regular presence might be enough.

That said, however, it is true that fiction writers have an easier time landing spots on television and radio if they can link their fiction to some current event or nonfiction interest, if you will. For example, if your protagonsit is a gardener, it would be timely for you to sport your knowledge of gardening, especially at this time of year when people are kneeling in the dirt in attempt to enhance their homes' curb appeal.

If any part of your fiction book centers around an event such as the Indy 500, for example, it might be a good idea for you to post occasional notes on who's projected to win, possible dangers, new drivers in the running, you get the picture. This will hopefully evoke a response from visitors, turning them in to potential book buyers!

Janice, I'm so, so excited to hear you've introduced your blog to the Internet world. Congratulations! I'm headed over there right now to read and comment. In fact, it would be great if many of you would do the same. (Here's the link: http://janswritinglane.blogspot.com/) We writers should support each other in our promotional and writing endeavors, alike. We must keep in mind there is room for all of us!

Good luck to all! Enjoy this holiday weekend!

Judy

P.S. Just to let you know, I left a Memorial Day-related comment on a blog I visit regularly called Housewife Cafe. Here's the link if you'd like to read about my father's experience in finding out his 19-year old brother had been killed in battle: http://housewifecafe.com/ It's incredible!

Judy, so many thanks are due to you and Cindy for your help with Lessons. Thanks for using me as an example in your blog, about blogs! I've grown to love my blog. At first it felt more like an obligation, but then, as complete strangers started to respond, I felt as if I was meeting a need. Now I clamor to read new posts.

In addition, knowing that I need to post regularly has helped me keep my eyes and mind open to the next topic. Of course since mine centers around the laundry, every time I throw a load in I'm more focused on the process. Who knew great writing prompts would come among the piles of stained socks and dirty underwear?

Thank you for the gift of your experience shared on your blog!

Kathy

Judy: Great article. Cindy has put me on the way to blogging. Without the sites designed by Cindy, I would have had a far more difficult time "selling" my talent as a consultant and analyst to the media. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. Maria

Hey Judy, great post. I'm trying to find the exact brand that personifies who I am, but because I'm writing Women's Fiction I don't feel like hooking on a particular subject is necessarily the way to go. Unless I changed it with every novel. So, I'll plug away and think closer about what it should be. Thanks for the great information and here's to hoping we all hit the magic formula--whatever that means for each of us and our books. Congratulations to Kathy.

Judy, thanks for the suggestions, they got me thinking... Hope you had a good holiday weekend, and thanks to you and Kathie for sharing your thoughts about Memorial Day and what it means.

Kathy, you are always so kind. I have enjoyed reading and sharing in your perspective. Congratulations on having an attention-grabbing blog!

Many thanks for your comments, Maria. You are a talented woman and Cindy knows how to help you put your best foot forward. You deserve all the success you've gained!

Kathie, you are right to struggle over the "brand" you assign yourself. We need to keep it broad enough to encompass new projects we take on, and yet it must be specific enough to be individual and unique. It's a challenge all of us face. I think you have found your niche!

Susan, thanks for your thoughts. Memorial Day has always been special to me as it was my paternal grandmother's birthday. She had three sons serve in World War II, though only two returned home alive. She went to her grave hoping that the recovery of her son's dog tags at the scene of a bloody battle (Anzio Beachhead, Italy) was a grotesque mistake. Hope is what gives us the strength to carry on.

I wish you all a productive week!

Best,

Judy