What do you think?
Rate this book
The Author Blog: Easy Blogging for Busy Authors
An easy-does-it guide to simple, low-tech blogging for authors who want to build a platform, but not let it take over their lives.
An author blog doesn't have to follow the rules that monetized business blogs do. This book teaches the secrets that made Anne R. Allen a multi-award-winning blogger and one of the top author-bloggers in the industry.
And you'll learn why having a successful author blog is easier than you think.
Here are some things you'll learn in this book:
1) How an author blog is different—and easier to maintain—than a business blog
2) What authors should blog about at different stages of their careers
3) Choosing the right blog topics for your genre and audience
4) How one type of blogpost can build your platform quickly
5) Basic SEO tips that don't make your eyes glaze over with tech jargon
6) How to write headers that will grab the attention of Web surfers
7) How to keep your audience by learning the tricks of content writing
8) Essential blog and social media etiquette rules
9) What happens to your blog when you die?
An author blog doesn't have to follow the rules that monetized business blogs do. This book teaches the secrets that made Anne R. Allen a multi-award-winning blogger and one of the top author-bloggers in the industry.
And you'll learn why having a successful author blog is easier than you think.
Here are some things you'll learn in this book:
1) How an author blog is different—and easier to maintain—than a business blog
2) What authors should blog about at different stages of their careers
3) Choosing the right blog topics for your genre and audience
4) How one type of blogpost can build your platform quickly
5) Basic SEO tips that don't make your eyes glaze over with tech jargon
6) How to write headers that will grab the attention of Web surfers
7) How to keep your audience by learning the tricks of content writing
8) Essential blog and social media etiquette rules
9) What happens to your blog when you die?
- GenresWritingNonfiction
169 pages, ebook
Published December 4, 2017
About the author
Anne R. Allen
27 books80 followersAnne R. Allen is the author of 10 rom-com mysteries published by MWiDP, Kotu Beach Press, and Thalia Press: FOOD OF LOVE, THE LADY OF THE LAKEWOOD DINER, and THE GATSBY GAME (now available in a boxed set BOOMER WOMEN: THREE COMEDIES ABOUT A GENERATION THAT CHANGED THE WORLD), plus the Camilla Randall Mysteries: THE BEST REVENGE, GHOSTWRITERS IN THE SKY, SHERWOOD, LTD, NO PLACE LIKE HOME, SO MUCH FOR BUCKINGHAM, THE QUEEN OF STAVES, GOOGLING OLD BOYFRIENDS, and CATFISHING IN AMERICA.
She co-authored HOW TO BE A WRITER IN THE E-AGE: A SELF-HELP GUIDE with PAY IT FORWARD author Catherine Ryan Hyde. And Catherine wrote the foreword of her latest guide: THE AUTHOR BLOG: EASY BLOGGING FOR BUSY AUTHORS.
Anne R. Allen's Blog (which she shares with New York Times bestselling author Ruth Harris) was named one of the Best 101 Websites for Writers by Writers Digest.
She co-authored HOW TO BE A WRITER IN THE E-AGE: A SELF-HELP GUIDE with PAY IT FORWARD author Catherine Ryan Hyde. And Catherine wrote the foreword of her latest guide: THE AUTHOR BLOG: EASY BLOGGING FOR BUSY AUTHORS.
Anne R. Allen's Blog (which she shares with New York Times bestselling author Ruth Harris) was named one of the Best 101 Websites for Writers by Writers Digest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 10, 2017
If you're one of those rare creatures -- an author/writer without a blog -- Anne R. Allen's new book, The Author Blog: Easy Blogging for Busy Authors will explain why you absolutely should have one, and convince you that launching a blog is immensely do-able. If you're an author who already has one, but you're struggling with it, this book is especially useful, and chock-full of excellent tips and advice for sticking with your author blog -- and enjoying it.
I have been a fan of, and a faithful subscriber to Anne's blog for authors since I launched my own website and blog a couple of years ago. So, of course, as soon as I heard about it, I asked for (and received) a review copy of The Author Blog. I devoured it within a few days: It is a truly readable how-to, and totally comprehensive A-Z guide for author bloggers.
Anne herself describes the book as an "easy-does-it guide to simple, low-tech blogging for authors who want to build a platform, but don't want to let it take over their lives."
She covers every topic associated with author blogging from the very beginning (how to set up a blog in 18 easy steps) to the very end (how to make sure that trolls don't take over your blog when you die.) Yes. She really does think of everything!
In between, she covers basic topics like when to start a blog; what to include in an author bio; and essential tips for starting bloggers. She progresses to more interesting issues like "slow blogging;" how to get on Google's radar; why commenting on other (high profile) blogs is a first step to blogging success; good topics for author blogs; how to write blog content given that internet readers only skim content; and how your blog content should change as you progress through your own different stages from working on your novel to sending out your manuscript to agents/publishers to post-publication day.
She explains blog terms like "keywords" and "SERP" in simple language, and is at her most reassuring best when explaining why you don't need to frantically blog 2-3 times a day; why you don't need to worry over a lack of followers; why you don't need a newsletter as well as blog; and why you shouldn't monetize your blog.
In a nutshell, the advice and tips in The Author Blog will show you how to blog, how to enjoy blogging -- and still have plenty of time for your WIP.
I have been a fan of, and a faithful subscriber to Anne's blog for authors since I launched my own website and blog a couple of years ago. So, of course, as soon as I heard about it, I asked for (and received) a review copy of The Author Blog. I devoured it within a few days: It is a truly readable how-to, and totally comprehensive A-Z guide for author bloggers.
Anne herself describes the book as an "easy-does-it guide to simple, low-tech blogging for authors who want to build a platform, but don't want to let it take over their lives."
She covers every topic associated with author blogging from the very beginning (how to set up a blog in 18 easy steps) to the very end (how to make sure that trolls don't take over your blog when you die.) Yes. She really does think of everything!
In between, she covers basic topics like when to start a blog; what to include in an author bio; and essential tips for starting bloggers. She progresses to more interesting issues like "slow blogging;" how to get on Google's radar; why commenting on other (high profile) blogs is a first step to blogging success; good topics for author blogs; how to write blog content given that internet readers only skim content; and how your blog content should change as you progress through your own different stages from working on your novel to sending out your manuscript to agents/publishers to post-publication day.
She explains blog terms like "keywords" and "SERP" in simple language, and is at her most reassuring best when explaining why you don't need to frantically blog 2-3 times a day; why you don't need to worry over a lack of followers; why you don't need a newsletter as well as blog; and why you shouldn't monetize your blog.
In a nutshell, the advice and tips in The Author Blog will show you how to blog, how to enjoy blogging -- and still have plenty of time for your WIP.
December 6, 2017
This excellent book is EXACTLY the one I've been looking for. I'm busy and get easily overwhelmed by the idea of newsletters, blogging, and multiple social media formats that are supposed to help build my author platform. Most how-to books about blogging focus on making money and SEO placement, which really isn't the goal for most of us authors. We want to learn how to genuinely connect with readers. THE AUTHOR BLOG fills that need.
The book is chock full of useful information in a friendly, accessible format. Anne R Allen sets the tone from the start, underscoring the objective of the author's blog as a method for creating relationships with readers. A common thread throughout this book is not just the how of blogging and interacting with readers and other bloggers, but the WHY. And she does it with humor and humility, often referencing the mistakes she made so you don't repeat them.
I'm the perfect audience for this book because I'm an author of fiction and memoir, and both indie and trade published. As I read through the book I occasionally found myself nodding proudly, thinking "I do that!" and then I came to a gem that made me want to run to my blog and edit every single "clever" heading I'd used. (insert cringe emoji) Each chapter is chock full of useful information that had me pausing to add widgets, create a gravatar, tweak my bio, crop my author photo, add tags and undo preferences that make it harder for people to follow or comment on my blog. In addition to helping you make the best of your blog formatting, the author offers tons of options for creating fresh content, networking with other bloggers and establishing your personal "voice" that becomes part of your brand.
I gulped the entire book down in a two readings but will be coming back to it often. I'm not sure if the $2.99 price I paid for this book was a launch promo, but I'd have paid five times that just for half the content. Whether you're a published author or a newbie writer, I highly recommend THE AUTHOR BLOG by Anne R. Allen.
The book is chock full of useful information in a friendly, accessible format. Anne R Allen sets the tone from the start, underscoring the objective of the author's blog as a method for creating relationships with readers. A common thread throughout this book is not just the how of blogging and interacting with readers and other bloggers, but the WHY. And she does it with humor and humility, often referencing the mistakes she made so you don't repeat them.
I'm the perfect audience for this book because I'm an author of fiction and memoir, and both indie and trade published. As I read through the book I occasionally found myself nodding proudly, thinking "I do that!" and then I came to a gem that made me want to run to my blog and edit every single "clever" heading I'd used. (insert cringe emoji) Each chapter is chock full of useful information that had me pausing to add widgets, create a gravatar, tweak my bio, crop my author photo, add tags and undo preferences that make it harder for people to follow or comment on my blog. In addition to helping you make the best of your blog formatting, the author offers tons of options for creating fresh content, networking with other bloggers and establishing your personal "voice" that becomes part of your brand.
I gulped the entire book down in a two readings but will be coming back to it often. I'm not sure if the $2.99 price I paid for this book was a launch promo, but I'd have paid five times that just for half the content. Whether you're a published author or a newbie writer, I highly recommend THE AUTHOR BLOG by Anne R. Allen.
December 14, 2017
This book is a must-read for all authors who blog. Any author who is trying to balance their blogging with their WIP (work in progress) needs to read Anne’s advice within these pages. How author blogs are different to business blogs and why slow-blogging is actually the best kind for authors, are just a couple of the many topics covered.
I’m already a massive fan of Anne’s blog, and this book is written in the same humourous, yet highly informative style as her blog posts. Sharing her own blogging successes and mistakes, she explains how and why things need to be done in certain ways. Anne makes the whole blogging process seem accessible to everyone, no matter what you’re working on or your level of technical expertise.
I’ve been blogging for a couple of years now, and there are certainly things I need to improve on, but with the help of this book it seems so much more do-able.
If you’re a fellow author with a blog, then I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this book, and see where your blog can take you.
I’m already a massive fan of Anne’s blog, and this book is written in the same humourous, yet highly informative style as her blog posts. Sharing her own blogging successes and mistakes, she explains how and why things need to be done in certain ways. Anne makes the whole blogging process seem accessible to everyone, no matter what you’re working on or your level of technical expertise.
I’ve been blogging for a couple of years now, and there are certainly things I need to improve on, but with the help of this book it seems so much more do-able.
If you’re a fellow author with a blog, then I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of this book, and see where your blog can take you.
December 12, 2017
You know what I love about Anne R Allen's books? They're so reassuring and filled with such common sense. Like Anne, I'm exhausted by advice about how to build one's platform because it's written from a business person's point of view. A business person with wads of time and cash, apparently. In fact, I once tweeted in despair at one well-known blogging guru that I feel that his advice just exhausts me and that to succeed in anything we have to strive like a dog. Anne's tips for author blogging puts the writer's welfare ahead of her goals. It's designed to enable you to have a life, maintain your health while being a productive writer who can use web tech for your benefit. Lots of useful tips here, and my favourite chapter remains "What to blog about" as her unique is different from a business blog's.
March 23, 2019
As a aspiring indie author, it’s been hammered how important having a blog is, but I didn’t want to spend all hours on a blog and take away from my main goal in publishing fiction. Plus, I was utterly lost on how to execute. Thankfully, Anne R. Allen gives the curious and the confused writer a guide in an easy to read and informative tone pinched with a dash of humor, speaking from her own experience. She covers why you should blog, some tips to succeed in blogging, starting the blog and covers some bases concerning platforms, interacting with other authors and bloggers, all the way to death. Though I recommend skipping Chapter 19, which is about Google Plus, which is shutting down. The whole process is accessible to all levels and left me motivated to finally start that blog I’ve been putting off for years.
April 21, 2019
This book definitely had some good advice in it, and if it's the first book you've ever read on blogging, it might be great. But for anyone who's been blogging for a while, the information presented is pretty basic, entry-level stuff. Some of the information felt really dated, including references to platforms and practices that have fallen out of favor. Overall, I think it's a good book for entry-level author bloggers, but if you've been doing it a while it probably won't have a whole lot of new revelations for you.
December 8, 2021
A wonderful volume on how to create blogs for authors. Filled with helpful hints and links. Recommended for writers.
December 21, 2017
*I received a copy of this book as a gift from the author*
Anne R. Allen is no stranger to the blogging world. Writer's Digest named "Anne R. Allen's Blog...with Ruth Harris" one of the "Best 101 Websites for Writers", and the blog made The Write Life's list of the Best 100 Websites for Writers for 2017. Her advice and suggestions are shared daily by bloggers and authors such as myself. As her book is targeted, I am a busy Author but I also love to blog. Blogging. It has become one of the things I must incorporate into my schedule. I love interacting with the WordPress platform, networking with other authors, readers, and bloggers and being able to share my post on social media. In short, if there was a book out there for busy author bloggers, I am definitely one of them which is why I definitely knew I was going to need this book. I was not disappointed.
This book is extremely easy to understand which I think makes the “Easy” in the title so critical. It helps to guide those authors who are new to blogging in a way that leaves no stone unturned. Whether it is Blogger or Wordpress, if you are an author (even if you’re not a busy one) Allen’s book will give you the tools you need to make blogging part of your platform. What I loved most of all is the information on how an author blog is different than a business blog. What I loved least is some of the information on author newsletters.
While I don’t think everyone should do it at all (and I also agree with the author on some of the focus of some newsletters), I still think the email list can be beneficial for staying in communication with an author’s target audience. While my blog is more interactive and people can subscribe and also get email notifications of new posts, the email list helps me to organize exactly who the people are who are subscribed. I do not think the email list is for hard-selling (it doesn’t work) or anything most people tell you it is for but I do think it can be helpful to know who your supporters are more intimately. I love my blog. I have more interaction, feedback and more subscribers but I don’t know who everyone is, who is actually reading my content or what percentage of them are no longer paying attention. With an email list, I know exactly who is active, who is inactive, who clicks links, who open emails and who doesn’t. People who are no longer interested can also unsubscribe, giving me, even more, insight into the people who care and the people who do not care.
Nonetheless, there are still some really good pointers here so my disagreement with this part didn’t downgrade my thoughts on the book. Allen brings up some good pointers, such as: not using your list to advertise hard sell, promote or spam. How blogs show up on search engines, can be shared on social media and is interactive. I also like that she brings up the Street Team newsletter where everyone is treated as members of the author's team to help to review and promote the work. I don't like the idea either and have always thought there should be a separate list for this.
I wouldn’t recommend this book just for busy authors. I recommend this book for author bloggers in general. It’s an easy read and gives all the tools you need to start your author blog today.
Anne R. Allen is no stranger to the blogging world. Writer's Digest named "Anne R. Allen's Blog...with Ruth Harris" one of the "Best 101 Websites for Writers", and the blog made The Write Life's list of the Best 100 Websites for Writers for 2017. Her advice and suggestions are shared daily by bloggers and authors such as myself. As her book is targeted, I am a busy Author but I also love to blog. Blogging. It has become one of the things I must incorporate into my schedule. I love interacting with the WordPress platform, networking with other authors, readers, and bloggers and being able to share my post on social media. In short, if there was a book out there for busy author bloggers, I am definitely one of them which is why I definitely knew I was going to need this book. I was not disappointed.
This book is extremely easy to understand which I think makes the “Easy” in the title so critical. It helps to guide those authors who are new to blogging in a way that leaves no stone unturned. Whether it is Blogger or Wordpress, if you are an author (even if you’re not a busy one) Allen’s book will give you the tools you need to make blogging part of your platform. What I loved most of all is the information on how an author blog is different than a business blog. What I loved least is some of the information on author newsletters.
While I don’t think everyone should do it at all (and I also agree with the author on some of the focus of some newsletters), I still think the email list can be beneficial for staying in communication with an author’s target audience. While my blog is more interactive and people can subscribe and also get email notifications of new posts, the email list helps me to organize exactly who the people are who are subscribed. I do not think the email list is for hard-selling (it doesn’t work) or anything most people tell you it is for but I do think it can be helpful to know who your supporters are more intimately. I love my blog. I have more interaction, feedback and more subscribers but I don’t know who everyone is, who is actually reading my content or what percentage of them are no longer paying attention. With an email list, I know exactly who is active, who is inactive, who clicks links, who open emails and who doesn’t. People who are no longer interested can also unsubscribe, giving me, even more, insight into the people who care and the people who do not care.
Nonetheless, there are still some really good pointers here so my disagreement with this part didn’t downgrade my thoughts on the book. Allen brings up some good pointers, such as: not using your list to advertise hard sell, promote or spam. How blogs show up on search engines, can be shared on social media and is interactive. I also like that she brings up the Street Team newsletter where everyone is treated as members of the author's team to help to review and promote the work. I don't like the idea either and have always thought there should be a separate list for this.
I wouldn’t recommend this book just for busy authors. I recommend this book for author bloggers in general. It’s an easy read and gives all the tools you need to start your author blog today.
Read
September 22, 2022This didn't provide the level of detail I was hoping for. Much of what was included I already knew or had read on Anne's blog over the years, but it's a decent start for blogging newbies.
March 5, 2019
I bought this book in May 2018 and read it in June. In October, my blog traffic more than doubled. In February 2019, it was more than *six times* the amount of visitors I had eight months earlier. That's really all I have to say. And no, I didn't get paid to say that, yes, I paid for this book – what convinced me was actually Allen's blog. She's doing something right, and apparently by extension so am I :)
March 12, 2019
Such a helpful guide with many tips, even for long-time bloggers. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2019
As an early writer trying to discern what is the best way to think about marketing a book in progress, this book was invaluable to put the method of blogging in the context of book authors and distinguishing that from other types of blogging. Her advice comes from her own experience and is easy to read. It feels personal, like she's a good friend and mentor helping you out. The book helped validate some things I was suspecting, but no one else actually spelled out so plainly. One part outdated in recommending the use of Google Plus, but that is a small part of a great book on blogging focused on writers.
Of course I looked up her blog too and am now enjoying that regularly as well.
Here's a few good points:
Sorry to pop anybody's bubble, but author blogs don't get millions of hits. They may get thousands, but that's not a problem.
Blogging slowly [ie once a week] means it will take you longer to get into the search engines, but most blogs burn out after three years, and you want yours to be a platform to support you for the long haul.
As I've said, I suggest making no restrictions on comments on new posts. Don't make every comment wait for your approval before it goes live. You won't get a discussion going that way. ...
It's best to monitor your blog yourself. I've personally found that 99% of commenters are friendly, and it takes spammers and trollers a while to find your blog. But DO have comments over a week old sent to you for moderation. Old posts are most likely to attract spam (But if you do get spam, make sure to tag it as spam to train your spamblocker to block it.)
Of course I looked up her blog too and am now enjoying that regularly as well.
Here's a few good points:
Sorry to pop anybody's bubble, but author blogs don't get millions of hits. They may get thousands, but that's not a problem.
Blogging slowly [ie once a week] means it will take you longer to get into the search engines, but most blogs burn out after three years, and you want yours to be a platform to support you for the long haul.
As I've said, I suggest making no restrictions on comments on new posts. Don't make every comment wait for your approval before it goes live. You won't get a discussion going that way. ...
It's best to monitor your blog yourself. I've personally found that 99% of commenters are friendly, and it takes spammers and trollers a while to find your blog. But DO have comments over a week old sent to you for moderation. Old posts are most likely to attract spam (But if you do get spam, make sure to tag it as spam to train your spamblocker to block it.)
October 27, 2019
I'm always intrigued by books about blogging, so I was excited to give this one a read. If you're new to the internet, blogging, or trying to understand search engines, then this is worth going over. If you've already got a pretty solid grasp on how the internet/blogs work though, it will mostly work as a refresher.
While there was a lot of information in this book, some of it was outdated. Allen had whole sections on Google Plus and how it was absolutely essential to success ... And it's not even a thing anymore. For the most part, the technical sections were things I already understood or were a little outdated.
That said, I thought she had a lot of good things to say about the heart of author blogging. Allen emphasized that your goal should always be to make connections (which I agree with), and that your writing should trump your blog, because the blog is nothing without the writing. She also had really good chapters on blog etiquette, and what NOT to comment back to readers of your blog. I respect all of that, and think it's definitely something many blogging authors need to hear.
Overall, this book was fine. As with most advice books, not all of the suggestions can be applied, but a lot of them can. I'd recommend it to people who don't have a good understanding of why the internet works the way it does and are looking to start their own author based blog.
While there was a lot of information in this book, some of it was outdated. Allen had whole sections on Google Plus and how it was absolutely essential to success ... And it's not even a thing anymore. For the most part, the technical sections were things I already understood or were a little outdated.
That said, I thought she had a lot of good things to say about the heart of author blogging. Allen emphasized that your goal should always be to make connections (which I agree with), and that your writing should trump your blog, because the blog is nothing without the writing. She also had really good chapters on blog etiquette, and what NOT to comment back to readers of your blog. I respect all of that, and think it's definitely something many blogging authors need to hear.
Overall, this book was fine. As with most advice books, not all of the suggestions can be applied, but a lot of them can. I'd recommend it to people who don't have a good understanding of why the internet works the way it does and are looking to start their own author based blog.
February 14, 2021
I've been blogging for almost two years, and I decided to purchase Anne R. Allen's book to see if she imparted any advice that I had not heard before. I found a resource loaded with helpful suggestions for anyone about to begin a blog or for those like me who wanted to confirm they were on the right path.
I like the honesty of Allen's book as she readily admits her share of mistakes. Not only does the author cover suggestions about what to do, but she also describes much of the bad advice that people give about starting a blog. One of her main teaching points is that an author blog is far different from a business blog. She recommends growing your blog organically by networking with other bloggers by leaving comments on other blogs.
Allen also gives her thoughts about guest blogging, the ideal length of posts, how to use white space effectively, and what not to blog about. While many bloggers advise writers to use popups and newsletters, Allen describes why she thinks these aren't helpful.
If you're looking for a helpful read about blogging written in an easy conversational method, this is the right book for you.
I like the honesty of Allen's book as she readily admits her share of mistakes. Not only does the author cover suggestions about what to do, but she also describes much of the bad advice that people give about starting a blog. One of her main teaching points is that an author blog is far different from a business blog. She recommends growing your blog organically by networking with other bloggers by leaving comments on other blogs.
Allen also gives her thoughts about guest blogging, the ideal length of posts, how to use white space effectively, and what not to blog about. While many bloggers advise writers to use popups and newsletters, Allen describes why she thinks these aren't helpful.
If you're looking for a helpful read about blogging written in an easy conversational method, this is the right book for you.
January 10, 2018
As an author who gave up on blogging, I was interested to read what this author has to say. I've followed her blog for a while, and respect her practical instruction on various writing topics. So I wanted to read what she thought could make blogging easy. And she has given me courage to try it once again.
Anne starts at the beginning and explains in short, easily read chapters, how to start and set up a blog, what to write about, the advantages of blogging over a newsletter, and even how to use your blog at different stages of your writing career. She explained the use of keywords in a way I could understand, and even helped me understand that dreaded "SEO."
I highly recommend this book to beginning bloggers and anyone like me who tried it and gave up in frustration. I plan to put her advice to use and see what happens.
Anne starts at the beginning and explains in short, easily read chapters, how to start and set up a blog, what to write about, the advantages of blogging over a newsletter, and even how to use your blog at different stages of your writing career. She explained the use of keywords in a way I could understand, and even helped me understand that dreaded "SEO."
I highly recommend this book to beginning bloggers and anyone like me who tried it and gave up in frustration. I plan to put her advice to use and see what happens.
April 18, 2019
I just finished reading “The Author Blog” book by Anne R. Allen, and it is the most perfect and best book to read for starting out my new author blog, and as a first-time author. She goes into detail and step-by-step on how to launch a blog, services to use for blogging, suggestions on what to write about and what not to write about, and to add to all of that, she even helps define things for people who are not so tech-savy. I am so grateful there’s a book out there for us beginners. There is a lot of information out there about blogging, but as she describes, most of them are for business bloggers, not author bloggers. I didn’t realize there was a difference until I read her book. There is an art to blogging that I, and all of us beginners, must learn, and she is a great guide for this.
October 4, 2019
This inspiring and practical book gives sound advice on creating a successful blog for authors, including:
The distinction between creating an author blog and a business blog,
Ideas for post topics to maximise interest and promote book sales,
Optimum lengths for posts,
Creating headings, sub headings, and keywords that maximise SEO,
Blogging etiquette,
The importance of guest posting on other blogs...
Each topic is covered in detail, sharing the authors own learning experiences - both successes and mistakes.
Although I have been blogging for three and a half years, I added sixteen points to my "to do" list.
The distinction between creating an author blog and a business blog,
Ideas for post topics to maximise interest and promote book sales,
Optimum lengths for posts,
Creating headings, sub headings, and keywords that maximise SEO,
Blogging etiquette,
The importance of guest posting on other blogs...
Each topic is covered in detail, sharing the authors own learning experiences - both successes and mistakes.
Although I have been blogging for three and a half years, I added sixteen points to my "to do" list.
January 2, 2018
I've been following Anne's blog for a number of years, which is always full of helpful advice for writers and this book on blogging is no exception. It is designed especially for authors, either just starting out or for authors who are already blogging and need help. From what to blog about to your blogging legacy, Anne uses her personal experiences on what makes a great author blog. As one of the most successful author bloggers on the internet, Anne knows what she's talking about. I recommend this book to authors who wish to make the most of this effective marketing tool.
January 28, 2020
Do you wonder if you should have a blog?
If you have a blog, are you happy with how that’s going?
The Author Blog: Easy Blogging for Busy Authors by Anne R. Allen contains clear, concise, succinct information to guide you in the blogging process.
Anne explains:
How an author blog differs from a business blog.
What authors should and shouldn’t blog.
Choosing the topics for your genre and audience.
How blogging can build your platform.
And much more, including topics most of us don’t think about, like what happens to your blog when you die?
If you have a blog, are you happy with how that’s going?
The Author Blog: Easy Blogging for Busy Authors by Anne R. Allen contains clear, concise, succinct information to guide you in the blogging process.
Anne explains:
How an author blog differs from a business blog.
What authors should and shouldn’t blog.
Choosing the topics for your genre and audience.
How blogging can build your platform.
And much more, including topics most of us don’t think about, like what happens to your blog when you die?
May 5, 2022
Unlearn everything you've heard about blogging
In this informative and humorous title, Anne R. Allen demystifies the workings of an author blog, even for the most technically challenged boomer. It covers everything you need to know, from why to start a blog, how to get started and what you should write about to make it work for you. And it's not what you've heard elsewhere...
This refreshing book was music to my ears as I contemplate the daunting decision to blog again after my website mysteriously vanished. A must read for newbie authors and seasoned writers as well.
In this informative and humorous title, Anne R. Allen demystifies the workings of an author blog, even for the most technically challenged boomer. It covers everything you need to know, from why to start a blog, how to get started and what you should write about to make it work for you. And it's not what you've heard elsewhere...
This refreshing book was music to my ears as I contemplate the daunting decision to blog again after my website mysteriously vanished. A must read for newbie authors and seasoned writers as well.
March 7, 2019
If you are an author who wants to either start a blog or needs help to reinvigorate your blog, this is the book for you. Unlike a lot of the advice about blogging, this book is specifically written with authors in mind and is written by an author. As she points out, there is a difference between blogging to build a platform and to get your name out there and blogging for a business to make money. She has so much great advice that I'm definitely going to be referencing it in the future.
May 13, 2019
Lots of stuff to think about when starting a blog, like multiple themes, should you maintain more than one blog, blogging in your author name, and appointing a social media executor. Also, what does your blog look like - big hunks of text or good use of white space, numbered lists and bullet points? Use subheads and images. Word count is generally 300 to 2500 words. I found the subtitle to be true, this book is easy blogging for busy authors.
November 7, 2020
I’m an author who’s been blogging for a while, yet this book answered some ongoing questions I’ve had. I had a few aha moments in which clarity was gained. This book was a very beneficial read because of that.
I felt this author did a good job of updating information. She mentioned Google + but also that it is defunct. She also gave information on other online sites that may or may not continue. Things do change.
Overall, this basic information is helpful even for those already blogging.
I felt this author did a good job of updating information. She mentioned Google + but also that it is defunct. She also gave information on other online sites that may or may not continue. Things do change.
Overall, this basic information is helpful even for those already blogging.
December 22, 2020
Easy reading for busy authors - chatty style, and reassuring news that authors don't have to write blogs like folks that are selling stuff - either in terms of quantity or content.
Lots of very practical advice, and I'm now following her blog, which is similarly informative.
I don't want to blog, as such, I want to write, so I want the blogging to be as easy as possible, and this is what Anne Allen offers. Phew!
Lots of very practical advice, and I'm now following her blog, which is similarly informative.
I don't want to blog, as such, I want to write, so I want the blogging to be as easy as possible, and this is what Anne Allen offers. Phew!
April 13, 2018
Excellent book for those intending starting an author blog. Anne's clear, practical advice helps you work out the best strategies from the beginning, but can also be adopted if you already have a blog. She has an engaging writing style that guides you through the different aspects of blogging and I'm sure this will help me enormously as I start to develop my own author blog.
August 13, 2019
A good place to start if you're an author (wherever you are in your writing career) beginning or thinking about beginning a blog. Some info is outdated (Google+), I wish I'd had something like this when I started my blog--it would have saved me a lot of trouble. Not so helpful to for those of us that have been at it for a while, though.
September 4, 2019
Thank you Anne
Anne answered so many of my questions about blogging as a writer. I’ve read countless stories about blogging and writing my novel. Anne shed light on this subject and shared helpful tips for successful blogging for Authors... some I knew, many others I’m grateful to have the pleasure of learning... Thanks again Anne. This was a Good read...
Anne answered so many of my questions about blogging as a writer. I’ve read countless stories about blogging and writing my novel. Anne shed light on this subject and shared helpful tips for successful blogging for Authors... some I knew, many others I’m grateful to have the pleasure of learning... Thanks again Anne. This was a Good read...
November 30, 2020
Wonderfully helpful!
I have always avoided writing a blog but I do know it is an important marketing tool for an author. So I decided to sample Anne's book. Immediately I bought it and have become a believer. She has taken what seems like a complicated thing and made it doable with easy steps. I'm going to start blogging. If you're an author you should too.
I have always avoided writing a blog but I do know it is an important marketing tool for an author. So I decided to sample Anne's book. Immediately I bought it and have become a believer. She has taken what seems like a complicated thing and made it doable with easy steps. I'm going to start blogging. If you're an author you should too.
May 26, 2018
Breezy read full of encouragement
This book made me rethink how I've been doing my author blog. Anne made me laugh while encouraging me to not obsess over followers and stats but instead to see blogging as a fun way to meet readers. She also offers tons of good advice!
This book made me rethink how I've been doing my author blog. Anne made me laugh while encouraging me to not obsess over followers and stats but instead to see blogging as a fun way to meet readers. She also offers tons of good advice!
August 5, 2019
A pragmatic approach to blogging as an author
A practical guide for the 21st century author blogger. In a no-nonsense, conversational style, Anne R. Allen provides a realistic approach to finding your stride as an author blogger... without losing your mind in the process.
A practical guide for the 21st century author blogger. In a no-nonsense, conversational style, Anne R. Allen provides a realistic approach to finding your stride as an author blogger... without losing your mind in the process.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews