When I receive a half-hearted guest blog from an author for Book Addict, I get extremely frustrated.
Typically, our guests are booked at least two months in advance – with a few exceptions. Authors have plenty of time to write up something fun and fresh for our audience well before their blog date – and submit it on time.
I won’t say that these authors are lazy – though on bad days the thought does cross my mind. (Hey, I’m human!) With virtual book tours, Facebook chats and other social media marketing ventures clamoring for an author’s attention, some are simply too overbooked to do a good job at anything they do for marketing.
However, this is no excuse for the growing problems with guest blogs sent to book bloggers. There are some common mistakes I see from newbie and seasoned authors alike, on my blog as well as others. The guest posts are:
- Too short. Do you really think you can create an interesting, must-read piece in two paragraphs, three sentences each?
- Too long. Guest blogs are not novels. Stick to 1,500 words or less, unless your blog host gives you a word count.
- An extended synopsis. Readers don’t want something they can easily find on your book jacket. Don’t try to dress up your synopsis, either, by writing one or two sentences to make it look like you actually did some original work. Readers – and blog editors – see right through that.
- A sales pitch. People tune out sales pitches on radio, TV and the Internet. Do you really think they will want to read when they see a hard sell in your post? I certainly don’t – and I refuse to post them at Book Addict. If anything this tactic will push some readers away from your book. It will also put you on the blacklist with bloggers.
- Poorly crafted. Misspellings, poorly-conceived ideas, random punctuation, ramblings and other problems abound in some posts. At least take the time to read it a second time before you send – or ask someone else to do it for you – especially if you are taking medication for an illness at the time. (Yes, I have had authors (and publicists) send me items while they are recovering from surgery. DON’T DO IT.)
- Unbefitting the blog. I read some very interesting posts that are complete misfits for certain blogs. Research the blog to get some ideas of correct content. Run your ideas by the blog host if you are uncertain what fits.
- Too personal. Readers love personal posts, but sometimes authors can over-share. Be sure your personal topic fits your audience at a particular blog, or ask the blog host if the topic would appeal.
- Not publicized by authors. Blogs always publicize to their readers, but it is always a good idea to promote your posts on your forums, chats, social networks and listservs. Your fans are devoted and will likely stop by – especially if you offer a prize for commenting.
- Late. There is nothing worse than an author sending a guest blog the day it is to post. Like many bloggers, I have a day job. I cannot just drop everything to post it – though my guilty conscious will valiantly get me to try. You should send your posts at least one week in advance – two if at all possible. Better yet, ask your host for a deadline. This not only helps your blog host, but you can easily rewrite it if the topic doesn’t fit the blog.
Guest blogging is a terrific way to connect with fans and meet new readers on blogs. Avoid these common mistakes to earn a solid reputation with bloggers, who will be more likely to invite you back.
Terrific points! Thanks to everyone who dropped by to read this post.
I can’t really stand how some guest bloggers simply go and promote their new product or rehash the things they’ve said on their own blogs. In addition to your tips – being fresh and unique will open up a world of opportunity. Those are some excellent tips and something that anyone who is doing a guest post (or even hosting) should read.
Great advice, Angela! I’m taking all this to heart.
I felt so honoured when Cheryl Tardif invited me to guestblog. I wanted to shine! I realize, though, that many of my generation find cyberspace a little puzzling and perhaps even scarey. We may have to make allowances for these reluctant bloggers–after all they were born before man walked on the moon!
Eileen Schuh, Canadian Author
http://www.eileenschuh.com
The list is exactly why I’ve turned down guest blog offers in favor of interviews. It’s much harder to screw up an interview!
Yabbering away on my own blog is one thing but to do it on someone else’s terrifies me!
Excellent blog by the way!
LOL! =0)
Good point, Dorothy!
You know, I really get tired of ALL CAPS titles. I know publicists are taught to do this as part of publishing news release style, and pthey ass that along to authors, but it is WRONG for most publications – including online. It is good to note the style of a site before using the standard publishing industry style.
LOL, I just read your response to Cheryl. Murphy’s Law of Virtual Book Tour Craziness. Mind if I steal it, write a book about it and make a million dollars? Heh heh.
Wow, love this blog post! You know, I would say it was roughly half of the people touring know how to write a decent blog post. This is a great blog post to show them! To help them out, I tell them to not go under 300 words, italicize all book titles (you’d be amazed how many didn’t do it before), give it a snappy title and add their bio at the bottom. This is a big time saver for me and really helps the blogger. Great post as usual, Angela…you’re a pro!
Cheryl, since you say you have “just about seen it all,” something incredibly crazy is going to happen.
Murphy’s Law of Virtual Book Tour Craziness requires it. LOL
Thanks for dropping by Market My Novel!
After hosting authors for over two years now, I think I’ve just about seen it all.
Points one, two and four come up often enough to definitely make you wonder if the author puts much thought into what he is providing.
Another thing that truly bothers me, though, is that I take time to come up with guest post ideas to make it easier on the authors who appear at my blog; and when I receive a guest post that isn’t even close to what I requested, I consider not using it. I’ve had a couple of authors tell me that what I am asking them to write about is too vague. I understand that, but to not mention anything and just submit what they want to talk about, whether or not it is relevant to my blog, doesn’t sit well with me. I certainly won’t be willing to host that author again when her next book comes out.
Thanks for sharing these tips, Ang!
Cheryl
It’s sad that writers would do this. Guest blogging is such a privilege.
I give special attention to the guest blogs I write.
Repeat business is the only way to grow your reputation, hopefully a positive one.
Submitting a poorly crafted blog is worse than writing no blog at all.
Thanks so much for making me aware of this problem.
Great advice, and it applies to speaking engagements, too. It’s unfortunate that you have to spell it out, though. A good professional applying for a job he really wants knows to tailor his resume to each position and study up on the company before the interview. We amateur authors especially need to make the time to be that professional with every engagement.