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If you don’t already have your own blog, as a writer, it’s one of the most important things you could do to get discovered, and further your career.

1. It gives you a reason to write daily.

   Every other professional keeps his/her performance in ship shape by constant practice. Skilled workers keep their tools sharpened in order to do their job well. Writers should be no different, writing everyday, about any topic whatsoever, makes us better at what we do. Many times, too many knock backs and refusal notes can induce a total or partial block, but having a blog gives you the motivation, and keeps you excited about writing.

2. You can invite comments.

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   The facility on your blog, of being able to invite comments from fellow writers or fans in general, means that you get to gauge exactly what people want and enjoy. When you approach your publisher later, you do so with the backing of having done practical research. You can then present the work in an informed, professional manner, thus maximising your chances at being published.

3. Access to all your work in one place.

   Many writers have work published in different places. A blog gives you a chance for people to have access to all of them from one page. Use your blog to put links of everything you’ve done, and when you send your work to agents/publishers, send them a link to your blog. They are more likely to access this, than a several different websites to find what you’ve done.

4. Marketing.

   A blog allows you to market yourself as a professional. As well as using your blog to “house” your published work, you can also, on the flip side of this, put the link to your blog on the different pieces you’ve published.

5. Get intimate.

   You hardly get an opportunity to put up your pictures with the different pieces you’ve done. A blog gives you an opportunity to do this. People like to see what you look like, as it makes them feel as if they know you on a more personal level. A blog enables the writer to become closer to his/her fans because it gives the opportunity to record personal information about him/herself (things that one cannot say in an article about personal finance or how to care for a dog for example). Fans are more likely to stay hooked, if they feel connected with the writer they read.

6. Assurance.
   

   It is one of the most important things that you can e-mail to potential publishers and agents (comments and all) when you approach them with your work, to convince them that you’re not a novice. This information also shows them that you already have a following. Having a fan base means that you are a safe investment.

7. Networking.

   Having your own blog gives you a chance to meet other “bloggers” and to be part of a vibrant e-society. They will visit your site, and vice versa. Having like minds look at your work and comment on what you’ve done is a free review service. Make good use of it. Networking also means that you know more about the ins and outs of publishing houses and agents. This information gives you the power and confidence you need to approach them with exactly what they are looking for.

8. Showcasing.

   Showcase your work on your blog. Books, articles, work in progress, etc. Even excerpts from your book or summaries of your articles are welcome. A review at this early stage of your creation is vital, as it enables you to mold your work, having seen it from others’ different perspectives.

9. The big break!
   

   Your public blog is your chance at being scouted. Having all your work, accessible in one place, may attract the right person who is looking for new, fresh talent. Quite a few writers have started in this very way. This new and growing trend sees writers serialising their novels, which eventually are bought out and published as books.

10. It’s free and easy.

    It’s easy to create and free, just go on to one of many free blog sites and create your very own blog today. You’ll be up and running in minutes.