The publishing world is very difficult to break into, especially for book writers. Publishers are not eager to publish the book an unknown, first time writer, and they will not take a writer seriously unless he has a finished book and an agent. Fortunately the internet is a useful tool when it comes to searching for potential publishers and agents. Furthermore blogging allows writers to network with other writers, and it can perhaps help new writers to meet people on the internet who have the connections they need to get an agent and get a meeting with a publisher. There is a lot of red tape to go through before people can be published, and unfortunately some writers may find themselves sitting with an outstanding book that will never be published or even read by a publisher, but for those few who are fortunate enough to have their manuscript read, getting past one of the most grueling phases in the publishing process, a blog can be very helpful.

It is true that a blog alone is not enough to get the attention of a publisher, but it can be very useful after you have gotten their attention. By going to your blog, the publisher has the opportunity to see smaller samples of your work. Maintaining a blog gives further insight into your personality and your vision, and it is proof of your dedication to your work.

Keeping a blog also shows the publisher that you are capable of putting out quality content in a timely manner and are organized, flexible, and able to meet publishing deadlines. Since you write on a variety of topics, the publisher can also get an idea of what he can expect from your future publications. (After all, right after your first book hits the shelf, it is time to write a second.)

Finally by keeping a blog, you have already created an audience for your writing and proved that there is a market for your book. Your faithful blog audience who are already familiar with your writing will be the first ones in line to buy your book. One of the most importants aspect of publishing is marketing, and blogs can be used as a great marketing tool. The publisher can release the address to your blog, and potential readers can go to the blog and learn more about you and your new book. It also means that the publisher does not have to build a website from scratch for you.

Though blogging alone will not get you a book deal, it cannot hurt you either. At the very least it gives you a chance to practice your writing skills and gain an audience, and it may just help open the doors to other opportunities as well.

Learn more about this author, Jerri Rivers.
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