So, you are thinking of starting a book blog…great! Many people, including myself, were once in your place. We wonder why we should start a blog and if our reasons for doing so are justified. Let me give you some advice…do it for yourself, not for anything else. Here you will find some reasons why you should start a book blog and some reasons that should not be on your list when thinking about it.
Reasons to Start a Book Blog:
- You love books: I would like to assume that if you are considering making your own book blog, you love books. Some bloggers may read 3 books a month where others read 10. Never feel you have to read crazy amounts of books to be relevant. Many prefer quality reviews and posts rather than quantity. Having passion and a love of reading show in your writing as well. If you don’t enjoy reading, but you post book reviews…we can tell.
- You want to support authors: Supporting authors is a great reason to begin your book blog. Remeber though, this blog is for you. This should not turn into a job that you dread doing. All it takes to support a hard-working author is to leave a review when you finish their book. Sometimes, they do not care if on Goodreads or amazon it consists of only one line. The most important thing to keep in mind is to give constructive feedback. Letting people know if you liked the book or not is great…but why? Never attack the author or direct rude comments toward them. That should be common sense…but sadly, I have seen it.
- You enjoy writing: Having a book blog entails not just reading, but writing about that reading as well. There is no length requirement for your reviews or posts. Just always keep in mind that a lot more work than simply reading the book goes into a book blog.
- The community: This is a huge reason I joined the book blogging community. I have met so many amazing authors, readers, and other book bloggers! Only one time did I have an author make rude comments toward me…he didn’t like my review and star rating I gave him on Goodreads. There is such support within this group of people. You’d think it was more about competition, but it isn’t. We all support each other by liking posts, commenting, and sharing. We are a huge writing family.
Reasons you shouldn’t start a book blog:
- Easy and fast popularity: This should not be on your list of reasons to begin your book blog. Yes, we all want high follower counts and likes on our blogs. It is hard work. Posting multiple times a week, reading all the time, coming up with ideas, interacting on multiple social media platforms…it can be exhausting. Hence, my first reason to start a book blog…for yourself! I post because I enjoy it, not for the numbers…though I love it when people follow me and comment or like my posts. I have a family, I’m a mom. I am the most popular person ever to those who truly matter in my life, that’s what really counts. Being popular online is great, but it comes with high expectations…are you really ready for them?
- Free books: Yes, this is often a perk for us book bloggers. Just know we aren’t always handed free books by everyone. Getting your hands on ARCs of super popular books…that is very competitive and difficult when first beginning. To create a book blog just so you can get free books is selfish and greedy. There is a lot of work that comes with those free books. We take the time to read them, but then review them and promote them on our blog and other social media sites. All too often out to read pile gets out of hand. It can easily become overwhelming ensuring you read each book and have the review up in time. So, in the end…don’t be selfish. If you want the book but cannot afford it and do not have the desire or time to review it…go to a library!
In conclusion, get going, start your blog! Just keep in mind this needs to be something you want to do for you…not for anyone else. I never once said “I want free books, guess I will start a book blog” or “I want to be well known and popular via social media…book blog here I come.” My point is to be sure that this is something you enjoy. There is a lot to learn about the community and people in it. Never be afraid to ask questions. It is rare you will run into someone unwilling to help. Be sure to keep up with this new series of mine, Book Blogging 101. I will continue to share tips, tricks, and things I learn throughout my book blogging journey.
So…will you be starting your very own book blog? Let me know below. If you already have one, follow me so I can follow you back.