Recently I have had a little time to read for enjoyment (not school textbooks) and have actually managed to finish a few books. Several of the books that I have read are a three-part series, all with the third books waiting to be released. Naturally, I researched online to discover the release dates of these third books and what I found was very interesting. Instead of the author’s main website, the first search result pulled was the author’s blog. This happened when I searched for several different authors. I found the blogs to be much better than their websites and more personal. The blogs were a better way for me to relate the author, obtain information about the books, learn about what fans thought, and for me to contact the authors directly. The experience of the blogs provides a more personal feel without as much marketing behind it.
So I decided to examine some differences on two author’s blog sites. Both of these authors (who shall remain nameless) write popular young adult fiction books. Most of the content was the same (comments from fans, post about upcoming books, etc.) but there were two things that I noticed right away.
1. Author #1 blogged about her personal life as well as her books and story ideas. Author #2 strictly used the blog to discuss the books and stories.
2. Author #1 did not respond to fans often or in a timely manner. Author #2 usually responded within 24 hours.
I find it interesting to see how people utilize blogs and what kind of information they disperse. Author #1 uses her blog to connect with readers through a personal level, allowing them to see into her daily life and world, while author #2 only connects with readers on a more professional level. I do think that author #1 should attempt to respond to follower’s comments and posts. Most of the comments and posts were about the upcoming book being released in a few weeks. The author should be responding quickly to keep followers informed and interested in the new book. This is the perfect time to enhance the relationships with fans and consumers.
Author #2 had a very unique idea to solve a situation with her book. The third book in the series was supposed to be released today and it failed to meet the deadline. Fans and followers of the blog exploded the page with comments and questions. The author did not ignore what people were saying and asking. Instead she apologized, explained what had happened in the editing process and why the book was being delayed, and then as an apology gift released the first chapter of the third book for free on the blog. Talk about customer service 101! So to sum up….book author’s get blogging!
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