15 Blogs for Nonfiction Authors to Follow

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In no particular order, here are 15 blogs I follow and recommend nonfiction authors check out. You can find them all on Twitter in my Twitter list NonfictionBloggers. You’ll find information to help with writing, publishing,promotion, using social media and more.

Build Book Buzz

Sandra Beckwith provides do-it-yourself book marketing tips, tools, and tactics.

Social Media Just for Writers

Author and Social Media Strategist Frances Caballo blogs regularly and has a free email course to teach authors how to save time on social media.

The Creative Penn

Joanna Penn, Award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, provides resources to help you write, publish and market your book, as well as make a living with your writing.

The Write Practice

Includes self-guided tutorials to help you become a better writer faster.

The Book Designer

Joel Friedlander provides practical advice to build better books – everything from book design to self-publishing and book marketing.

Indies Unlimited

Named in Publishers Weekly as one of the top blogs for authors. Though aimed at fiction authors, nonfiction authors will find useful information on book trailers, publishing, and more.

Jane Friedman

Jane Friedman has 20 years of experience in the publishing industry, with expertise in business strategy for authors and publishers.

Writers Helping Writers

This site is full of many one-of-a-kind tools and resources for writers, editors and teachers.

Nina Amir – Inspiration to Creation Coach

Nina is the author of How to Blog a Book & The Author Training Manual. She’ll transform you into an author & help you Achieve More Inspired Results.

The Passive Voice

A lawyer’s thoughts on authors and publishing. Check the nonfiction category specifically.

Nonfiction Authors Association    

A vast library of articles and guest posts related to writing, publishing, and promoting nonfiction books.

National Association of Memoir Writers

This website specifically targeted to memoir writers offers quick access to new books, the wisdom and craft of published authors, and tips for stimulating your creativity.

The Book Shepherd

Book publishing expert, Judith Briles, provides practical publishing guidance and much more.

Social Media Examiner

Full of original and comprehensive articles, expert interviews, original research, and the news you need to improve your social media marketing.

Jeff Goins

Jeff Goins is the best-selling author of five books including the The Art of Work and Real Artists Don’t Starve. On his blog, he shares his thoughts on writing, life, and creative work.

What blogs do you regularly follow? Let me know in the comments section so I can check them out.

VA Interview: Julie Dillman – Executive Digital Assistant

I first met Julie on the VANetworking Forums. I replied to a request she made for feedback on her website and it wasn’t long before we were talking by Skype. Julie is a real go-getter and her enthusiasm is contagious! She is the first representative in Canada for Chief Virtual Officer.


Sue: When did you start your business?
Julie: February 2010

Sue: Why did you choose to become a Virtual Assistant?
Julie: I have wanted to work from home for about three years now, I enjoy doing computer and administrative related work and when I discovered that other people were making a living doing it from home I decided to try it too.

Sue: What advice would you give new and aspiring VAs?
Julie: Get as much information as you can about the business. Read forums and blogs and talk to the people who are already doing it. And most of all network both online and in person.

Sue: What resources have helped you in your business?
Julie: I read a lot online before I started. I spent at least three weeks reading everything I could find about being a VA.  I joined several online communities and met some fantastic people who gave me some great advice.

Sue: Would you mind telling us a little something about yourself?
Julie: I love music, animals and gardening. I also love anything to do with computers. I am very much a homebody and I’m glad to have found a career that will allow me to enjoy all these things.
Thank you Julie for sharing with us today. Julie’s contact information follows:

Julie Dillman, Executive Digital Assistant
http://executivedigitalassistant.com
Twitter @ExecDigAssist
Facebook Executive Digital Assistant
LinkedIn ExecDigAssist

Why Should You Blog?

Perhaps you haven’t started to blog yet for one of these reasons:

1. You have no idea what to write about
2. There’s no time to blog
3. No one will read it anyway
4. You don’t feel there’s any ROI (return on investment)

But there are very compelling reasons to blog:

1. Search engines like blogs and prospects will be able to find what you have to offer more easily
2. Blogs allow your prospects and clients a way to converse and interact with you instantly
3. A blog is an easy, affordable way to connect with prospects and provide valuable education

An important factor often neglected is to respond to reader comments. You want to converse with your readers and that means you must reply to their comments.

What are your thoughts?