Writing About Yourself

When I talk to writers' groups about having a blog and website, inevitably someone asks, "I haven't even finished my book yet--do I need a blog or website already?" In this month's Writing4Success Tipsheet, Australian writer Marg McAlister urges writers to take care of publicity and promotion wherever they are in their careers:

The truth is that unless you are a well-known author with a lot of book sales behind you (and possibly not even then!) you are unlikely to get much in the way of publicity from publishers. The more you can do yourself, the better - and the earlier you start, the better. Don't wait until you have a book in hand. Don't even wait until you sign a contract. The best time to start promoting yourself and your work is NOW.

I'm here to tell you that you don't even need to be writing a book for the advice to be applicable. McAlister's article continues to say that in addition to a ready resume and a good photo, you should consider having the following items:

• a media kit
• a website
• a blog

Sound familiar? She explains the what and why--and this is only the first part of a two-section article. Find more tipsheets at the Writing4Success Club.