If you’re anything like me, and you have a strong (probably an understatement) desire to publish a novel, blogging is highly beneficial. For several reasons.

First, you write on a consistent basis. About writerly things.

Second, to have already developed a platform and online presence will give you an advantage when acquiring an agent/editor/publisher. In fact, if you don’t have some sort of online/social media presence, you’re probably at a disadvantage.

The publisher wants to be pretty darn sure somebody is going to read your book. Many, many somebodies.

And so it really means a lot when you have email subscribers and Twitter followers and Facebook likes.

THAT SAID, take pride in anything and everything you publish - don’t blog just to blog. I can assure you an agent/editor/publisher will know the difference between a dedicated blogger who has a relationship with their readers and a blogger who has slapped something together hoping to convince the agent/editor/publisher they have a following. Fake it till you make it doesn’t apply here.

And perhaps the best benefit of blogging is the online community. Blogging isn’t actually about promoting yourself, it’s about reaching out and making meaningful connections, providing content to readers and seeking to learn from others who have similar interests.

I have two incredible critique partners - and I met them online. We participated in a critique partner match up through a site for teen writers.

It’s these kinds of relationships that will only benefit you in the future.

If that hasn’t convinced you to blog, I don’t know what will! Ready to get started?