You’ve poured your heart into writing a book, polished every word, maybe even cried a little (or a lot) during the editing process, and now it’s finally out in the world. Congratulations!
But here comes the real kicker: there are roughly 158,464,880 unique books out there as of 2023, and that number is growing by more than 2.2 million titles every year. With so many books published annually (and a huge chunk of them self-published), it’s safe to say the literary sea is crowded.
And unless your name is splashed across airport bookstore displays or trending on Bookstagram or BookTok, you’re probably wondering: How the heck do I stand out?
Here’s one answer you might not have considered: your author blog.
Yep. A blog. On your author website. Not buried in the menu or posted once in 2021 and never touched again. A living, breathing blog that connects with readers and makes you more than just a byline.
Let’s talk about why it matters and what to post so it doesn’t feel like just another writing chore.
The Reality: Most Books Don’t Sell Themselves
Here’s a stat that might make you blink: it’s commonly quoted that most books sell fewer than 1,000 copies. That’s not a knock on your talent. It’s just the truth of modern publishing. With millions of new books entering the market each year, even great stories can get lost in the shuffle.
So, how do you get readers to notice your book instead of the 2,199,999 others that just launched?
Simple: build a relationship with them. And a blog is a great way to do that.
Blogs Help Readers Find You (Not Just Your Book)
Here’s the thing: readers aren’t just looking for their next favorite story—they’re looking for someone to connect with. They want to feel like they know the person behind the pages. That’s where blogging comes in.
Your blog is a place to let readers in. You can:
- Share the ups and downs of your writing life
- Talk about what inspired your characters or plot twists
- Offer tips or hard-won lessons to fellow writers
- Give sneak peeks, deleted scenes, or fun behind-the-scenes moments
- Keep your website active and searchable (because yes, Google loves fresh content)
Think about authors like Jeneva Rose. Her Instagram is packed with personality—twirling into bookstores to sign copies, posting updates on her soon-to-arrive baby, sharing adorable pup photos, and bringing her husband in on the fun. It’s that mix of book talk and real life that keeps her fans coming back.
You can do the same on your blog. Even when there’s no new release to promote, your voice is enough to keep readers engaged and rooting for your next chapter.
Not Sure What to Blog About? You’re Not Alone
If you’ve ever stared at a blank post box thinking, “What do I even say?” you’re in excellent company. One of the biggest questions I get when I speak at festivals and writing events is exactly that.
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need to sound like a literary scholar. You just need to sound like you.
Here are a few blog ideas that never fail (yes, these are some of the same ideas I shared in a previous post, titled “Blogging for Authors: Why Your Website Needs One (And How to Start).”
- Behind-the-Scenes Bits: Talk about your writing routine, show off character sketches, or share the deleted scenes that didn’t make the cut.
- Writing Tips & Lessons Learned: Got advice on editing? Thoughts on beta readers? A funny story about your first draft? Share it. Writers love learning from other writers.
- Personal Stories: Let your readers know who you are outside the book. Hobbies, travels, pets, your favorite cozy writing nook, this is your chance to connect as a person, not just a pen name.
- Bookish Fun: Discuss the themes of your book, create playlists for each character, share fan reactions, or recommend other reads.
- Updates & Announcements: Keep readers in the loop about upcoming releases, giveaways, signings, or podcast appearances.
TL;DR? Your Blog = Your Voice
Social media is fun (until the algorithm ghosts you), but your blog? That’s home base. It’s the one place you fully own. No shifting rules, no word count stress, no disappearing posts. You get to take your time, say what you mean, and build a real connection with your audience.
TL;DR, which stands for “too long; didn’t read,” is something you’ll see a lot online, especially when people are just skimming. But your blog is a chance to go deeper. It invites your readers to slow down, stick around, and really get to know you, not just your book cover.
So yes, your author website needs a blog. Not just for visibility, but because it helps you stand out in a space where millions of new books launch every year.
Still worried you won’t have enough to say? If you’ve written an entire book, trust me—you’ve got stories to share. Start small. Be yourself. One post at a time, your blog becomes another piece of your author journey, one that fans will actually want to read.
Not Sure You Want to Write Your Own Author Blog?
Need help writing or editing your author blog? That’s where I come in. As a professional copywriter, content writer, and the author of three books, I understand both sides of the desk. I help writers just like you, sound like you, only clearer, more confident, and ready to connect with readers.
Set up a blog scoping call to get started.