How to Go from Blogger to Author

“How do I turn all those blogs I’ve been writing for years into a book?” It’s a question I get asked a lot.

The great news is that you already have a solid foundation for your book. But there’s a catch—you can’t just batch a bunch of blog posts together and expect to become an Amazon bestseller.

Whether you're writing a novel, memoir, or something similar, you need to ensure that you navigate the process effectively and that your ideas make sense when they’re all put together. Take a look below to find out more.

In This Article:

    How to Turn Your Blog into A Book

    Every book project is different, but I can offer some general advice for repurposing the work you have already done and turning it into a book. If you want more advice, schedule a call to see how I can help you go from blogger to author.

    Polish your Manuscript

    This is the hardest and most time-consuming part of the process. It requires organizing your ideas, seeing what you can repurpose and what you can cut, and adding content to put it all together. You can do this part yourself, or you can enlist help from an editor (like me!) to help you through it.

    Don’t rush this step. After your manuscript is put together, you’ll need to edit and proofread it as much as possible (your publisher should do a final proofread, but they don’t catch everything). You can also test your book on beta readers to make sure your point is getting across.

    Choose a Publishing Path

    As you start seeing the light at the end of the manuscript tunnel, you need to think about how you want to publish your book. There are two common routes that you can take here: traditional publishing or self-publishing.

    Traditional publishing involves you submitting your manuscript to a publishing house. They will then take care of the printing, the design and the general distribution. Self-publishing means you can usually manage a lot of things yourself, but you can also hire professionals to help if you feel as though you need it. Both have their pros and cons, so you need to make sure that you go through everything to decide which is the best one for you. Book publishing is always easier when you have the right people on your side, so make sure that you seek help.

    Submit to Publishers

    If you decide to take the traditional route, you will then need to submit to publishers. With an agent in your corner, you will have your piece submitted to publishers who think that you are a good fit. Your agent will guide you through the publishing process in general. If you are submitting yourself, then you may be looking at smaller presses who may be willing to accept work that isn’t run through an agent. Indie publishers are a good in-between option, as they can help you with design, editing, and formatting to self-publish your book, typically much faster than a traditional publisher.

    Start Marketing

    Start marketing your book once you have a title, a publisher, and a manuscript. Send advanced review copies to readers who can submit a review or write a blurb for your book jacket. This will get the buzz started so you have people eager to buy your book as soon as it’s released. Social media is your friend here! Create profiles for yourself as an author on Facebook and Instagram to build a following (it’s OK if your mom is your biggest fan on these pages).

    Want more help writing your book? Let’s talk. Book a free discovery call to see how I can help you turn your blog into a book that creates an impact for your readers.

    Next
    Next

    Managing Your Business: 3 Tips to Do it Right