7 Reasons to be a Book Blogger
Are you convinced that it's time to start your own blog, but unsure about what your blog will contain? There are unlimited possibilities for starting a blog and this limitless potential that can make it difficult to decide on a topic.
However, while you're considering your options, have you considered incorporating book reviews into your blog? There are many benefits to becoming a book blogger. Here are seven reasons to start blogging about books.
1. Get Free Books
Want to know how to get free books? By participating in a publisher's book blogger program, you can earn free books that have just been released or are soon-to-be-released. Simply for reading the book and sharing your honest thoughts about it online, you get a free book. It's almost like getting paid to read. After requesting the book you'd like to read, you receive it. Some publishers offer both print and electronic formats, allowing you to choose which format you prefer. Whether you read four books a year or four books a month, this can be a tremendous cost savings to your budget. The retail price values for the books I've received as a book blogger have ranged from $14.99 to $22.99, and when I'm finished reading these books, I can keep them, sell them, or donate them to a charity. If you're ready to stop paying for books that you read for pleasure, blogging for free books may be your answer.
2. Explore a Hobby
While book blog review programs do include fiction, these books can contain so much more. Interested in learning to cook or finding a new diet? Review a book from a chef or fitness expert. Want to start your own business? Get advice from entrepreneurship experts. Expecting a child or facing a change in your family? Parenting and psychology books are also available to give you guidance.
3. Use Your Tact
The anonymous nature of the internet makes it easy to say things very candidly without thinking ahead. However, as a respectful blogger, reviewing books requires thoughtfulness and tact. Publishers request your honest thoughts even if you didn't enjoy a book, but they want specifics. If you didn't like a book, it isn't enough to say "This book sucked" or "I really hated it". A book review needs to be tactful, yet honest. For this reason, doing book reviews is a great way to use your writing skills on a blog.
4. Learn From Others
Is it your dream to become a published author someday? If so, who better to learn from someone who has already obtained that position? Something can be learned from reading any book, whether the work was enjoyable or not. Blogging about books gives you the chance to study other writers and consider what makes their work popular.
5. Broaden Your Knowledge
Being a book blogger can teach you about faith, hobbies, social concerns and other issues that you would not otherwise encounter.
6. Get More Traffic
Want people to read your blog? Book publisher company publicists tweet certain book reviews and shoppers looking for opinions may find your review on the publisher's website. Most blogger review programs also require a review to be placed on Amazon or another retailer's website. These factors can result in unexpected visitors stopping by your blog.
7. Entertain Yourself
Tired of TV? Entertain yourself with a book. Unlike TV, books aren't filled with commercials and it's easier to put a book down or take it with you wherever you go.
© 2014 erinshelby