Your Writer Platform

Build your platform. Engage your fans. Sell more books.

  • About
  • Learn
    • Business Plan for Authors
    • Author Brand Strategy
    • Audience Building
    • Author Website Essentials
    • Launch Planning
    • Marketing and Promotion
  • Resources for Authors
  • Blog

35 Hot Blogs to Help 21st Century Writers Light Their Fire

by Kimberley Grabas

Share185
Tweet
Pin29
Share
214 Shares

35 Hot Blogs to Help 21st Century Writers Light Their Fire _ YourWriterPlatform.com

Let’s face it. The business of writing is tough.

There is no ‘easy’ button to grow that fanatical fanbase that you know is out there.

So instead you’ve been scrambling around trying to piece together the platform puzzle on your own, with little to show for it other than a lot of frustration and a dull throb behind your left eye.

But there is something you should know that can make the road to success a little easier:

It takes a village.

No well known author has made it to the top of the pile without some help.

You may be able to figure it all out on your own, but why not grease the wheels with a bit of guidance from fellow writers, indie authors and marketing experts?

Light Up Your Writing Career

Below is a list of smok’n blogs that produce some of the best, most relevant information on self-publishing, book marketing, entrepreneurship and platform building on the net.

Your village. (At least in part.)

Take advantage of all the free and useful information these sites provide, bookmark the list for your go-to source on the topic, and share with other writers who could benefit from this resource.

I hope this list is the spark that sets your ‘author-preneurial’ spirit on fire, and leads you to make connections that strengthen and grow your writing business.

 

Duolit Self-Publishing Blog

Indie author book marketing help times two. The Duolit gang: Shannon (the author) and Toni (the geek) share their experience and skills to help writers reach their publishing goals.

Follow @Duolit on Twitter or connect with them on Facebook.

 

The Book Designer

Joel Friedlander provides a self-publishing roadmap for writers with articles, guides, resources and courses illuminating new ways for you to get your books into print and making them more apt to sell.

Follow Joel @JFbookman on Twitter.

 

Bibliocrunch

BiblioCrunch helps connect authors and publishers with book publishing professionals to get new books and apps to market. The  self-publishing blog provides authors with industry news, interviews, and publishing tips.

Follow @BiblioCrunch on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

 

The Write Practice

Joe Bunting is the founder of the Write Practice and helps writers kick start their writing ‘practice’ and polish their skills. He provides practical tutorials and great articles with tips and techniques on improving your craft.

Follow Joe @write_practice on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

 

The Creative Penn

Joanna Penn is an author and entrepreneur. Her site includes a plethora of information in various forms of media on writing, publishing and book marketing.

Follow Joanna @thecreativepenn on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Kikolani

Kristi Hines is a freelance writer, professional blogger and social media enthusiast sharing excellent blog marketing and blogging tips for professional bloggers. Krisiti also has a weekly series, Fetching Friday, featuring the best posts of the week in blogging, business, SEO, and social media.

Follow Kristi @kikolani on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Molly Greene: Writer

Author, blogger, blogging specialist and coach, Molly Greene blogs about indie author issues, and what she’s learned during her own self-publishing process.

Follow Molly @MollyGreene on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Positive Writer

A blog by Bryan Hutchinson filled with positive concepts and stories to encourage you as a writer. Bryan shares his experiences with writing, blogging, self-publishing and building a community online.

Follow Bryan @ADDerWORLD on Twitter or connect of Facebook.

 

Social Triggers

Do you want to get inside the minds of your readers and find out what makes them ‘tick’? If so, Derek Halpern is your man. He breaks down psychological research and business case studies into simple, actionable steps that can help you improve your writing business and book sales.

Follow @derekhalpern on Twitter

 

Book Baby Blog

On the Book Baby blog you’ll find how-to’s, tips and resources on writing, self-publishing and marketing your book. Check out their free guides to get even more useful tips on the self-publishing and ebook marketing process.

Follow @BookBaby on Twitter

 

Catherine Caffeinated

Catherine Ryan Howard is a writer, blogger and one of Ireland’s most successful self-published authors. She provides loads of great self-publishing advice and information for fellow writers.

Follow Catherine @cathryanhoward on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

 

Wise Ink

The voices behind Wise Ink are Amy Quale and Dara Beevas, two editors, committed to empowering writers with valuable tools to publish wisely. On their site you’ll find practical tips, how-to’s, tutorials, and templates for writing, self-publishing, and book marketing.

Follow Amy and Dara @Wiseink on Twitter or connect with them on Facebook.

 

Seth’s Blog

Seth Godin has written fourteen books that have been translated into more than thirty languages. Every one has been a bestseller. On his blog, Seth writes about marketing, leadership, art and the way ideas spread. Inspiring and thought provoking.

Follow Seth @thisissethsblog on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.

 

Author Media

With web design services and book marketing help, Author Media provides writers with support on blogging, writing, platform building and social media.

Follow @AuthorMedia on Twitter or connect on Facebook.

 

Make a Living Writing

Carol Tice, creator of Make a Living Writing, provides writers with the tools they need to earn more from their writing. As she puts it in her tagline: “Practical help for hungry writers…” An especially good resource for freelance writers.

Follow Carol @TiceWrites on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Michael Hyatt

The personal blog of former Chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael Hyatt. His articles on personal development, leadership, productivity, platform, and publishing are concise and highly actionable. As a published author himself, he provides insights from several sides of the industry.

Follow Michael @MichaelHyatt on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.

 

Copyblogger (Blog)

Copyblogger founder, Brian Clark, has been teaching people how to create ‘killer’ online content for years. On the site you’ll find 5-6 articles a week about what’s working in online content marketing. It’s the most popular content marketing and writing blog on the planet.

Follow Brian Clark @copyblogger on Twitter.

 

Jane Friedman

Jane is a trusted resource for writers, and her site provides articles and resources on writing, industry news and the future of publishing. She has great advice on all things writerly, and gentle–but firm–recommendations on building your writing career.

Follow Jane @JaneFriedman on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Write To Done

Mary Jaksch, Chief Editor of Write To Done has assembled a smorgasbord of  guest bloggers offering guidance and direction for writers on the art and craft of writing. Write To Done was founded by popular super-blogger Leo Babauta of Zen Habits.

Follow Mary @WriteToDone on Twitter

 

Goins, Writer

A blog on writing, passion and creativity, Jeff Goins shares his views on what it takes to be a writer in the 21st century and includes resources tools and tips to get us going.

Follow Jeff @JeffGoins on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.

 

Lindsay Buroker

Fantasy author, Lindsay Buroker, dispenses words of wisdom on everything from book marketing and self-publishing to interviews and success stories.

Follow Lindsay @GoblinWriter on Twitter

 

We Grow Media

Dan Blank, founder of We Grow Media, helps writers build their platforms, and works with publishers to grow their online communities. Dan offers advice on platform building, social media and blogging.

Follow Dan @DanBlank on Twitter

 

The Smart Passive Income Blog

Known for his transparency and authenticity, Pat Flynn provides real life case studies and recommendations based on his own experience with online business and blogging. His videos, podcasts and in-depth articles are amazing.

Follow Pat @PatFlynn on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.

 

The Future of Ink

If you are looking for information on digital publishing, founders Denise Wakeman and Ellen Britt, have got you covered. Great articles on digital ebooks and all forms of digital content publishing (including videos, audio and interactive media).

Follow @FutureofInk on Twitter.

 

Firepole Marketing

Author and marketing master, Danny Iny, provides tons of free training, videos and marketing advice as well as tips on building a community and developing a loyal audience.

Follow Danny @DannyIny on Twitter.

 

Live, Write, Thrive

Insights, inspiration and practical advice for writers from C.S. Lakin–a novelist, a copyeditor, and a writing coach. She provides knowlegde and insight into the writing life.

Follow C.S. Lakin @LiveWriteThrive on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

30 Day Books

Laura Pepper Wu (and her husband Brandon) provide writers with a wealth of popular articles, guides and more on writing, publishing and book PR. There is even some great free PDF guides to download and share.

Follow Laura @LauraPepWu on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

April Hamilton

April L. Hamilton is an author, blogger, and a leading advocate and speaker for the indie author movement. She blogs about her experiences and adventures in both traditional and self-publishing.

Follow April @indieauthor on Twitter.

 

Think Traffic (Update: now The Sparkline – Fizzle.co)

Want to know how to get more traffic (A.K.A. raving fans) to your author site? Want to know how to write epic ‘shitake’ and create something that matters? If your answer is yes and yes, then you need to check out Corbett Barr’s Think Traffic site.

Follow Corbett @Fizzle on Twitter.

 

A Newbie’s Guide to Publishing

Author J. A. Konrath’s opinions and pointers on writing, publishing and industry news.

Follow @jakonrath on Twitter or connect with him on Facebook.

 

Kristen Lamb

Kristen is an author, freelance editor and speaker who takes a humorous approach to guiding writers through the maze of publishing, marketing and platform building.

Follow Kristen @KristenLambTX on Twitter.

 

The Savvy Book Marketer

Dana Lynn Smith teaches authors how to sell more books with articles and guides on book marketing, ebook publishing and social marketing.

Follow Dana @BookMarketer on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

Rachelle Gardner

A literary agent, Rachelle’s posts are a sneak peak into the mind of an agent, with tips, how-to’s and myth-busting lists to ease new authors into the publishing world.

Follow Rachelle @RachelleGardner on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

How to Blog a Book

Nina Amir demonstrates the ease with which a writer can blog a nonfiction book. Fiction writers can use many of the same principles to blog novels as well, and Nina’s posts offer information based on her knowledge as a freelance nonfiction book editor, writing coach and consultant.

Follow Nina @NinaAmir on Twitter or connect with her on Facebook.

 

The Renegade Writer

Author and freelance writer, Linda Formichelli provides freelancers with recommendations on how to develop a querying style that works, overcoming fear, getting motivated, and breaking a few rules along the way.

Follow Linda @LFormichelli on Twitter.

 

If I’ve missed a site that you feel should be in the mix, please let me know in the comments below.

Filed Under: Blog

Comments

  1. Bobbi Emel says

    at

    Wow, this is a really comprehensive list, Kimberley! I’m definitely bookmarking this one. Thanks so much for putting this together.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks, Bobbi! I’m sure you’ll find these sites super useful. I would have given my right arm for a list like this when I was first starting out! 🙂

  2. Dana Lynn Smith says

    at

    What a terrific list of resources for writers! I’m honored to have The Savvy Book Marketer included and I’ll be sharing this link with my followers.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for making your site such a valuable resource to the writing community, Dana! Glad you like the list and I appreciate you sharing!

  3. Meg Kirsic says

    at

    Great list, I’ve found quite a few new sites! Thanks for sharing! http://terribleminds.com/ramble/blog/ is another great one that keeps me inspired to write!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Hi Meg! Glad you’ve found some new sites to cruise! And you’re right, Chuck Wendig is great (and funny)! Thanks for commenting!

  4. Laura Pep Wu says

    at

    Fantastic list, Kim! Lots of new sites for me to check out. Thanks so much for the 30 Day Books mention, we truly appreciate it.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      No problem, Laura! You and your husband do a great job providing great info for writers. I’m looking forward to the new stuff you have coming up as well… 🙂

  5. Nina Amir says

    at

    Thanks so much for including me with so many other wonderful blogs and bloggers! I’m honored. I might mention that I also have another blog for writers: http://www.writenonfictionnow.com. You and your readers might enjoy that as well. Best of luck to you, and thanks so much for your kind words.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      No problem, Nina! It’s well deserved and I appreciate you including your other blog. I’ve read articles from ‘Write Nonfiction Now’ before, but didn’t realize it was yours. Thanks for making the connection 🙂

  6. Dara @Wise Ink says

    at

    Kimberley what a wonderful blog you have! Thank you soooo much for including Wise Ink among the greats voices in the publishing/writing world. What a huge honor for us. This is probably the best list I’ve seen for writers and authors and there are a few I hadn’t even heard of. Fantastic! ~Dara Beevas, Wise Ink

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for the compliment, Dara! Wise Ink’s inclusion in a list of top blogs in this area is well deserved. Glad you found a few more excellent sites to add to your cache!

  7. Shannon says

    at

    Thanks so much for mentioning us Duolit gals! Great list of awesome peeps for writers. It’s a great community and we are so glad to be a part of it. Indies rock! 🙂

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      I agree, Shannon! Indies do rock! (Pssst! And so do the sites on this list!)

      Thanks for stopping by!

  8. Amit Amin says

    at

    Now, here’s the real question – which of these blogs do you actively read? All of them? Just a few? I went through a few of them – they all seem good; but I want to know which are great. Besides your own, of course 😉

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Ha ha… Thanks, Amit! I appreciate the huge pat on the back 🙂

      This is my personal list of the ‘best of the best’, and blogs that I actively read or am subscribed to. They are in no particular order, and for me, each site is unique and has something distinctive to offer.

      Because I believe that writers are professionals, I have also included in the mix a few non-industry specific sites (Think Traffic, Firepole Marketing, Social Triggers, Smart Passive Income).

      Leveraging ideas, insights and best practices from industries outside the writing industry (marketing and small business, for example) can give the modern writer an unmistakable advantage.

      Thanks for the comment, Amit!

  9. Denise Wakeman says

    at

    Kimberley, thanks for including The Future of Ink on your list. Lots of fabulous blogs on this list and we’re honored to be included. Blog on!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      No problem, Denise! Keep up the great work you’re doing at TFOI!

      Thanks for stopping by!

  10. Lori Lynn Smith says

    at

    Awesome list!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks, Lori!

  11. Dolly Garland says

    at

    Kimberley,

    Very useful and an extensive list. I especially found it useful because besides the usual suspects like Seth Godin, there were several people here that I haven’t come across before.

    Thanks for putting it together.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      You bet, Dolly! It helps to mix it up a little, so I’m glad I could help you add some ‘new blood’ 🙂

  12. Lee J Tyler says

    at

    Actually, I’m a subscriber to a few of these that I haven’t put on my own list. Thanks for the reminder.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Your welcome Lee!

  13. Dariel Raye says

    at

    Great list! I’m familiar with some, but like you, always appreciate finding new goodies. This is perfect timing, too so I can add them to my list 🙂

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Glad to help, Dariel! These people work really hard to make it easier for us writers, so if you add them to your list of favourites, let them know. I’m sure they would appreciate it!

  14. Trudy Van Buskirk says

    at

    Two that I follow (and know the authors) are trained writers and bothhave written books. Suzan St Maur has a website & blog called http://www.howtowritebetter.net/ She blogs everyday about writing and has MANY of her own published books (I have 2 of them). The other is Barb Sawyers of http://www.stickycommunication.ca/ (I have her book). They’re both great 🙂 Check them out Kimberley!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for the heads up, Trudy! I’m going to check them out right now…

      P.S. Love the name ‘sticky communication’!

  15. Kevin Carlton says

    at

    Loads of high-quality choices here, Kimberley.
    If it weren’t for RSS feed readers, I don’t know how would follow them all.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for stopping by, Kevin! As writers, we sure can’t complain about there being a lack of quality resources available for us to learn from. Hopefully you’ve found some new sites to add to your feed reader!

  16. Deevra Norling says

    at

    Really useful and comprehensive list and resource! Thanks for taking the time to put this post together!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      You bet, Deevra! Hope you found some new resources to add to your toolbox!

  17. S Meaders says

    at

    This is a wonderful list. Thanks!

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      No problem! Glad you liked it!

  18. Jessica Benavides Canepa says

    at

    Fantastic list Kimberly!
    Here’s one to check out:
    Sophie Lizard at http://beafreelanceblogger.com offers some terrific advice and money making tips for aspiring bloggers on a fairly regular basis.

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for the recommendation, Jessica! You know, I just stumbled across Sophie’s blog while participating in Carol Tice’s May link party, and it does look great!

  19. Doug Fortier says

    at

    You’ve got a great list that’s missing my favorite by Victoria Mixon: author, editor, writing instructor, and all around funny lady – http://victoriamixon.com/ Keep up the good work Kimberley !

    • Kimberley Grabas says

      at

      Thanks for the addition, Doug! (And for the compliments!) 😉

Authors with Platforms Sell Books.

It’s that simple.

Get on the Insiders List to receive the free Quick Start Guide to Building Your Writer Platform, exclusive content via email, and instant access to a growing library of downloadable resources.

LET'S GO

  • Home
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • Blog
  • Legal

Copyright © 2023 · yourwriterplatform.com · Developed by WP Help Club

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Before you go...
Get your free "Quick Start Guide to Building Your Writer Platform", plus regular email updates delivered straight to your inbox!
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.