Have you ever finished reading an interesting book and wished you could discuss it with someone? Or are you reading a great book that you’re dying to recommend to everyone?
Book blogging is a fun way to connect with book lovers around the world. Luisa Plaja, the former editor of Chicklish, a teen literature website that ran from 2006 to 2014, shares her top ten tips for starting your own book blog.
Reading: How to create a book review blog
1. Start by coming up with a name for your blog
You can name it after yourself (e.g. “Katie reads”) or come up with a name that aligns with your vision for the blog or its specific focus. For example, Chicklish got its name from its origins as a review site for teenage romantic comedy books, so ‘a bit like Chick Lit’.
Some examples of other existing book blog names to help you with Name your own blog, include:
- Wondrous Reads
- I Want To Read That
- Serendipity Reviews
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and so many more…
2. Decide which blogging platform to use
Two of the most popular free platforms are Blogger and WordPress. However, there are many others out there – for example, Chicklish uses Typepad.
3. Check out some existing blogs for inspiration
Find a big list of UK blogs for layout and theme inspiration and decide what your website should look like. Most blogging programs will ask you to choose a template as soon as you register, but feel free to play around and try different looks until you find one you like, as it can usually be changed later.
4. Start your blog!
If your platform allows it (and most do), create a separate About Us page to introduce yourself and your goals for the site . Or you might want to include a page called “Review Policy” where you explain whether you accept books from authors and publishers for review and what types of books you are considering (specify genre and format – accept z books?)
Add a contact email (perhaps by creating a new email address using your blog name) or if you prefer not to receive private messages ask requesters to post a public comment for your attention instead.
5. Add some posts
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Start reviewing books you’ve recently read or writing about books you want to read. When you’ve exhausted the contents of your bookshelves and wish list, you can easily check out books from the library. Publishers and authors may offer you review copies over time, but first build your blog from books you’ve purchased yourself.
6. Joining in with memes
Two popular examples of this are “In my mailbox,” where you list all the books you’ve received or checked out in a given week, and “Waiting for Wednesday,” where you write about a upcoming release you’re looking forward to – and post it on a Wednesday!
7. Join or start reading challenges
This is a great way to feel part of the wonderful online book community and encourage people to get involved with your blog!
8. Write some “list” posts
For example, you could write about your five favorite reads this year, your favorite characters, or your book gift ideas. You can illustrate each with a book cover.
You can also go to a site like Goodreads for book information and cover art, or if you are reviewing a book in a series, a great place to do this is to find complete series listings Fantastic Fiction.
9. List your favorite book sites
List your favorite sites on your blog in a sidebar. Be sure to comment regularly on other sites. The book blogging community is generous and wonderful, so it shouldn’t be long before you have regular readers and commenters.
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10. Have fun!
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