Day 4: Which of the 10 Book Blog Types are you?

So far this week we have talked about blog setup basics- platforms, templates, and the blogger's vision. But unlike other series on blogging we are focusing on the book blog and its many forms. The shape of these blogs is our discussion today.

There are six basic book blogs:

1. The Book Review Blog
2. The Author FanClub Blog
3. The Publishing Industry News Blog
4. The Blog as Book
5. The Genre Blog
6. Book Alliance Blog
7. The BookClub Blog
8. The Author as Human Blog
9. Bookstore Blog
   

Now that you know what special contribution you would like to bring to your blog, what platform that works best for you, and some design tips and goodies to make your blog stand out you are ready to decide what type of content you want on this blog.

Why do you need to have one clear content focus for your blog?

1. So that you can brand the blog with your unique imprint.
2. So that publishers can identify and validate your blog when they are seeking bloggers to become readers for their house
3. To help your audience find you easier in search engines
4. To stay true to the special contribution you will bring to the blogosphere.

Let's talk about these four forms in detail with some examples to guide your decision making.

1. The Book Review Blog
Example - http://oneminutebookreviews.wordpress.com/ and http://neglectedbooks.com/
Book Review Blogs purpose is to review books. Most of the content is blog reviews written by the owner and contributing bloggers.

2. The Author FanClub Blog
Example: http://sherrilewis.blogspot.com
The Author Blog's purpose is to serve as a virtual fan club president. Readers can chat with the author, stay up to date with their schedule, and the author shares his/her writing world with her fancs.

3.The Publishing Industry News Blog
Example: http://www.bookslut.com/blog.html/
The purpose for this type blog is to provide information about the publishing industry, the good, the bad, and the i wish I didn't know so much now.

4. The Blog as Book
Example:
The Purpose for a BaB is to use the blog platform as a writer's notebook, a membership site where bits of the book is fed to their subscribers, or a blog that's content can be repackaged into a book.

5. The Genre Blog
Example:UrbanChristianToday www.urbanchristianfictiontoday.com
This blog focuses on a specific genre, trends, tips for writers and book reviews.

6. The Book Alliance Blog
Example: The First WildCard Tour. http://firstwildcardtours.blogspot.com/
The purpose of this blog is to be the online hub and information center for a blog alliance of book reviewers.

7. The BookClub Blog
Example: www.rawsistaz.com
The purpose for this blog is to serve as an online hub for the members to plan and get together.

8. The Author as Human Blog
Example - http://journal.neilgaiman.com/
I love Neil Gaman's blog. This is a great example of the author as human blog. It's purpose is for the writer to share his/her writing life with not just his readers, but to the world. Author as Human Blogs are some of the best written blogs online. Author as Human Blog aren't always published, but aspiring authors as well.

9. Bookstore Blog
Example - http://inkwellbookstore.blogspot.com/
It's purpose to share what is going on at the store and how it reflects the current state of the industry.

10. a Bonus type. the hybrid.
Example: Christian Fiction www.christianfiction.blogspot.com
The purpose for CFB began with an intent to be a book review blog, but then uncovered stories that needed to be told. This type blog couples the news format and the author as human , but a heavy influence on reviews. See what I mean?

Now that you see all these types you will have a more focued view of your online space. It is important to remember in the beginning of your new blogging platform you are still a novice.

SO the weekend chatterbox question is What type of book blogger are you?

Related Posts:
30 Days to Build a Better Book BLog

Day 3: Blogalicious Templates, Free & Upgraded

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The Christian Fiction Network

Yesterday after I presented Day 2, a member in the 30 Days group asked me, "If she paid a provider to build the blog would she need to know html?"

So far we are having fun at the 30 Days Blog Upgrade Eduspace. We've been introducing each other to our blogs and setting up our first committed blog. As I had expected everyone was gung ho to tinker with their blogs. Therefore the question above and a few others resonate with today's post, "Blogalicious Templates, Free & Upgrade."

One thing that took Christian Fiction Blog to a new level a few years ago was changing the layout to something unique. There are so many blogs out there, and unfortunately many of the book blogs look more boring than a public library design wise. While others have so much book graphic clutter that it hurt your eyes to focus, so you give up and move on.

• Wouldn't it be nice to have a blog, readers love to turn to to find a great book?
• Wouldn't it be nice to have a blog designed in a way that readers actually stick around and read excerpts and reviews?
• Wouldn't it be nice to know that your blog represents what's special about the story you want to share with the world?

When I launched the blog I picked the white minima design that was offered through Blogger. I am a big fan of white space and black text. My aesthetic is toward a clean design. I guess my architectural background may be to blame. I also believe that it is important for readers to be able to see your text. As more internet users use their mobiles to log on, it is important to note that good design isn't just about the blog being pretty, but it being user friendly, especially on the eyes. For a while I transitioned from one Minima template design to the next. Last year, however, I changed the game and picked a clean, hipper XML design with a universal color palette that also honored my need for white space.

I think the red, white and blue has taken good care of Christian Fiction Blog. But I'm also a free spirit. I don't like to get too attached. Christian Fiction has had this design far longer than the others, so it's time for an upgrade.

Before I make a change I want to chat with you about your blog template and design. For next to nothing you can customize any blog with very little knowledge of code. So don't worry. In fact, I will not break down graphic design how to's, the html color map, defining design & layout terminology, or the power of Corel and Photoshop. Nope. I' m talking free or dirt cheap, easy and super easy upgrading.

Let me introduce you to some free downloadable template sources for your blogs and some blog layout divas and divos who can upgrade you.

To continue you must register to 30 Days to Build a Better Book Blog. Come on. It's free. You can start your 30 days whenever you wish, step away from it and come back later. No worries.

Related Posts:

Day 2: 5 Book Blogs for 5 Blog Platforms

Day 1: If you Knew why your Blog was Special...?

The Before the Big Day: Why is Blogging having a Resurgence?