Most of the reasons freelance writers and novelists need to create a website or blog are about improving their writing skills, building a strong writing platform, networking, and becoming a more successful writer.

After I created my website – The Adventurous Writer – I realized firsthand the importance of websites or blogs for writers! Before setting it up, I couldn’t decide if it was worth the effort. Plus, I also thought it was a little egocentric: “Look at me, everyone! Look what I can do!” It was only after creating my website that I realized how important blogging (or any type of online presence) is for writers. 

Before the tips, a quip:

“Write with no one looking over your shoulder,” says Barbara Kingsolver. “Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say.”  

Whether you’re creating your website, starting a blog, or writing your first novel, don’t focus on what you think readers want. Instead, figure out what you want to say — and why you want to say it! Then, find your writer’s voice and express yourself.

If you haven’t already created a blog or website, you’ll find Blogging For Dummies helpful — I still review my copy regularly. And, here are my reasons freelance writers and novelsits need to create a website or blog…

7 Reasons Writers Need Websites or Blogs – Tips for Freelancers and Novelists

If you’re already convinced you want to create a website or blog, read 5 Steps Setting Up a Blog for Writers.

1. All writing clips are in one place. My main reason for creating my website, The Adventurous Writer, was so I could put all my print and online articles in one place. This way, editors, agents, publishers, peers, and potential clients can see what I do at a glance. And, can look back at my assignments and accomplishments whenever I need a shot of confidence!

2. A website or blog can help convince editors to assign articles or offer book contracts. A successful freelance writer or novelist’s website should be more formal than a blog because it represents writing skills and accomplishments. If a writer’s website or blog is professional and error-free, it could help convince an editor to hire a writer because it can showcase the writer’s abilities. 

3. A writer’s website or blog can validate writers. Indeed, creating The Adventurous Writer made me feel official and professional – I carved out my own space on the web! A writer’s website can go a step further than a blog; it can represent who the writer is and what his or her career goals and plans are. This is part of what developing a strong writing platform is all about.

4. Websites require less maintence — they don’t need weekly or monthly updates. Once it’s created, a writer’s website is less work than a blog. Successful writers can update their websites once every week or two, to reflect the latest newest assignments and publications. 

5. Websites and blogs make writers more than just a “name.” A writer’s website can be both professional and full of personality, which makes the writer come alive to readers or potential clients. The Adventurous Writer has both professional and casual photos of me, some of my favorite quips, and links to my blogs. My website is a snapshot of who I am as a writer, which is more than just “Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen.” This is a great tip for freelance writers: highlight your best work, your best self.

6. A writer’s website or blog offers proof of expertise. I can flap my gums and say that I’m a health writer or psychology writer all I want, by my website proves it. It offers links to all my health and psychology articles, which makes me more credible. Credibility is a major reason writers should have a website or blog.

7. A writer’s website helps readers, editors, agents, etc find you. Say I pitched an idea to O Magazine a year ago. Say the editor loved the idea, found a different job at a new magazine, and wants to contact me. Further say that she couldn’t remember my name or access my pitch, but did remember that I pegged myself as “The Adventurous Writer.”  Voila! The editor finds me, offers me a column in her new magazine, and we walk off into the sunset together. 

If you have any questions or comments about these reasons freelance writers and novelists need websites or blogs, I welcome you below…

HostGator is my web provider — and I love them. They’re available 24 hours a day, and are always friendly, polite, and eager to solve my problems. 

~ Resources for Writers & Bloggers ~

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