How to List Blog on Resume & Publish

[Cypress]

I have a blog on Word Press that I began in December 2013. I enjoy writing and the articles are on a wide variety of topics. Somehow I would like to shift this into paid for publication and I do not know how. How do you take a writing hobby and become published? IMHO the articles improve and improve with every posting. I have a few comments but I honestly do not understand how folks find the articles. I place tags on each writing but not sure what may help get this farther out to readers. I hope to catch the eye of an editor, publisher or someone who will contact me and say, we’d like to buy your article

Also, can I include this on my resume? I have learned a new software program that involves connecting social media to the blog. If anything, these are good modern technology skills for writing and publication. How can I list and link this to my site?

Thanks for reading this post.

[Kestra]

I am hardly an expert on the subject since I haven't been paid yet for my own writing, but I have researched a lot of what you are wondering about, and have my own blog and writing projects that I hope to eventually monetize, so here are some thoughts:

1. In general, for all of your questions, you'll get more information if you seek out writer specific forums. I really like this one: http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/ It has tons of information on all types of topics.

2. I hope this doesn't come across too harshly, but to the paying world, having a blog for a couple months and your own positive opinion of your writing doesn't bear any weight. If you had been blogging for years and got many many views, then perhaps. Generally people want to know that other people have paid for your writing. It's the old adage about how do you get job experience when you can't get a job without experience. But there are methods that may help.

3. For my blog there are three ways that people find what I've written:
- through a link I have posted (e.g. my signature on this post)
- through a Google search on a topic I have written about
- through a website that is related to my topic that I shared my blog with

I'll give you more details about these:
First, you need to include a link to your blog everywhere you go online. I had no idea you had a blog. I'd be willing to check it out and comment if I knew about it. Every forum you frequent, include your blog URL in your signature, every time you make a comment on someone else's blog, you should include your URL. But you don't want to seem spammy about it. Don't join forums just to talk about your own blog. That never goes over well.
Second, web searches. This just comes automatically if you are writing about what people are searching for. I use Wordpress and haven't had time to look into SEO at all. But I do make sure my blog is set to public. The more posts you have, the more likely search engines will find you.
Third, the way I get the most consistent views, is that I put a couple restaurant reviews on Urban Spoon, and people click through to read my full review. You may be able to find something similar depending on your topic.

4. It is highly unlikely an editor or publisher will find you, unless you gain a huge web presence. Such people are bombarded by submissions. Also, people don't want to buy your blog article. Once something is previously published, even online, it is generally considered no good for publication. Publishers want new material. Of course that doesn't mean you can't recycle and change your own work, but you don't want to be open about this.

What are other ways to get published? I'd start for looking around for well known blogs, with paid writers, that are on topics you are interested in. The blog Get Rich Slowly comes to mind. Something like that. Usually there is a way to contact them and ask if you could submit a spec piece(s) for their consideration. Although it's generally not recommended to write without pay, any popular blog that would publish an article for you, would be a good start, and something you could reference for future applications. It is also a way to promote your own blog, as usually there is a section for "about the author". If people like your writing they may check out your site.
The other way is networking. Tell everyone you know about your writing aspirations. I told my boss yesterday that I'm designing a website. I may be published eventually, because my father happened to know an editor and I did some work for him. You need to put your intentions out there, so that people can help you.

5. Software is one thing you may be able to put on a resume, as long as you feel confident that you know it quite well. Definitely being familiar with all types of technology is very useful in many jobs. Who knows, at my paid job I may get to do something different once they learn more about my knowledge of websites and less common software.

I hope I wasn't too discouraging. I'm a wannabe professional writer as well and know how hard it is to get started. I hope you'll share your blog with us, and let us know about any progress you have made, however small. If you happen to check out my blog, you'll notice I often post little updates that are only viewed by other writerly friends. Just that little bit of encouragement they give me is great motivation for me to continue.

[tetrimbath]

I agree with Kestra. Nice coverage of the situation.

I've been blogging for about five years (trimbathcreative.wordpress.com (http://trimbathcreative.wordpress.com/)). My traffic is increasing, yet it isn't to the level where I would expect to get much from the site traffic. It is, however, a venue for other revenue generators; e.g. speaking, consulting, and selling my books and photos.

One way that I've pulled traffic was by commenting on niches that others overlook. That way, when those topics hit the news there are few places for people to find, and I end up at or near the top. My traffic spikes, and then they find other topics that I've written about.

My blog is also feeding my next book. With every post I get personal comments and analytical feedback about what people care about. That will help me focus my writing for the next book.

Blogging for money doesn't have a guaranteed path to success, despite what people will sell you. It is, however, worth trying because the costs are low and the potential payoff is high. But don't limit yourself to the ad traffic. There are many possibilities before you.

[Cypress]

Dear Kestra

I updated my profile and placed a link in the signature field. I need to work on the field as it is not quite what I like. But, it's in progress and will improve. Many of the tips you gave I am already doing. Just a matter of practice, learn and adjust.

Grazie Mille!

[Cypress]

To the 2nd poster, I started to follow you now. Thanks.