Blook : From Blog to Book
In my build-up to launching ePubDaily I came across an April ‘06 BusinessWeek article titled “Blooks” Are In Bloom that, as you’ll see, interested me big time.
So what is a blook?
Books based on blogs - dubbed “blooks” by Jeff Jarvis, of the popular BuzzMachine.com - are making a big splash in book publishing.
Wikipedia explains it as a printed book whose content was originally posted on a blog. And it doesn’t have to be a printed book, in my opinion. I know of a few fellow bloggers who are re-working their blog posts into eBooks.
I’m a big fan of blogging your book and in turn turning your blog into a book … or should I say, a blook. Why?
At the same time as you develop your writing, getting more disciplined (doing it live can keep you going) you are slowly nurturing a fan base (a big plus when seeking out a traditional publisher or building a potential list of prospects if going down the ePublishing route).
The idea of writing your book live is exciting. Every second post is a chapter. The other posts are your thoughts, your brainstorming sessions. Imagine getting helpful insights from your commenters (your potential fans, your potential book buyers).
In fact, I’m so enthused by the idea that I’ve decided to write my book via a blog, live, and eventually turn it into a blook (probably through Lulu - who are big on blooks) - titled: ‘The Lifestyle Entrepreneur’. It’ll be a process - both live brainstorming and actual writing it - and obviously, it’ll be available in a eBook version.
I’ll case study myself on this and keep you all informed on the progress. I’ve scheduled a starting date of August with one year to write it, and a further three months to get it all together and packaged. It’ll be interesting.
Anybody out there into blooks? Or those who have just come across it via this post, what are your initial views? Can blooks work?
4 Responses to “Blook : From Blog to Book”
By Deborah on Jun 13, 2006 | Reply
My first attempt at writing a blook was for the 2004 NaNoWriMo contest. I had a blast because I was doing something new with my writing, and loving the visitor feedback. The visitors kept me posting on a regular basis.
I think blooks can work as long as they engage and entertain/inform your readers.
By Martin Neumann on Jun 13, 2006 | Reply
Deborah … goes without saying, I guess, that it must engage, entertain or inform.
I like the blook way because as you said the visitor feedback is a great way to keep you fresh with ideas (almost like the ultimate focus group).
I also like it because once you start and develop some fans it’s pretty hard to stop (how many book ideas have we floating around in our bottom drawers? stop. start. stop. start).
Once you’ve made a committment to it in such a public way you tend to carry through.
For some, it may even be a great procrasinator killer.
By Melonie K. Murray (SmallBizMentor.com) on Jun 14, 2006 | Reply
I agree, Martin. The public commitment is an excellent way to create accountability for the procrastinating writer. I would think that comments from a growing fan base might also stir the writer on to more creative thoughts…and feedback might also help the writer see when something is not working for the reader. Blog visitors can be known to be blunt and honest in their comments!
So far I know one blogger who has gone back through her previous posts and created a “Best of…” blook. I’ve also seen a number of young homeschooled students who are blogging stories. (Often in the fantasy/sci-fi niches, for some reason.) I’ve been tempted to start a fiction work this way myself. Hmmm.
It will be interesting to see where this blook concept goes, that’s for sure!
By Martin Neumann on Jun 19, 2006 | Reply
Melonie - that’s why I love this whole blogging thing. Visitors are blunt and they keep you honest. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
a “Best of …” eBook - I know of one well known professional blogger doing this. I think it’ll be good exposure for eBooks in the blogosphere when this does come out.