Sample Chapters

[Chase Gamwell]

I've started a blog and have been slowly developing it into a hub where I can showcase who I am as a writer. So far, I've only posted general information about what I'm writing (past the regular posts I'm making on the blog), but I plan on expanding some of the stuff I'm putting on the site to flash fiction, short stories (written specifically for the blog), and sample chapters.

My main question is about the sample chapters. What is the general feeling on posting something like this on a blog? Would you do it? Would that be too risky?

I was just wondering what the general feeling about putting that much of your work out there is.

 

[KG Christopher]

Why don't you put up some short stories? poetry, some of the flash you have done and also links to other peoples work (Litopians )

I think you don't have to post your WIP, but other stuff that demonstrates your ability.

I am going through the same process.

 

[Chase Gamwell]

Why don't you put up some short stories? poetry, some of the flash you have done and also links to other peoples work (Litopians )

I think you don't have to post your WIP, but other stuff that demonstrates your ability.

I am going through the same process.

I'm definitely planning on putting all of the above up, but I was just wondering how people felt about specifically posting sample chapters of a WIP. I know it isn't required, but does it help? Hurt? Is it too much? Too easily plagiarized? Does it seem to desperate? etc...

 

[Nicole Wilson]

It is easily plagiarized, yes (and @Carol Rose can speak to plagiarism in the publishing industry), and, if the goal is to reference them in a query letter for an agent to look at, they most likely won't. Either they don't want sample chapters at that stage or they do and you've already sent them. Your chapters are a little on the longer side, so it is possible to put up snippets if you really want to. I was tagged in a Twitter challenge to do 7 lines, so I have that, but there's not much someone can do with 7 lines. Honestly, I was even hesitant to put up back of the book blurbs on my website, but I did to generate interest and to keep myself motivated.

 

[MichaelBlackbourn]

I have a sample chapter of my kids book on my site. I'm not sure if it's helped or not but it's there.

 

[J. Rook]

I've started a blog and have been slowly developing it into a hub where I can showcase who I am as a writer. So far, I've only posted general information about what I'm
I was just wondering what the general feeling about putting that much of your work out there is.

I post the reviews that I have written on my blog, together with ones that I have received. I write posts about my WIPs, letting people know what are my intentions, what sort of characters I am developing, but sedulously (I love that word) avoiding the dreaded "spoiler" effect (although I wonder why people are so afraid of knowing what may be coming. "Spoilers" don't worry me.). The trouble with my blog is the time spent in maintaining it. I don't know what I would do if I opened a website or embarked on a newsletter. I think that short excerpts from books are a good thing to appear on a blog. They will give people a taste of your narrative style - and that is important. I also think it sensible to add some pictures to the pages.

 

[Chase Gamwell]

I post the reviews that I have written on my blog, together with ones that I have received. I write posts about my WIPs, letting people know what are my intentions, what sort of characters I am developing, but sedulously (I love that word) avoiding the dreaded "spoiler" effect (although I wonder why people are so afraid of knowing what may be coming. "Spoilers" don't worry me.). The trouble with my blog is the time spent in maintaining it. I don't know what I would do if I opened a website or embarked on a newsletter. I think that short excerpts from books are a good thing to appear on a blog. They will give people a taste of your narrative style - and that is important. I also think it sensible to add some pictures to the pages.

You're right about one thing...more pictures. I know I need more on my blog, but I'm very cautious about posting images that don't explicitly belong to me because of the potential legal ramifications. And while I agree that managing a full website/newsletter would prove difficult, a blog can be just as difficult. I'm putting so much effort into mine so that it can be user friendly when people visit. So much work!

 

[Nicole Wilson]

You're right about one thing...more pictures. I know I need more on my blog, but I'm very cautious about posting images that don't explicitly belong to me because of the potential legal ramifications. And while I agree that managing a full website/newsletter would prove difficult, a blog can be just as difficult. I'm putting so much effort into mine so that it can be user friendly when people visit. So much work!

Go to graphicstock.com. Sign up for their free 7 day trial and download as many images as you can. They're all royalty-free and you can use them for whatever you want.