What Kind of Guest Author Are You?

Are you a good guest author?

One of the best ways writers can market themselves and their work is to provide guest posts for other websites or blogs.

Guest posting allows an author to introduce herself and her work to a new audience, offer a free incentive to bring those readers over to her platform, and establish a strong connection with the editor or founder of the blog, which can provide continued opportunities in the future.

A guest post can be a great marketing and networking tactic—if you make it one. Unfortunately, many writers miss the boat when it comes to this opportunity.

What kind of guest blogger are you? Below are six undesirable types that fail to take advantage of the benefits of guest posting, along with one that knows how to get it done right—and typically profits because of it.

Guest Author 1. The Never-Responder

This is the guest author who looks opportunity in the face and says, “Nah, I don’t want it.” Why any author would turn down an opportunity to share her work with a new audience is beyond me, but some authors do.

Perhaps they already have what they believe is enough exposure? If that’s not it, there is no good reason not to accept an invitation to guest post, should you be fortunate enough to receive one. Shutting the door on this opportunity is like shutting the door in new readers’ faces.

Guest Author 2. The Needs-Babysitting Procrastinator

This guest author agrees to do the guest post, often enthusiastically so, but then fails to follow through. The editor has to contact him to find out what’s going on, after which the writer offers up a series of excuses and promises to complete his end of the bargain.

Sometimes it takes only one reminder, which isn’t terrible, but for many writers, it takes more than that, which is when it starts to get embarrassing. Worst of all is that writer who continues to respond to reminders as if willing to produce something eventually, and then just never does, forcing the editor to eventually scratch him off the list.

Have no doubt—this writer will never be contacted for a guest post again, and may also find his name blackened among most than just the one website editor.

Guest Author 3. The “Do-It-For-Me” Unorganized Slacker

This is the guest writer who follows through with part of the post but neglects to add whatever else the editor asked for. This could include a headshot, bio, book synopsis, book cover image, social media links, etc.

Of course, anyone can forget something, but when it’s clear in the writing guidelines or when setting up the guest post in the first place what is required for the completed post to be published, this writer is creating an extra step for the editor.

When it becomes clear that there is critical information missing, the editor has to go back and ask the writer to deliver the remaining materials, or—worse yet—go hunting for those materials online. As every website or blog editor is always super busy, this is an irritation that most don’t appreciate, and it can mar your reputation with that editor.

Guest Author 4. The “Got-It-Done-In-5-Minutes” Disrespector

Any website or blog editor wants quality guest posts for his or her readers. If you submit a post or get a request for a post, the editor is going to assume you’ll spend the time needed to make it as high quality as possible.

Unfortunately, some guest authors ignore this assumption and rush through the process just to “get it done.” Often these posts are not helpful to readers, as they contain only surface-level answers (to an interview) or fluffy content that doesn’t lend itself well to the site.

It’s almost always a mistake to dash something off in a hurry and send it when given a guest posting opportunity. The editor will remember that you delivered a low-quality post, and best-case scenario, will not accept another post from you again. The worst-case scenario is that the editor will decide not to post the article at all, meaning you just wasted your time and burnt a bridge with a potential connection.

Guest Author 5. The Thanks-But-Who-Cares Dismisser

One important part of any guest-posting relationship is the expectation of reciprocity when it comes to promoting the post. The writer expects the editor to share the post with his or her readers, and the editor expects the writer to do the same, so the post gets the maximum exposure possible. The writer should also be available during at least the first several days after posting to respond to any potential comments readers might make.

This is, of course, part of the magic of a guest post. Done right, it benefits both the editor and the writer, as both enjoy the chance to share good content with their readers, establish new connections, and expand their networks.

It’s surprising how few writers follow through with this part of the process, though. The editor shares the article on social media, but the writer does not, or the editor posts the article but the writer is nowhere around to respond to comments.

Not only does this rob the writer of the chance to gain new readers and cement the connection with the editor, it also leaves a bad taste in the editor’s mouth, jeopardizing any future guest posts on that site.

Guest Author 6. The Great and Organized Writer Disappearer

This is the writer that checks all the boxes. She’s enthusiastic and organized. She responds in a reasonable time and delivers a quality post along with all the other requested information. She responds to comments in a timely fashion, shares the post on all her social media channels, and takes care to thank the editor for the opportunity.

So what’s the problem? Nothing! The editor loves this writer and hopes he or she will return. But the writer makes one critical mistake—after the post has been up for a couple of weeks and all the hype has died down, the writer disappears.

Rather than continue to nurture the relationship with this editor—to pave the way for future opportunities both ways—the writer acts like she never knew the editor or the website, and goes on her merry way, never to contact the editor again until she needs something.

You may think that editors handling hundreds of guest authors every year couldn’t possibly remember these types of exchanges, and you’d be right to a certain extent. But editors do remember those writers who continue to stay in touch. This may be by commenting on other posts on the blog, sharing them on social media, or simply saying “hi” now and then.

Keeping your name in front of an editor who is happy to share your work is always a good move, and such an easy way to pave the road for future marketing efforts—and perhaps other opportunities. Why would any writer neglect this important step?

Guest Author 7. The Great and Organized Lasting Connector

You can probably tell by now the characteristics of a great and wise guest author who forms a connection that lasts, but just in case, here’s a list of this person’s characteristics:

• Responds to all communication in a timely way
• Takes the time and effort to write a quality post
• Pays attention to the writing guidelines and delivers what is asked for
• Makes himself available to answer comments
• Shares the post with all social media channels
• Sends a simple “thank you” for the opportunity
• Stays in touch!

Once you’ve successfully guest posted on any website or blog, it’s much easier to repeat the process as long as you’re a #7 type of guest author. That means when your second or third or fourth book comes out, it will be much easier to spread the word because you’ll have several good relationships with editors willing to help you promote.

It’s simple, straightforward, and it works. For an easy way to expand your author platform, become a #7 guest author!

Note: Writing and Wellness is always open to quality guest posts from #7 guest authors! Please see our writing guidelines.

What do you think about guest posting?