Comments on: What’s That Smell?

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:31:48 +0000

I pitch to guest post sometimes, but only if I've researched the blog and know it's along the same lines as what I do. There's a whole circuit of blogs where one guest posts when a new book comes out. But I don't hit up just any old blog that has nothing to do with what I do.

I get a lot of "I read your blog and would like to offer my services as a guest poster on the topic of (nothing that has anything to do with my blog)." And, of course, no salutation.

I say no, and that they should look at blogs specific to the topic and/or try to sell the piece as an article to a publication.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:14:31 +0000

Like Cathy, my blog isn't about helping writers, so I'm so far safe from the kinds in e-mails she mentioned above.

Try looking at it from another POV: being flooded with those types of approaches is a sign of a successful blog.

Yes, I aspire to one day receive my first unknown person asking to be a guest blogger. (Since my theme is centered on creativity, they'd have to get really creative to get my attention.)

By: Allie

Allie — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:03:35 +0000

I actually asked a few fellow bloggers what to do when they get persistent people who want to provide guest posts. I was advised to say that I don't accept guest posts, but if they are interested in purchasing a sponsorship on my (non-business) blog, I would be happy to send along rates. Turns out they really don't want to do that and will stop responding. 🙂

By: Jake P

Jake P — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 15:30:58 +0000

That's the same mistake I made, once, early on, and it won't happen again.

I'm surprised at the level of persistence that some of these folks show--some have contacted me 3 or 4 times to follow up. I hate being rude, but I just don't even want to respond. As you point out: No personal connection whatsoever.

Happy Friday, all!

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:52:54 +0000

Cathy, exactly! Visit a few times, leave a comment, look like you CARE and hey, you're now known! When they can't be bothered, I can't be, either.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:51:13 +0000

I guess there's one good thing about not having a blog for helping freelance writers, I get missed on emails begging for donations in the Help your fellow writer campaign. ;-)

My email is swamped (like all of ours) with requests for guest posts. I have pretty much come to the conclusion that if I don't know you, I'm not going to accept a guest post. And when you think about it, knowing you is as easy as visiting my blog, participating in the discussion or hanging out in social media.

It's too bad the spammers or self-centered bloggers spoil it for newbies who are just trying to be heard, but at least it ends up being a good lesson in networking.