Posting original writing on blogs - good or bad?

[mary_j_59]

Hi, everyone! A question below for writers - amateur, aspiring and pro:

[Poll #1671093]

You see, I've read in several places now that publishers, editors, etc, frown on posting snippets of works in progress. But I don't know - it doesn't seem harmful to me, provided the snippets are (1) short, and (2) fairly polished. I know that I have been dying to read R.J. Anderson's Ultraviolet for years, ever since she posted a first chapter for comments! I also know that some writers who are now published developed a fanbase by publishing fanfic on their journals, as well as on archives. In some cases, publishers have asked them to take their writing down, and they have done so.

I know this is a tricky question, because, legally, putting something up on your blog can be seen as publishing it. So - what do you think?

Comments

[mary-j-59.livejournal.com]

I think that sort of thing can happen in the U.S., as well, but I'm getting the impression it would be unusual. Good for your friends!

The reason for this post in the first place is that I have got a little original stuff up which is a short segment from a novel I hope to publish. It's rather less than 2 0r 3 percent of the finished novel, so I really don't think it will be a problem - and, if an agent or publisher tells me I must lock it or take it down, I will of course do so. The consensus I'm getting in this poll is that it's best not to put up anything original if you hope to publish it later. I did not know that at the time I posted my first chapters. At that time, I hadn't yet decided to work for publication.

Oh, well.