Blogger.com.# Owned by Google since 2003. It's free and easy. There's an add-on program enabling you to post to your blog from Microsoft Word. You can use Blogger's free Web space, Blogspot.com, but it's best to keep your content on a domain you control, like YourBookTitle.com. Do this by using Blogger's FTP feature. For instructions: #Help.Blogger.com/bin/topic.py? topic=8917.# Other blogging systems have similar options: You can publish free on their Web space, or publish on your own domain.

TypePad.com.# TypePad is a flexible and professional-looking platform, but takes a bit longer to learn than Blogger. Still, you'll have many options for personalizing your blog without having to learn HTML computer code. Basic service costs $4.95 a month; the Plus level costs $8.95 a month and gives you up to three blogs hosted on your own domain. A 30-day free trial is available.

WordPress.com.# Set up a free blog, or upgrade to a fuller-featured service. All that's required to begin is a user name and e-mail address.

Advertising-supported blogs#

A free account at an advertising-subsidized site is another option, but you'll have less control over the design, and the advertising can distract readers: