Action/Adventure Aficionados discussion
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Website, Webpage, to create, or not to create...that is the question...or maybe hire somebody?
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I did my own web site using a reasonably priced template from Alwebco. Tim Fairchild Books
Even used a flash intro with original music. It's not too hard, but does initially take time to set up. If you are somewhat familiar with html, it is much easier. There are many websites to aid in that.
I use a link to my site when Tweeting or on Facebook and have the link as a signature on my email as well. I believe every little thing that potential reader can see will help.
Things like:
1. Links to your sales page, be it your publisher, amazon, B&N, ect.
2. Author info. You can list your background, awards and experiences.
3. Photos, such as book signings, readings and such.
4. Links to your marketing tools such as a blog, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.
From what I've heard, publishers want to see that potential authors are engaging in these things nowadays.
Mod
Thanks. It may look to be a daunting process, but it can be done with patience and at minimal cost.Web template-$45 once
Domain name- $25 a year
Site hosting- $9.95 a month.
The html edit and FTP programs are free on the net.
Mod
Whatever the nominal costs in getting a domain name (or even, reserving it for when you will need it/so someone else doesn't claim it ahead of you) - and maintaining a professional/FUNCTIONAL/up to date website with links that work across browsers, it is WORTH IT, and even, essential.Authors constantly have to remember: for a reader to spend a piece of their LIFETIME to consider your book - this is a privilege that has to be EARNED. While you will not write the book that every single reader craves - some will appreciate what you do and some will not - you always have to deliver your best shot.
If a reader comes to your site to see what you are about, and the presentation reflects shoddy work, has broken links, or pages that don't display correctly across browsers, that shows a serious lack of respect - not just for yourself and what you do, but to the person who took their FREE time to look at your public face.
A first impression ONLY happens once. If you care about what you do, and if you value your potential readers' earnest interest in checking you out - you have to go the second mile, FIRST.
Your website is not your book - but it will reflect the quality of your efforts as a whole.
Seen in this light, a dysfunctional website is plain bad manners, and it certainly won't be forgiving as a promotion of your intent. If code is not your forte, get help. It matters just as much as a professional cover and sound editing. If you don't take yourself seriously, why should anyone else?
Tim wrote: "I did my own web site using a reasonably priced template from Alwebco. Tim Fairchild Books
Even used a flash intro with original music. It's not too hard, but does initially take time to set up. I..."
A very attractive site, Tim. I like the soft colors and the ominous music was awesome. The first chapter was exciting. (I don't have a Kindle, so couldn't participate in the group reading.)
And I also learned that you are a phoneman. (Sort of like Navy Chiefs, once a phoneman, always a phoneman.) My Hero was with South Central Bell and AT&T for 35 years. I was with them for 11 years. When he retired as a PBX Tech and I got downed-sized, we formed our own business installing computer and phone cable and selling and installing phone systems. We did that for 8 years before health caught up with us and we had to quit for good. Ain't retirement great?
Thanks, Patti. Yep...That's me! A phone man for life.:-)It's something, even though you retire from, you never forget it. Now that the writers competition is done, I'm releasing Zero Point in print. Hopefully by the end of the month. It's now on Nook as well.
Janny wrote: "Whatever the nominal costs in getting a domain name (or even, reserving it for when you will need it/so someone else doesn't claim it ahead of you) - and maintaining a professional/FUNCTIONAL/up to..."Spot on, Janny! The web site should be our best effort. I'm fortunate as I have had many years dabbling in site design.
As in anything we want to market; especially ourselves, we should make that effort a good one. A lot of times, it's the first thing a reader sees, and we all know what they say about first impressions.:-)
Mod
Tim Fairchild Books
Even used a flash intro with original music. It's not too hard, but does initially take time ..."
Yep, they can kick the Chief out of the Navy, but they can't kick the Navy out of the Chief... and in my case, they kicked me out, and hired me as a civilian... it's like I'm haunting them.
Tim wrote: "Janny wrote: "Whatever the nominal costs in getting a domain name (or even, reserving it for when you will need it/so someone else doesn't claim it ahead of you) - and maintaining a professional/FU..."Right, Janny. Make it work or don't do it. Mine is woefully out of date, since I haven't been writing and the books were out of print until the Kindles and Nook bought them. And I used Front Page, which causes my font to change according to what your computer has. Don't like that. It is at http://patricafrancesrowell.com. I may do the work to update it.
I was wondering, does having your own website help promote your book? Is it worth paying someone to do a professional web page for you or just do it yourself?
Is it hard to do yourself?
Many people are like me, realistically, I'm a fairly knowledgable Internet/computer person when it comes to capabilities, concepts and structure. When it comes to actually doing something useful, I'm woefully under experienced, lack creativeity and second guess all my work into oblivion. (Good thing I'm not a writer...yet.)
What are your thoughts on getting your self on the internet with a good attractive looking professional footprint? Are there any tricks or pointers "Do not do this(s)" or "do not forgets?"