As any author will tell you, one of your biggest challenges (after you've written your magnum opus, natch) is effectively marketing not only your work, but yourself.
So you step up your blogging, sign up for Facebook, Twitter and whatever other social networking sites are hip at the moment, and you launch your official website.
But every once in a while, you've got switch things up so that people will continue to be interested, which is precisely what I'm doing with www.christabanister.com as we speak. And now that I'm in the process of making tweaks, I wanted to ask you, our loyal Scribble Chick readers for your feedback on the following...
And to sweeten the pot a little, the first five people who respond will win an autographed copy of one of my novels (your choice). As always, thanks for taking the time to read, and please let us know if there's anything you'd like us to address in future posts.
1)What components do you like seeing on your favorite authors' websites? What could I add that would make you want to visit regularly?
2)If you're a writer, would you enjoy reading a special section that gave specific tips about the craft, writing for publication, etc.?
3)Do you like websites that are basically the author's blog? Or a more of a standalone page like I have with links to everything else? Why?
4)Do you like receiving regular author e-newsletters? Why or why not? And if you like them, what makes one an absolute must-read?
5)Any other feedback/thoughts? Please don't hesitate to let me know...
Hi Christa,
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I visit author's blogs way more than their actual web site. I like to read about daily life that's written in their own unique writing style. I think it's important to have an actual web site, though, for information like author bio, books written, books coming soon, and things like a page for writers. However, once I go to an author's web site, I usually visit their blog several times before returning to the web site. As far as components... I like the ones I mentioned above, as well as an Events page and fun colors/design.
The only writing I do is songwriting ;), but I do enjoy the occasional posts about brainstorming and writers block, etc. I also enjoy the encouragement y'all give to other writers to use the gift God's placed you them and to keep at writing (or whatever the gift is). That can be invaluable to some, especially coming from published writers we look up to. Your genuineness shows, and that's an rare asset in most any industry these days.
Yes, I like that you have a web site has links to all your different outside pages.
For a newsletter to be a must read, I want it to have breaking news that newsletter recipients get the first scoop on. I.e. the announcement of a new book, sneak preview of the first chapter of a new book, an event, a contest, a survey like this one ;), etc. If I'm following an author's blog, I would read a newsletter sent out every 2-3 months...especially if it contained exciting info that no one else knows about yet! =) Hope this helps!
1. I think I visit blogs more than an authors website, honestly. A website though I go to to see about new books, writing tips, when they have a "FAQS" section, and I guess pretty much to learn more about them as a person if I've like their book! So anything that shows who you are
ReplyDelete2. Yes, absolutely! And I like them to be as specific as possible. a lot of author will say something like "I get emails everyday asking where I get my ideas? I tell them I don't know they just show up" & on like that. I like to know the real stuff, the books that have helped you,anything that tells the truth about writing, how to improve it and make your dreams possible
3. I think I answered that in number 1? If it was just your blog it'd be awesome if you have more than one page linked at the top or the side. Not that they all have to be updated as often as the blog. But yes, I like more than just the front page of a blog as your website.
4. Yes! Probably no more than once a month though. Quarterly or every other month plus special announcements is fine. I like pictures of fun & pretty things, funny things, what your working on, any kind of peak into your writing life, contests are super fun!
5. I follow an authors blog or website because theres something about them and their books I've liked and has resonated with me. So I think just being yourself like if we were hanging out at Starbucks is what I like. Not that you have to be all open an overly personal but, well like you write on your blog about movies & music and food just like that.
I enjoy a sort of "behind-the-scenes" view of the books written~ what inspired the book, what might have been different in the first draft, etc.
ReplyDeleteI also like to have sample chapters on the website to read and see if it's a book I want to continue reading.
Thoughts on writing would be great! A newsletter is fun, but not completely necessary.
It's fun to see glimpses of the author's personality and get a feel for what they're really like in real life...
I love giving feedback!
ReplyDelete1)What components do you like seeing on your favorite authors' websites? What could I add that would make you want to visit regularly?
I always love to see colorful pages, or at the least, cute ones! Yours definitely has that! I also love to shop around, and check out their blog, and I also like pages to be somewhat orderly :)
2)If you're a writer, would you enjoy reading a special section that gave specific tips about the craft, writing for publication, etc.?
I would love that! I am a {future}writer, and would love to know the ups and downs of writing, and also any tips you have would be great!
3)Do you like websites that are basically the author's blog? Or a more of a standalone page like I have with links to everything else? Why?
I like it when the blog is linked to the main page, but still separate. Like the tabs that lead to the blog, I love that!
4)Do you like receiving regular author e-newsletters? Why or why not? And if you like them, what makes one an absolute must-read?
I like them a lot! I subscribe to a lot of newsletters, and I will usually read them, but if the subject of the email and the first couple sentences don't stand out, then I usually skip over them. However, an email from someone usually helps me to their page.
5)Any other feedback/thoughts? Please don't hesitate to let me know...
I think your books look like a lot of fun and I can't wait to read one! I like how part of the book description is on the sidebar of your website is awesome! Hope my feedback helps! :)
Sincerely,
Libbi H.
http://lifeisfunner.blogspot.com
libbilogs{at}gmail{dot}com
Oooh, this is good, good stuff, dear readers, thank you, thank you! :) If you'd like the autographed book I promised (be sure to specify if you'd like "Around the World in 80 Dates" or "Blessed Are the Meddlers"), please e-mail me your pertinent info to freelance_Christa@me.com.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, and thanks for reading!!!!
I think I'm number five. :)
ReplyDeleteI too mainly read the author's blog. However, if I'm checking out a new author, I will go to his or her webpage first. The website's appearance is important in drawing me in as a reader. The style should fit the author's writing. (I want fun and cute at Kristin Billerbeck's page, but dark and mysterious fits Ted Dekker's style.) The information should be clear and relevant.
I write a little, and I enjoy reading the info on writing tips, etc. I am also an editor for a small publishing company, and tips on writing are always helpful as I edit.
When I'm checking out a new author, I want their bio, their books, etc. I usually bookmark the author's blog, not their webpage.
Newsletters are great if the author doesn't update their blog much. However, there are a few authors who post on FB, Twitter, or their blog often, which makes a newsletter redundant.