The WMF Archives: Writer Websites: Why You Need One and How to Get Started

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Writer Websites: Why You Need One and How to Get Started

8:32 PM

By Angela Atkinson

Do new or unpublished writers really need their own websites? I have been asked this question more times than I can count, generally by those just getting into the business. Nearly every time, my answer is the same: YES. Yes you do.

And then, the same inevitable questions arise. Why do I need a website when I haven't been published yet? What if I can't afford to pay for a site or hosting? Can't I just use my author profile on _______ (insert low or no-pay content site name here) instead? What do I even put on a website when I haven't been published (or when I've just been published once or twice)?

Let's tackle this, shall we?

Why do I need an author website?

First, you need a "one-stop-shop" to which you can direct editors or potential clients. An author site gives you the opportunity to provide samples of (or links to) your work, an extended bio, contact information and more. It tells your potential clients and/or editors that you mean business--that you're committed to your craft.

And, once the ball gets rolling on your career, an author site is a great place to list testimonials, awards, publishing credits and more--all of which, of course, work to your benefit when a client or editor checks you out.

Don't forget competition--most working writers these days have their own author sites. You want to be a working writer, so do what working writers do--get a website. When in Rome, and all that.

What if I can't afford to pay for a domain name or hosting services?

You've got a couple of options here. For a traditional website, Webs.com has a really great free service. They offer a wide variety of customizable templates, which can handle multiple pages and even a blog. And, if you decide to stick it out, you can always upgrade and drop the .webs part of the name--and maintain functionality on existing links out there in the Internet land.

Another option is to use Google's Blogger service. Free hosting, free templates (admittedly, they're less flexible)--but if you want to buy a domain name, it's a flat fee of ten bucks a year. Hosting is still free. Sweet deal, if you ask me.

Can't I just use my author profile on _______ (insert low or no-pay content site name here) instead?

I'm not going to sugar coat it for you, folks. You could absolutely use the author profile on a low or no-pay site. But here's the thing--if you direct potential clients to such a site, you'll appear to be an amateur.

I know what you're thinking: But, what if I AM an amateur?

Here's what I think. Everyone's gotta start somewhere--and if you really want to do this whole writing for publication thing, jump in with both feet. Fake it till ya make it, my friends. If you want to be taken seriously as a professional writer, you have to act like one--and part of that involves setting up an author website.

But what do I put on an author website?

Like I mentioned earlier, an author site is a place to showcase your work. You can include whatever you like, of course, but here are some ideas to get you started.

An extended bio--A narrative about you, your career and (touching on) other parts of your life, as appropriate. And don't forget, always write your bio in the third person. Check out my post on beefing up your author bio for more ideas to get you started.
An author photo--Ideally, a head shot in which you can see your face clearly. Keep it low-key--no drunken party pics. Check out Alyssa's post on author bio pics for more specifics on how to choose your author photo.
Samples of your work--If you haven't yet been published, include a couple of samples (or a few paragraphs from each.) If you have, include titles and/or links (as appropriate.)
Contact information--In her article 5 Things I Hate About Your Website, Carol Tice advises skipping the contact form and including a direct email address or link instead. If you're married to the form idea, just include your email address as well. And, if you're worried about spiders or bots picking up your email address, just type it out like this: yourname at website dot com.
Testimonials--As I mentioned above, testimonials are a great draw for potential clients. A testimonial is basically a few sentences or a paragraph in which a client or other business associate says (hopefully) good things about you and your work. Not sure how to get testimonials? Check out my post on how to get testimonials and why you need them.
Services you offer--A list, detailed enough to be clear, that explains what you can offer your clients. Not sure where to start? Check out mine.
A Blog--Some people will tell you this isn't necessary. And maybe it's not--but personally, I think it's almost required--especially for new or unpublished writers. This gives you another way to showcase your talents. Many writers use their author site blogs to write about...well, writing. Others write posts that are in line with their chosen niche. Still, you can write about whatever you choose--but I advise that you keep it professional.

A Final Word of Advice

I don't care how new you are to the whole writing thing--proofread your author site. Honestly, as an editor, if I look at your site and see typo after typo, misused punctuation or screwed up grammar, I'm not staying long. Clients are the same. I mean, think about it. Would you hire a housekeeper if you knew she had a pigsty of a home? I think not, my friends, I think not.

Remember that your author site represents you and your work. It is, essentially, your home on the web. So make sure you keep it "company clean", and guess what? You'll find yourself one step closer to ultimate career success.

Do you have an author website? If so, please share your link in the comments section!

Labels: Angela Atkinson, author web site, author website, writer website

16 comments:

Carol Tice said...: Great post Angela. I couldn't believe the difference in the number of nibbles and good-paying clients I got after I stopped using my Zoominfo profile and got my own Web site.

And you're so right about a photo. My saying is, humans have a tendency to hire humans. They want to know who they're hiring. Putting a face to your business really helps.

Once you have one, the trick is to make prospects visit it. I try to avoid sending my resume or many clips in a query, I just tell them it's all on the Web site.

One tip: If you have ever won an award for writing, make a page about awards. When I added that to my site, I also saw a bump in interest. It's amazing how much credibility they seem to convey.

Carol Tice
http://www.caroltice.com
http://Twitter.com/TiceWrites
Make a Living Writing Blog: The 7 Habits of Highly Paid Freelance Writers: http://www.caroltice.com/blog/39; January 12, 2010 10:39 PM
Liza said...: This post contains many helpful points. Thank you!; January 13, 2010 7:02 AM
Stephanie Sides said...: I absolutely agree with this article and have followed **most** of its advice. Where I have deviated is to have written my site in first person. I think it makes me appear friendlier and more approachable. Some would also criticize my head shot (as more appropriate for a dating website), but I chose that one for the same reason. Before I created my site, I knew next to nothing (technically) about websites except how to supervise people who created them... I took a very good online class through Miracosta College - six weeks, two lessons per week with homework and quizzes. The end result is that I was able to write, html-code, and fix all problems I created for the entire site. It was a very empowering experience. For an example of a first attempt at a website by a long-term writer see: shakespearewrites dot com.; January 13, 2010 11:09 AM
Robin Bradley Hansel said...: Great article, Angela!

I followed you here from the Linked In writer's group. So glad I found you on Twitter and Facebook, too. Thanks for sharing your insights!

Many of my published writings are accessible through live links on my company website "Labyrinth Wellness." I designated a full page there just to "More Published Writings."

I was considering getting another blog or site started purely for my writing, though, as some of my articles are now off copyright from the magazines and I could post them. Would you suggest this? Not sure if I have the time to keep up with it, though.....

Peace for your Path,
Robin
Robin Bradley Hansel
http://www.labyrinthwellness.com; January 13, 2010 11:52 AM
Robin Bradley Hansel PT, CPI said...: Here is my blog, too, if you'd like to follow. Thanks! Robin
http://labyrinthwellnessllc.blogspot.com/; January 13, 2010 12:00 PM
Stephanie said...: Very informative! Thank you!!!; January 13, 2010 1:29 PM
Angela Atkinson said...: Robin, I am now following your blog, and I think your website looks great. I think that, if you want to focus on writing for outside clients or publication, it would a good idea to have a dedicated writing site--or perhaps you could have a dedicated page for it on your current site, though the former would be more effective if you want to write outside of your niche.

And, considering you already have published work, you wouldn't necessarily NEED a blog--but you could even link your current blog to the site.; January 13, 2010 4:08 PM
Rebecca said...: Great post! Many people are intimdated about blogging or creating their own website. I'm contemplating having someone design my website versus me working with WordPress. I know a little HTML, but it's easier to hire someone who can do it for me. This way all I have to do is update my blog posts and pages!; January 13, 2010 5:09 PM
Rebecca said...: Oops! Typo alert. I meant "intimidated."; January 13, 2010 5:10 PM
2KoP said...: Thanks so much. I joined this group for just this kind of advice and discussion. In addition, I launched my freelance Website just this week and welcome your feedback. Here's the link:

http://www.bearman.us

I also have a blog:

http://2kop.blogspot.com

Thanks.
Susan; January 15, 2010 4:49 PM
Kerrie McLoughlin said...: yippah, i needed some help with mine! shameless plug = http://kerriemcloughlin.blogspot.com ... gonna save the $10 up and get the "blogspot" part dropped for more professionalism!; January 15, 2010 9:03 PM
Wendy Burnett said...: Lots of great information and things to think about (many of which I've been considering for the last couple of months.) I finally broke down and started a new blog (I won't bore you with what happened to the original one) on wordpress, so that I can port it easily when I can afford the hosting I want. I'm working on providing some useful resources for readers, as well as finding sources for images I can afford (my current budget is $0,) and deciding on the author photo to use. (I'm thinking I'll probably use the same one I use for my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles - it's not as professional as it could be, but it gives a pretty good sense of who I am.)

Wendy Burnett
wendyburnett.wordpress.com; January 17, 2010 12:20 AM
Kayelle Allen said...: A website is like a business card. If a business owner waited until s/he had sales to create a business card, how many sales would be generated?; January 17, 2010 12:28 PM
Philip Bradbury said...: Dear Angela,
Thanks for the ideas and another idea is getting your own URL (website name) and they're around $5-10 a year. Then use, say, www.yola.com to create a free website with. Yola give you up to 5 websites free and have been brilliant for us, when we've had questions and ideas.
Our websites are www.bbcorp.info and
www.personaldevelopmentacademy.org

So you then have a "professional" name and a free site and you can change it at will for no cost and no waiting for your website builder to get around to doing it ...

Kia ora
Philip Bradbury; January 18, 2010 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Lalit Navani

Very aptly put. A website definitely helps.

http://www.aawaaz.in; January 26, 2010 10:06 AM
Carrie Pauling said...: Sometimes freelance advice articles make me sweaty and feeling like I have so much work to do, but I feel good after reading this one! I have a web site (www.cpwrite.net) but no blog. I'll consider it. Nice article--motivating, but not panic-inducing!; January 28, 2010 12:26 PM