Recently a blogger for Publishers Weekly, Barbara Vey, wrote a piece about what she likes and doesn’t like on author websites. The full post is here, but I thought I’d include the highlights:
- DO have a website in the first place!
Quote: “To me, being an author is a business and as a business you need people to see the product. What’s available and what’s coming up at the very least.” - DON’T go over-the-top in terms of design.
Quote: “No need for video or anything flashy. Just something that says I take my job seriously and here’s why you should read my work.” - DO include essential information for readers.
Quote: “I’d like to know if there’s a backlist, what order I should read the books in, if they’re part of a series.” - DON’T let your website look outdated.
Quote: ” I’m embarrassed for them when I see their latest release showing 2003 when I know they’ve written more since then.” - DO find ways to have something new on your site regularly.
Quote: “… attach a Twitter feed box. That way, every time you Tweet something it shows up on your website. Instant updating and you only had to type 140 characters (or less).” - DO include a “Buy” button next to each of your books.
Quote: “When the reader is really interested in something, make it easy for them to purchase immediately.”
Barbara, I couldn’t agree with you more 🙂