Comparing Author Websites
Want to see dozens – maybe hundreds of sites? Harper Collins has a listing: http://www.harpercollins.com/Author/WebSites.aspx
And here's a link that lists additional sites: http://www.bookbrowse.com/author_websites/
As you can see, most authors have their name registered as a website. Important!
But many also have their book's title registered as well.
Why You Need Two Websites
You need two – or more – websites.
Most authors have their name registered as a website. Important!
But many also have their book's title registered as well. After all, when people are searching you on the internet, they are often searching for a topic or title – not just for your name. (Especially if your name is not unusual – or if there is more than one recognizable person with your name.)
I have a friend who's an author, with a fairly common name. To make matters worse, however, there happens to be someone in the adult entertainment business with the same name! Can you imagine her horror (not to mention the horror of her followers) to do a Google search and find pornography?
Having variations of your name registered and having good SEO (Search Engine Optimization) keywords can help. But it can also help to have your book title registered as well.
You also need two sites if you have more than one interest or business.
And what if you're an author, but write a variety of genres or a series? You should probably have a site for each title AND each series.
Whew! Makes your head spin? No worries. Not only can we help you through the process step-by-step, we also make it super-easy for you learn how to do a lot of it yourself. Plus, it's a lot of fun!
Author’s Websites
Are you an aspiring (or established) author without a website? Shame on you!
Having a website should be one of the first steps you take. There are so many uses for your website. And so many functions your website can have.
Of course, the basics are:
- About You
- Your Book Name
- Reviews/Testimonials
- Contact Form
But there's much more you can do, including:
- More About You – including your own personal website to help you build a bond with your audience
- Blog and/or Discussion Forum
- Fan Page
- Surveys and Polls
- Events, Speaking Engagements, Calendar
- Sell Stuff like E-Books
- Teleseminars and Webinars
- Membership Club
- Video and Audio Downloads
- Recommendations
- Influences
- And much more!
Next up: Comparing Author's Websites, including Links to LOTS of other sites!
Also: Why you need "YourName.com" as a website – as well as your book's title!
Tim’s blog
I echo the sentiments of my two colleagues in this adventure. What a delight and honor to be associated with Brownell Landrum and Dawn Gartin to provide aspiring writers and experienced writers with opportunities to grow in their writing and in their connections with others.
Years ago in a florist shop that I often frequented in Auburn, Maine, one of the designers had this sign posted over her work table: Six months ago, I couldn’t spell designer and now I are one. That is a bit of how I feel in being an author and writing coach. In my early years, I had difficulty remembering if my middle name was spelled Arthur or Author . . . and now I “are both.” I did not set out to be a published author. I was one who toyed with the idea of writing a book “someday.” And my “someday” came in the form of the founder of Write Choice Services who challenge me to write and so I did and now I have several books published.
I also became a part of the Write Choice staff and took over the company when the founder retired. Write Choice Services (www.writechoiceservices.com) has emerged recently as a full service writing company; however, my personal focus continues to be that of a writing coach. I find great satisfaction in helping individuals with their writing dreams. Although I use the same tools and processes for each client, I create a personalized approach for each individual client.
Folks ask if I specialize in fiction or nonfiction. My answer: What I specialize in is guiding the emerging writer – the person who is finally taking the plunge into writing a book – in crafting a finished and polished manuscript. My clients have written memoirs, business insights, essays, “how to,” romance, mystery, adult parables and poetry. I coach authors who are writing their second or third books.
I know we who make up Your Write Resource are quality people: Brownell helped me with website development and Jay handles my social media. Their work is having a great impact on my work.
Stay tuned to the blogs of the Your Write Resource people and let us help you take your idea into a book, a website, a presence and even a business.
Brownell’s Blog
Hi, Authors! (Or, at least aspiring authors!)
Tim, Dawn and I are pooling our resources to help authors like yourself. We want you to live your dream of becoming an author, whether your goal is to write your memoirs for your family, to create a classic, produce a library stable or write a bestseller.
I'm providing my expertise in two areas:
- Websites
- Turn Your Book Into a Business
Websites
I have a lot of fun helping people – especially authors – create their own websites. I'll provide you a hands-on, step-by-step lesson to develop your website, whether you
In future blogs, I'll share different author's websites and provide comments – both positive things you might want to "steal" and make suggestions of things you may want to avoid.
Don't forget – not only do you need a website to promote your book (called "building a platform" in the biz) – but you can also use a website to help you write your book!
Turn Your Book Into a Business
At Your Write Resource, we've pooled our expertise together for a program to help you make more of your book to a business – and make more of your business through a book!
I have several businesses and a number of books, articles and more, all of which are supporting the other. Learn more through my future blogs, or by looking at my websites:
- www.DrawSuccess.com
- www.CoCreateAWebsite.com
- www.BrownellLandrum.com
- InnovativeEmploymentStrategies.com
Stay tuned for more!