Tips for Websites for Writers

[13 Nov 2009 | By Nancy | No Comment]

Since one of the things we focus on at Dabbled Studios is websites for creatives, today we’re going to talk about websites for writers. A writer (particularly an aspiring to be published writer) needs to present his or her best face to the world. A good, professional website is key to this.

Style:

Research: Take a look at other authors, particularly successful ones. Note what you like, and what you don’t. See how easy it is to bookmark a page within their site, or find their contact information. Do they seem to connect with their readers? Do they blog? Get a good idea of what you would like to see on your site.
Think about style. If you are published, the cover art from your most recent book can be a great cue to use for the design style of your website. The marketing department has all ready done half your work for you, and you can use that as a starting point for the look and feel of your site. If you’re not published yet, you’ll want to try to figure out a way to distill the feeling from your most recent work into your website. Think about your target market – a website targeted at teenage girls is going to look very different from one targeting spy thriller fans. If in doubt, keep it simple and professional.
Keep it simple. Don’t overdo on the bells and whistles. Just like your writing, everything you do on your website should be for a purpose. Use white space effectively.
Avoid music. You’re not a band. Remember people may be reading your website at their desk at work, and having to struggle to find the mute button is not a good first impression

Content:

Minimal Categories: Books/writings (include synopses / reviews of published or future novels), Bio, Contact (email + social networking), a blog or ‘news’ page. Others: Articles/Essays, Media, Purchase
Keep it focused – your website should be about you and your writing. If you write about a particular subject, then your website can focus on that as well. And it should go without saying, but unless it’s relevant to your writing, avoid the big 3: sex, politics, and religion!
Show your best stuff. Any samples of your work on your website should be good, representative samples of your work. If you wouldn’t want a prospective publisher to be looking at it, it shouldn’t be on your website.
Although I’m not an expert in publishing, most of what I’ve read recommends you not include unpublished works that you are trying to sell, like a chapter from your new novel.