Elements of author websites

The reader should always find what they want on your site. If an author mentions something, the reader should find a link right there, sending them to the next place. They should never have to Google it. All links should always open in a new tab, not redirecting the reader away from the author's site.Readers should be able to accidentally click links to an author's book all over the page. Every time a book is mentioned, the reader should be able to see a way to buy it. This isn't being pushy, it's just smart. No author's site should ever leave the reader wondering where to buy their book.Nothing says "this author doesn't care" like leaving a site with the default headline. Headlines are opportunities to summarize the spirit of the author and his or her books. The headline should either be cleverly worded, or turned off.View the list ยป
What will readers think about an author's website?

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Every author website should include certain features. Without these key elements, the site will fail to provide its purpose: to highlight an author's books and promote sales.

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  • Nothing says "this author doesn't care" like leaving a site with the default headline. Headlines are opportunities to summarize the spirit of the author and his or her books. The headline should either be cleverly worded, or turned off.
  • Readers should be able to accidentally click links to an author's book all over the page. Every time a book is mentioned, the reader should be able to see a way to buy it. This isn't being pushy, it's just smart. No author's site should ever leave the reader wondering where to buy their book.
  • The reader should always find what they want on your site. If an author mentions something, the reader should find a link right there, sending them to the next place. They should never have to Google it. All links should always open in a new tab, not redirecting the reader away from the author's site.
  • Readers and other visitors to the site should be able to find a way to contact the author through the site. This could be with a form to protect security, or a dedicated email address. If someone wants to post a review or benefit the author in some way, it is important that they can notify the author.
  • Social media is a fantastic and free way for authors to connect with readers. Most blog sites and social media sites offer interconnected widgets for readers to "like", "follow" or "add" the author. Authors should be sure these are included in their sites.
  • Readers should be able to follow an author's website as well (apart from social media). Whether it's entering an email in a feed list, or adding the site on a "follower" site such as Linky Followers or Networked Blogs, there should be many ways for a reader to connect to the author's site. This increases the possibility that the reader will notice something interesting and return to the site at a later date.
  • Sites without images are pretty boring. There are plenty of ways to add images to a site, so there is no excuse to leave out this important element of advertising.
  • Video attracts readers more than pictures. Book trailers, readings, events, or interviews are all great ways to include video in an author site.
  • The substance of an author site should be content aimed at a reader of the author's books.  A reader doesn't go to a site to read what they can read on the jacket of the book. They go to find out more.
  • Whether an author writes fiction or nonfiction, stories or instructions, all the excitement the author felt producing a book and releasing it into the world should go into the site as well. No reader wants dry details. Authors should always share passion through the site. MJ Kim
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, Seattle Writing Examiner

Kate Policani is a Seattle Mom, Homemaker, and Self-published author. In September of 2011 she published her first ebook, and has since spent her free time immersed in the online publishing world. From literature to social media to book formatting, she delves into the world wide web of books...

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