Question about author websites

[ElanaJ]

I was reading this thread a few days ago and thought, hmm, maybe I should get a bare-bones site started. Eight hours later, I'm done!

It's nice to finally have a formal place to put my other publishing credentials. It never felt right to put them on my blog.

http://lydiaykang.com

I got one comment from a fellow twitterer that it's flash only; and people might have to download Flashplayer to see it, which could potentially be annoying. Not sure if this is going to be a problem, so if anyone finds that prohibitive, I'd be happy to hear about it.

I am a HUGE fan of flash sites, so I built mine with Wix, and yeah, some people can't view it. Especially on their mobile device. So far, though, I haven't changed it. And I get on average about 15 - 20 emails each week through my contact form on my flash site. So... I don't know what that says, but some people CAN use it.

[ElanaJ]

Elana, I don't know what rock I've been living under, but I just got the the second copy of your book today (the one I'm panning to give away on my blog) and just realized you live in UTAH?! I had no idea.

Sorry, you probably think I'm so dumb! 

I don't think you're dumb at all! I hardly expect everyone to know where I live. I will be out and about this fall, maybe we can meet! I'm doing the Utah RWA Murray meeting in September, and the UVU Book Academy in October. Those are solid. There are a couple of other things on the radar that haven't been confirmed yet.

But yay! Another Utah author!

[ElanaJ]

I'll add that I'm poor and manipulated blogger to create a site and a blog (cost $10).  Not very pretty, but works for now.  You can actually buy a domain and host one bog at www.url.com and then another blog at blog.url.com through blogger!

  I'm having one built for me in the fall, but trying to decide if I am doing a book site or an author site...thoughts?

Jenn, I think it depends on what your publisher is building for you. For example, Penguin built Beth Revis's Across the Universe site, so it didn't make sense for her to build another book one. (They also built Ally Condie's MATCHED site.) So the author would then build their own author website.

Wait. Is that what you're asking? Do you get to dictate which kind of site they build? If so, I'd definitely go with a book site. A publisher can do way more with graphics than you can. (In my experience.) They can build widgets and quizzes and all kinds of crap that I have no idea how to do. If they'll do a book/series site for you, I'd go with that. You can throw up your bio, picture, social media sites, contact info, and a blog on your own author website. You know?

[swanndown]

Hi All,

Thanks for the continued stream of info.  I feel like I'm beginning to crawl out of my hole of ignorance towards the light! Long way still to go. I found this site which looks potentially helpful in terms of understanding the technical aspect of building/maintaing an author or book site, though I haven't yet had time to really explore it.

http://www.authortechtips.com/

Perhaps others will find it helpful.

[tradergirl]

Swann-- thank you! 

I forced myself to wait on the site redesign until the cover of my book was final.  And then I used colors found in the cover for site elements.

One more thing- I used picnik to create the banner image.  I love picnik. 

TG

[GennAlbin]

I'll add that I'm poor and manipulated blogger to create a site and a blog (cost $10).  Not very pretty, but works for now.  You can actually buy a domain and host one bog at www.url.com and then another blog at blog.url.com through blogger!

  I'm having one built for me in the fall, but trying to decide if I am doing a book site or an author site...thoughts?

Jenn, I think it depends on what your publisher is building for you. For example, Penguin built Beth Revis's Across the Universe site, so it didn't make sense for her to build another book one. (They also built Ally Condie's MATCHED site.) So the author would then build their own author website.

Wait. Is that what you're asking? Do you get to dictate which kind of site they build? If so, I'd definitely go with a book site. A publisher can do way more with graphics than you can. (In my experience.) They can build widgets and quizzes and all kinds of crap that I have no idea how to do. If they'll do a book/series site for you, I'd go with that. You can throw up your bio, picture, social media sites, contact info, and a blog on your own author website. You know?

I am contracting a site on my own, so I should probably ask my editor, but FSG generally doesn't build sites for the books; however, one of my foreign houses does, so who the frik knows.  Penguin sites are gorgeous.  It was on my pro list at auction. 

[lovinlife83]

Argh! I've had a really yucky week (writing/publishing dream wise)! Can I just live through you Elana and Jenn. (BTW I don't know if I should call you Jenn or Genn- It's with a G isn't it?  )

[GennAlbin]

Awww, hugs, Mel (that's your name, right?  I think I caught that on twitter).  We all have them.  And either is fine.  I was trying to differentiate myself from a wedding photographer and chose Gennifer as my pen name, should probably try to have it changed.

[dzolidis]

Somehow I don't think you're going to be mistaken for that wedding photographer anymore.

[KalenO]

Speak for yourself Don.  I get them mixed up all the time.  It's horribly confusing.   

[lovinlife83]

Haha!

Actually my name is Melinda, but of course, my stinkin name is so common I can't just use it on Twitter. Been changing it a few times until I find something I like.

I seriously can't wait to read your book Jenn!

[GennAlbin]

I hear you Melinda.  It occurred to me that I should have gone with Genevieve or something different, but then I got my darn book deal

And shut up, Kalen.  Go write another WIP  (You know I love you BFF)

[lovinlife83]

Oh darn, if only that book deal hadn't gotten in the way. I hate that! HA! 

[KalenO]

Snorts at Genevieve.

And I am TRYING to FOCUS on REVISIONS.  You're the one distracting me with shiny newness.  Ptthb.  And no no, BFF is only to be used as a verb in reference to me.  As in 'dont make me go all BFF on your asses.'  LOL.