We CAN! promote our books: Web Sites

Who are we?

We are a group of writers who belong to CAN, the Christian Authors Network, who are passionate about writing. As published authors, we long to share our victories and struggles with regards to marketing and promotion. No one really ever told us about this part of the business of writing, so, like you, we are learners. Won't you learn alongside us?

Web Sites

One of the basic forms of promotion is the web site. Web sites work even before being published if the author creates an interesting site that offers something special about writing, such as: sharing your writing journey, statement of your faith and how it is part of your writing, useful things you've learned about writing, as well as author interviews, book reviews of books, and more---just be creative.

My web site was created originally as a focus on my books and my writing journey, but after becoming published and finding myself doing workshops on-line and having articles published on writing, I decided to give back the gift of helping others as others had helped me. I created a large section of my web site called For Writers. I've also linked with other writing sites so that I provide a wonderful resource for authors. I added a fun section called Gail's Kitchen. I love to cook and decided that I might draw in more readers with that section. I've found from my web site statistics that my recipe section does bring in numerous hits to my site. But first, focus on your writing so that it will show an editor that you are serious about your work.

For the published author, this site allows readers to touch bases with you through an email link, give them some background information about you and your craft, give them an opportunity to see your covers, read reviews, and even a story excerpt. This is a great technique for getting readers drawn into the book and wanting to read the rest.

It's important that web sites are neat and easy to manuver. Go with colors comfortable for the eye. Keep the busy action logos and gaud to a minimum so that the site will not take forever to upload. Before creating a web site, look at other authors' sites and see what they have done that appeals to you. Notice which ones are easy to navigate. Give it lots of thought before jumping in. Just remember, a web site costs money, but it is one of the best promotional tools you willl have.

Posted at 04:01 PM in Gail Gaymer Martin | Permalink