You’ve written the book, but don’t have a literary agent.
Or you have a literary agent, but a publisher hasn’t bought the book yet.
Or you’re thinking about self-publishing and need a way for people to find you that doesn’t include overwhelming social marketing efforts that take away from your actual creative work. (Resentful much, Katie?)
Wherever you are in your path to publication, at some point, you’ll wonder if creating an author website is a necessity.
TL;DR Sure, why not? :)
Will not having a website hurt my chances of being published?
Nope. Publishers are growing increasingly skeptical of what a social presence (and I’d lump a website into this) can predict about a book’s success. So if you aren’t interested in — or don’t have the skills to create — a website for your writing, don’t stress.
Also, remember that the advent of ebooks meant anyone could publish their work. Which, like, 🙄, but also, woo-hoo for you! Self-publication might be your route, and in that case not having a website matters not a lick. You’re on your own time. You’re your own boss.
OK, I want my own website. Now what?
Cool! Again, it’s totally up to you. And you might have some questions before getting started.
Who are we kidding? You’re totally overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
Step 1, stare at your computer in the hopes an answer will emerge.
Step 2, heroically scroll down to keep reading, like the true champion you are.
What to put on an author website:
At the bare minimum, you need:
the name under which you’re writing
your social links, if you’re active on social media (again, you do not have to be. And you’re probably happier for it, let’s be real.)
your contact information
information about your writing — this could be the names and brief summaries of your work, a manifesto on your creative approach, links to any currently published work, your creative history, etc. But really, names and summaries are sufficient.
Where to build an author website:
This is not my area of expertise. I’ve long used and been happy with Squarespace, but I know writers who are WordPress devotees.
If you want to build the website yourself, consider your HTML and CSS skills, how much time you want to invest, if you want to pay someone to create it for you, or if you really just need a low-maintenance landing page.
For me, I decided to expand my website to include a blog. This generates writing samples, SEO opportunities, thought leadership, and all that good stuff.
Yet does it take me away from world-building fiction writing?
Yeppers. Currently procrastinating right here, right now. 👋🏼
When to build an author website:
Since no one’s breathing down your neck forcing you to create a website, you have time.
Timing to consider:
When your work will be available for readers
When you want writing samples available online
When you have something to share (i.e. using your website to announce new work available)
All this to say …
You do you. Always and forever, OK? An author website can be a super low-maintenance, one-page site presenting the bare minimum of info. It can also be an in-depth space to build up your authorship and authority, and maybe even create a community centered around creative writing.
I know that for me, having an author website has connected me with so many other writers — copywriters and creative writers alike — and it staves off loneliness. I’m glad you’re here.
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