We’ve discussed the need for an author’s website – it’s a
place where folks can look up information about you and your book(s) including
accolades and buy links. The easier you can make it for a potential reader to
find you and find a purchase place for your books, the easier it is to make a
sale.
Almost every website domain has the ability for multiple
pages so that you can link an About Me page with Book
Pages and Buy Links. One of your pages should be a Media Room or an Online
Press Kit.
Your Media Room should include:
·
Your
bio, preferably two (2) – one very short like a two to three sentence intro; and
a second longer bio up to three paragraphs. Include your POSITIVE writing
experience and your expertise about your topic when applicable. Include a
professional author pic for download.
·
Information
about your book(s); include genre and a BRIEF synopsis, buy link and book cover
graphic for download.
·
List
awards and recognitions you’ve earned for your writing – be honest but don’t be
shy. With permission, include outstanding quotes from known names about your
writing.
·
Include
contact information for you, your publicist, and your publisher. Be careful about
listing your personal information, you don’t want to invite stalkers. (Use a
special email which you only use as a writer. If you need to list a mailing
address, use a post office box. An internet-phone account may provide you with
some anonymity and can often support an answering/fax machine.)
·
Include
a one-page download (.pdf or .doc) full press sheet with brief tidbits of all
the info above. Reporters looking for information will find this useful.
·
Include
a link to sample interview questions and answers. This will provide a starting
point for any blogger or reporter who would like to interview you and will also
provide an easy, last minute “interview” for a blogger. Request an email from
any blogger using your photos or interview on their site.
·
Include
a brief list of topics bloggers could ask you to write about.
·
List
your “extras” and download links for book discussion packs, free giveaways,
samplers, and any downloadable swag (bookmarks, trading cards, etc.)
·
Include
links to reviews, any media coverage, audio and video clips.
A well thought out online media room will make you an easy
subject for potential media coverage and bloggers, and will also provide you
with an opportunity to control any information that is made public about you.
The free downloads and professional information will also prove to be
attractive to readers who want to know more about you.
Writing
Exercise: Do you remember grade school
exercises where your teacher wanted you to write something good about your
classmates? In your protagonist’s words (POV) make a list of as many GOOD
qualities about the antagonist as possible. Remember that in real life no one
is all good or all bad.
Writing
Prompt: Write ten words that you would most want associated with the way
readers think about you as an author.
