Author Websites

I'd go for it now.*
that way you can make sure everything is sorted [and you happy with all the sites feature, look and feel etc.] long before anyone [Jo[e] Q Public] comes looking.
And I'm sure you can persuade a few Scribes to give it a look over as a client test...

* unless of course this is just procrastination... then Back to the Mines for you!!!

 

Just a piece of advise. When making a website, be sure to have a specific purpose. Do not make a writing page, and combine it with your goldfish gallery, and all-star knitting champs page, and a forum for your total love for BS, and so on...
Make the site about you, and your writing.

For a good easy to use CMS, try Wordpress or Blogger.

 

I have a website and I haven't even *started* the dang thing yet...... Just a pile of disassociated chunks.....

 

General comments: you should aim to have the website not just in place, but fully operational well before you actually market your book. That's because if I (as a potential purchaser) start investigating your book, the website is one of the first places I'll look for information. If the website is sloppy or unprofessional looking, I'll assume the book is too, and that's the end of that possible sale. What you should have on there: details of the book, including the cover, the blurb, quotes from any reviews, a sample, what formats are available and links to sites where it can be bought. Extra value items: maps and other background information, short stories, character summaries, whatever you want to put out there. People will also want to know about the next book - how much of it is written, when it's likely to be out. What shouldn't be in there: details about your personal life, technology disasters, your holidays, your dental work, etc, etc. When you're on the NYT bestseller list, you can say whatever you want, but until then, keep it totally professional.

Specific comments: the website looks OK, if a little bit generic. The brown background is a bit dark for my taste, but that's a matter of personal preference. The dragon artwork is very nice - if that's yours, say so, and put more of that up for people to ogle. One negative: I think it's a bad idea to tell people you're only 16. I would never knowingly buy a book from a teenager because I would assume (rightly or wrongly) that it would be YA.

Good luck with the website - and the writing!

 

What the... lol
Thanks for the info

 

As stated, websites are a place potential readers, or those who've read at least one of your works, may go to learn a bit more.

A website functions pretty well as a semi-static place for visitors to go, with a blog being more nimble and topical. They can take some time to create and maintain, and do cost some for the domain name and the server space, unlike a blog.

In my experience, at book signings and even online contacts, readers sort of expect a website (as opposed to a blog or facebook account or twitter, etc.). It's evident when watching other authors answer potential readers visiting their table at a convention or signing event. While, say a Facebook page, may make a difference in marketing, as an initial contact point for readers to seek out, at least for print versions, it seems to get noncommittal responses at best. Blogs similarly.

A website is a good tool, but like everything else--just because you build it doesn't mean they will come. Marketing and letting others know it's out there is important.

 

I'm posting a site at the very beginning, so that I can share progress and grow audience. May be too early,
but I've enjoyed the online posting process in the past...