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Whether you’re a veteran published author, or new writer looking for discovery, you’ve heard what the experts have to say. Authors need to establish an online presence and build a brand. It’s the first thing most agents will check if they’re interested in your work. If self-publishing, an author website can be a critical tool to market a book.
Armed with good advice from Geoff Mehl, a fellow GLVWG member, David Miller shares his recent dip into the murky waters of website building. Geoff’s notes follow David’s article below.
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No Website? Well then…you should sing:
“I got plenty of nuthin’…and nuthin’s plenty for me!”
Porgy & Bess – Opera by George Gershwin
I should know. I’ve got a novel and a history published…but haven’t gotten around to doing a website. So, at the last GLVWG Writers Café, I challenged everyone to get a website FREE. I started by investigating the Top Ten Free Website Builders. You’ll find an excellent comparison chart, ratings, etc.
What I learned: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch!”
All these firms need to make a profit. Sort of like banks that offer “free checking.” But then you’re ‘nickel-and-dimed’ on services.
So I decided to trust Geoff Mehl’s advice. His notes follow this article.
I went with Blue Host. Geoff’s notes refer to “$7.50/mo. For server space”, but they have a special: $3.99/month for the first three years. And there are “unlimited” pages for the basic website. This is better than others on the above list, who give you five pages.
Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group 