Friday, July 10, 2009

Author Websites - What Do You Think?

"Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will." ~Goethe

I read an article in the recent Romance Writer's Report about author websites. The target audience, of course, was writers, so the article talked about the pros and cons of websites: when you should get one, what you should include, who should design it, etc.

For both readers and writers out there, what's your take on author websites? Do you look up a favorite or new-to-you author to see if s/he has one? Do you visit any regularly? What do you like most about author websites, and what do you like least?

6 comments:

Dru said...

I love author's website. It's the place where I'll find information about their latest books.

If I discover a new-to-me author, their website is the first place I'll go to to learn more about their work.

I visit my favorite or most read author's website at least twice a month, especially if they don't have an ongoing blog.

What I like most is all the information I can find about their work, contests, reader "fun", excerpts and blogs (some have their blogs embedded in their website).

What I like least if an author's website is not up-to-date. For instance if I see that an upcoming book is listed on Amazon and I go to the author's website for more info and there's no indication of said book, then I'm not inclined to visit their website again.

Diane Craver said...

I visit tons of author websites and like the ones that are easy to read and to navigate. I always check out new authors and enjoy learning about them.

Allie, I gave you an award on my blog!

mslizalou said...

The first thing I do when I hear about a new author is look for a website. I can find out more about the author and any books that have been written that way.

Liz said...

I prefer to see what they are blogging about. But normally don't have the time between working, reading, and writing.

Unknown said...

I love to check out authors sites. Also love to visit new to me authors or new authors sites.

Marianne Arkins said...

I absolutely visit websites, but not all the time since they're typically only updated when there is something new going on. But I get really frustrated when an author DOESN'T have a site. I also have to admit to HATING the freeweb-type sites which scream "I'm unprofessional" to me. I'll close out without even looking around on them.

Still, blogs are where I'll hang out the most. I think websites are a must, but blogs are where you'll build a stronger following.