Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Does a new writer need a website?

An interesting poll of agents over here on the question of whether it helps or hurts a novice writer to have a website.

9 comments:

Melissa Walker said...

It's an interesting question. I think it can't hurt--blogging is a writing exercise built into your week!

Ghost Girl (aka, Mary Ann) said...

This is a topic many of my writer buddies have been discussing. I don't have that contract yet, but it's sooooo close! This one reason why I haven't shared a lot of details about my book, yet. But it will be coming.

I agree with Melissa--blogging is a writing exercise!

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Kimber Li said...

Thanks for the link, Misque!

I already posted my opinion there.

A writer's retreat in Hawaii? Ooh, I'd love that. It's still winter here in Alaska. Maybe next year.
;)

Lisa said...

I think having a website is a good thing! Readers like to visit websites.
I believe there is a difference between a blog and website.
I'm not sure if it really helps you get published, or helps sales, but it sure is fun connecting and sharing with others!

I also like the idea of a retreat in Hawaii, wish I could go!

Misque Writer said...

I definitely think it helps to have a website and a blog. Certainly for published authors, it's a great way to reach out to readers. Every writer should at least have a static webpage. I think a blog is harder to maintain than a static website, though, and you have to know yourself, and how you write.

Misque Writer said...

I definitely think it helps to have a website and a blog. Certainly for published authors, it's a great way to reach out to readers. Every writer should at least have a static webpage. I think a blog is harder to maintain than a static website, though, and you have to know yourself, and how you write.

Lisa said...

Agreed, a blog is more on going work, although the website can be pricey and time consuming to start up with.

If I had my website to do all over again, I'd start off designing it with a tool. As it is, until money comes rolling in, I've no plans on paying a professional to revamp it.

Nina Munteanu said...

Some people say that ANY exposure is good exposure. Well, as a published writer who has both a website and a blog (two, actually!...one that's devoted to "me" in all my facets [The Alien Next Door]and one devoted to my latest book, Darwin's Paradox [www.darwinsparadox.com])I liken a website/blog to my introduction to the world. The look and feel of the site should reflect its intended audience and your motive for having it. The design, content and general feel of a website or blog tells your audience (and prospective publisher/editor) what kind of person you are, so you should carefully consider the image you're portraying. If you're using the site to portray you as a writer, I think it's important for your site to look professional, because it reflects you as a professional (whether you've published or not). So, the short answer is: if your website (the one with which you are using to promote your writing-- or more aptly to promote YOU) looks unprofessional, you're better off without it; it may hurt your image. Wait until you can get a professional-looking template and have the time to make it look good.

Janice Seagraves said...

Hi Misque,

Thank you for leaving a comment on a couple of my blogs(I have five). I started blogging as a way to practice my writing with the added bonus of connecting with people.

The one consistency I noticed on that topic was that blogging or websites are great, as long as you aren't negative.

I try to be positive on my blogs and don't disparage people and I hope no one disparages me.

Janice~