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[MsJacquiiC]

The writing community is divided into two groups: writers who have Websites and writers who don’t. Having a Website will not necessarily make a writing career, and it alone won’t clinch book deals,

“Your own personal author website can only prove to be a positive step in promoting & showcasing your writing *.”

snag literary agents, or ensure best-seller status—but if you’re a writer hoping to get your novel, short stories, poetry,or essays published, creating a Website to showcase your work may be a step in the right direction.

Here are a few ways a website can help your writing get noticed:

1. Websites are beginning to function the same way that business cards work. In essence, your URL (posted on blogs, at the bottom of your e-mails, on your friends’ homepages, and on your social-networking sites) is an invitation to writers, editors, and literary agents to learn more about you.
   
   
2. When you’re sending query letters to literary agents, publishers, or even literary magazines, showing off your Web skills indicates that you are forward-thinking, cutting-edge, and willing to do the “legwork” of promoting your own writing. If you sell books, they sell books. Your hard work will cause others to work hard for you.
   
   
3. Having a Website, especially if it’s popular or has a core body of loyal readers, can demonstrate that your writing has the power to touch readers’ lives by inspiring an emotional reaction. Agents and editors can go on your site and read the flurry of activity as people leave their comments, sign your guest book, and show their support. That enthusiasm can be contagious.
   
   
4. A Website can give potential readers access to projects that you have yet to sell. Although most publishers are starting to consider writing published in any digital format as being “previously published,” you can show off synopses and excerpts from your writing, and, with any luck, your snippets will get a few nibbles or even bites. Just be sure not to post too many offerings at one time; otherwise, your readers might get the feeling that the reason you have so many postings is that you are unable to “place” your work.
   
   
5. Your Website is a great place to keep your bio fresh and up to date. In query and cover letters, you’re often given only a brief paragraph to describe your history, your aspirations, and your intentions. If you write a great mini bio in your cover letter, you could inspire your reader to go to your Website and learn more about you. Time and again, advertising gurus and business coaches stress the importance of “branding”; a good Website bio can help you do just that.
   
   
6. An author Website is an excellent promotional tool for published work. Once your short story is published or your novel is on the shelves, use your site to keep readers interested by hosting contests, offering supplemental materials and free stuff, and developing an online “personality” that makes people want to know more.

Commission Your Website Design via JacquiiDesigns

JacquiiDesigns specializes in unique graphic and web design. As stated above, your own personal author website can only prove to be a positive step in promoting & showcasing your writing *.

As the owner/designer of dozens of websites -- including JPiC Forum -- we'd be happy to consult with you in regards to building your very own author website. Find all pertinent information at www.JacquiiDesigns.com

* See www.JacquiiCooke.com for an example poetry portfolio showcase...

[ Source: Writers Relief ]