Is it good for an author to have a website? Many other authors will tell you “yes.” According to writersedit.com, “it is your author’s platform. It is a place to draw readers, introduce them to your books, and get them to buy.”
There are two main options for creating an author’s website: a static profile page, with links to books and online networks/social media pages and a blog. Some authors only want the profile page which doesn’t change unless a new book is added. This is called the static page. The page displays the cover of each book, a description, and a link to Amazon. Having a static page means you do not have much upkeep of the website.
If the author decides to displays posts, the newest post is displayed on the front page, such as it is on this website, or it can be a separate menu item. If the author decides to include posts, it is necessary to update it regularly to keep readers coming back. Many authors decide to include both the static page and a blog page.
What to Post?
Posts can include articles relating to their writing experiences and what they’ve learned along the way. Some authors like to post personal information of interest or topics of self-help for the writer. Travel authors do well by including pictures of their travels, sparking interest in their books. Nonfiction authors might post entertaining or informative articles about their topic of interest such as Susie Kinslow Adams does about her book on Alzheimer’s, Teresa Scobee’s website with help for abuse, or Nancy Lewis Shelton’s website on storytelling. *(See their website banners below).
LET ME HELP YOU
I have assisted several authors and artists get their websites off the ground using WordPress, Blogspot, Wix, and Webstarts. These are all free website programs to use. I will set up your website and then teach you how to add posts (stories and thoughts). It is a fairly simple process once everything is set in place.
Some of the website designs and banners created —
About Domain names
If you decide to have a unique domain name adding a .com or .net to your name rather than the addition of the site maker with your name, then these programs have a yearly fee. Domain names can be purchased through sites such as bluehost.com and godaddy.com at very inexpensive yearly rates. However, it is not necessary to have a domain name in order to have a website; it’s up to you as the author. In the examples above, there are both.
————————————————————————————————————
PRICES –
Static front page only – $250
- Banner (top of website page)
- Includes your book(s) cover with description, price, and links to Amazon.
- Your picture and bio in sidebar
- Links to your social media sites
- Hit counter and flag map (if desired)
Four-page website – $500
- Welcome page (with all of the above)
- Book page
- Bio page
- Blog page
- Each additional page is $50
Website Banner only – $125
Website “clean-up/assistance” – per project
__________________________
Ready to get started? Contact me!
You may have gotten an email recently saying that CreateSpace (CSP) and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) will become one service in the coming months. They want you to move your account and books over to KDP. In order to do this, you will need a KDP (Amazon) account. Most indie authors already have this set up to sell their eBooks and audiobooks. If you don’t have an Amazon account, 
Your books won’t change in the way they’re sold. They will still be available on Amazon worldwide. Kindle Direct Publishing will also include the ability to purchase ads to promote paperbacks on Amazon.com. You can now use the Amazon Advertising website, 