Things You'll Need:
- Computer
- Internet Service Provider
- Web Host
- Freebie or Shareware Web Editor Software
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Step 1
Decide if you want to promote yourself or your novel. This will influence the narrative and design flow of your web site.
Then decide if you want to build a web site or a blog. Each has its advantages. With a web site, however, you have the option of adding more graphic and multimedia “bells and whistles” in the future. Most blogs come up short on the high-end. -
Step 2
Download freebie or shareware web page editing software. My personal favorite is Web Weaver. This program has been around for a long time, and offers maximum ease of use. You don’t need to know HTML and you can immediately preview your site as you build it.
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Step 3
Select a web site host. Do an online search for web host review sites, and cross-compare recommendations. I would look for a host service that’s been around for a while, and offers accessible and friendly customer service.
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Step 4
Before you start building your site, look at a variety of author web sites. Mystery writer Carl Hiaasen’s site is a good example of a no-frills author web site. Hiaasen’s site includes an author photo, a list of published novels, links to his novels’ Amazon sales pages, a book tour schedule, an author interview FAQ section, and author-related links. These are the basics.
For first-time-published authors, add a juicy excerpt from your novel.
