Atlanta Writers Group

Feature Article - June 2007

5 Essentials for an Author's Website

By Leslie Ann Dauphin, Ph.D.

Edited by Karen Pickett-Woodland for AWG

Most authors are aware that a personal website is an absolute must.  In today's fast paced, internet marketing, e-world, there is no better way for an author and his or her work to be visible.   The challenge for many is one of content.  What are the essential components of an author's website?  I've compiled information from many resources  including well organized, easy-to-navigate websites of other authors.  I have found there are 5 essential components.  Let's review a summary of each.

1.    Biography

Information about an author should always be found on their website.  Visitors, including fans, editors, publishers and the media, will want to read about you.   An About or Biography page should include background information, a description of your experience, affiliations and your credentials.  Avoid personal data like your home address and telephone number; internet safety should be your first consideration.

2. Book Information or Writing Samples

The main purpose of an author's website is to showcase their work to potential readers.  Information about your book or writing samples should be prominent.  A separate page should be dedicated to showcasing your work.  Book information should include a description, sample chapter or excerpt, reviews, praise and most importantly, a link for purchasing the book.  Writing samples should include the publication information and a link to a downloadable, printable version of  articles or columns.

3.   Contact Information

The most obvious information on a website should be how to contact you.  Surprisingly, many websites include partial, inaccurate or no information.  Your website should always include current contact information so that visitors may ask questions, provide feedback or offer suggestions.  Most visitors will be satisfied with an email address or a fill-in contact form.  Providing a mailing address, telephone and fax numbers are good, but not mandatory.  A mailing address should be a post office box or business address for safety purposes.

4.   Event Calendar/Itinerary

Some website visitors may be interested in your upcoming appearances.  Your website should include information about upcoming events, speaking engagements and book signings.   If you are concerned about safety, provide a mailing list or newsletter sign-up form instead of a calendar.  Many authors elect to e-mail upcoming events to subscribers for safety purposes.

Your website should also include information for event planners that may be interested in booking you for events.  Include information about your speaking topics and formats.   A downloadable speaking brochure or a fill-in booking request form are great ways to provide event planners with information.   To enhance your site and promote your skills, include endorsements or praise from people, groups or other event planners that have attended your events.

5.   Media/Press Kit

Last, but certainly not least is your media/press kit.  Your media/press kit or its components should be easily accessible for any media person that visits your site.   Minimally, it should include your biography, frequently asked questions, book excerpt or sample chapter, book reviews, press releases, your photo and an image of your book cover.  The best way to make your contents visible is to have a separate page for the media at your website.  Alternatively, you may provide each kit component as a separate link.   

Websites are becoming more and more elaborate, but the content for an author's website is pretty standard.  Of course, you may choose to include other information such as a photo gallery, guestbook, products and other information.  The 5 components listed above will prove to be adequate for most website visitors.

To see examples, visit the AWG authors' websites listed below:

Peter Bowerman Carmen Green

Leslie Ann Dauphin, Ph.D. Kantis Simmons

Desiree Day Mark Anthony Thomas

Dr. Leslie Ann Dauphin is a respected scientist, lecturer, author and columnist.  She promotes complete wellness of mind, body and spirit.  She is the author of The Germ Handbook  (Siloam, 2005), which teaches readers to protect themselves from infectious diseases.  She also serves as Executive Director of AWG.  You may learn more about the author and subscribe to her Complete Wellness news and updates by visiting http://drleslieonline.com.