Yesterman, by Christopher Gayle and Carl Lapeyrouse and published by Graham Publishing Group, is an engaging read for fans of political thrillers.
If you are an author and have a book you want to promote, there are several pitfalls in creating an effective, marketable website that you absolutely want to avoid.
The first is not always as apparent as it might seem. Too many of us spend too much of our focus on Design rather than Content.
Always remember that content is what drives a visitor’s interest. It is also content that keeps their interest and will bring them back the next time. Yes, the design of your website is important. Yes, you want the visual appeal to be there. Yes, you want your book covers prominently displayed and a photo or two of you so people can put a face with a name. But when all is said and done, it is the information, knowledge, and resources you are sharing that is number one on your list, not the pretty picture.
Too many of us spend too much of our focus on ourselves as the Author rather than on the man or woman taking the time to visitor our sites. When it comes to an author website, it’s not really about the author, it’s about the visitor. Give them entertaining, readable content. Tell them what you’re reading. Ask them what they are reading. Share your twitter handle, but don’t try and force your book down their throat.
Lastly, but equally as important if you’re going to create a workable, entertaining website, hire someone who knows what they are doing. Build-it-yourself sites won’t get you exposure; don’t waste your money. Having your best friend build your site will almost certainly lead to something mediocre or inappropriate, and you’d be better off not having a site at all than something average. You’ve spent hundreds if not thousands of hours writing your book; now spent a little extra getting the website you truly want. Websites require attention. They call for updating. Your specialty is writing. Hire someone whose specialty is creating great websites. That’s not you. And it’s not your best friend.