Let’s talk about an author’s on-line presence. Earlier this year I wrote this on The Writer’s View:
My online “look” and appearance have improved over the years, but my goal for 2009 was getting a really professional look that would encompass all the genres of books I write.
I agree that our main focus should be on our writing. It does no good if we look really wonderful in the Internet and the books we write are sloppy. Then again, if the books we write are sloppy they most likely won’t get published … and we won’t need a website. 🙂
I started investing into my “look” when my husband and I felt called to go “to the next level.” To us that meant in order to get better contracts and more readers I needed to attract more people to the messages God placed in my heart. John and I felt that the messages were there … I just needed to work to reach a broader audience.
Has it worked?
Recently I was approached about doing my own radio show by a secular contact who met me on-line. A show that I’ll get paid to do. More than once she mentioned my “presence” and look on-line.
Over the last year I’ve also had more publishers than ever interested in working with me. I also was introduced to Ken Blanchard, who is a NY Times Best-selling author, and we currently have a co-written proposal that is being considered by a publisher. I can’t say my website and press kit are what won Mr. Blanchard over, but it piqued his interest. Then after we talked, my heart, my passion, and my writing samples took me the rest of the way.
I’ve also had editors of national magazines emailing me asking me to write for them–magazines that I hadn’t written for before. I know that my press kit played a part in that, mostly because of the address that they approach me through is different than the one I normally use.
So while I completely agree that we should focus on the writing first and foremost, being more professional in all areas only broadens and deepens our reach. Do you agree? What are your thoughts on the importance of your on-line image?
Tricia, your online presence is wonderful! I wish more authors and speakers had such an informative, cheerful, and easy-to-navigate website. As a conference organizer, I visit a lot of websites and yours was my absolute favorite. It made it so easy to figure out who you were, your topics, how to contact you, and grab graphics, bio, etc . . .
You and the folks at Pulse Point Design deserve a big pat on the back!
Tricia,
I love this blog-post. Over the past year I’ve been pondering the very same thing. I knew I needed to get a better website, a more professional looking blog design and even tighten up things on Facebook! And truthfully, I often referred to your website as a model of what I needed or didn’t need on my own website. I’m still learning, but I most certainly do believe that having a very professional online presence helps people feel how serious you are about your writing career.
I’ve always thought that this writing ministry of mine is a career as well. And with a healthy balance between the two, I need to make sure I’m feeding both sides; both by praying, studying, writing and also by making sure things are presented in a professional way.
With a very low-budget (lower and the lowest budget LOL) I had to do my best to make it look great.
And, I’m learning right now that it really does help a lot. Thankfully, through my website I’ve had incredible contacts made.
Love this post, Tricia!!!! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Love,
Kennisha
A pleasure to meet you. Since I saw your twitter page and then wanted to read your blog, I’d say that it all works together and IS important. Now I’m interested to know more. Great post.