I hope your summer is going well, with bright sunshine, cool breezes (from an air conditioning unit), and plenty of adventures.

            One adventure every author faces is the adventure of self-promotion.  These days, we all have to do it – from Nora Roberts to Stephen King to Robert Ludlum.

            Yes, there are book signings.  Yes, there are talk shows.  Yes, there are press releases for a new book.  And yes, there are public readings.  But the most time-effective and globally impacting promotion you can do is online.

            What’s that?  You’re unpublished?  All the more reason for you to have a website at the every least.  Why?   Because even before you sell your first manuscript, you can earn fans.  How?  By blogging and having a website worth visiting.

            A website provides you with a personal place to create your brand.  It gives you complete control over content, and it’s an ideal way to maintain a connection with your readers – whether they be your book readers or your blog readers.

            Don’t say you’re not a blogger.  Number one:  a blog can be anything you want it to be (a photo album, miscellaneous thoughts on whatever’s on your mind at the time, or even a place to sketch story ideas and get feedback).  Number two:  a blog is a way for you to etch time from your busy schedule for the purpose of self-promotion.  It doesn’t have to be every day.  You can blog once a week or twice a month.  Just be consistent.  You’re serious about making writing a career.  That’s why you’re a member of CRW.  Self-promotion is a key element to making that career a success.

            If you include your blog as part of your website, you’ve eliminated the challenge of keeping your website fresh and up-to-date; especially if you’re unpublished and don’t have publicity events to post.

            Think about the types of books you write, and make your website and blog of interest to the types of readers who read them.  Whethere you’re published or not, see if your website contains the following basics.

1.      Your photo.  Use a quality one, and don’t hesitate to pay to get one done.

2.      Your biography.  This is so important because readers come to your website to learn more about you.  You don’t have to be specific, and I don’t recommend you mention family members by name, but tell your reader as much about yourself as you’re comfortable doing.  Include items like education, associations, work you’ve done, writing habits, where you live, etc.

3.      Good contact information and an invitation to get in touch with you.  Don’t use your home address.  If you have a P.O. box, go ahead and use it.  Most people want to email, however.  If you have an agent or publicist, include their contact information, as well.

4.      Samples of your writing.  If you’re brave, post a chapter or two of your current work in progress and invite comments.  Your readers will adore that you care what they think.

5.      As we discussed, keep your website content fresh and current.  Post your publicity events, awards, and writing activities.  Blog.  And reply to reader’s correspondence in a timely manner.

            In our times, a web presence is paramount.  With so many free and inexpensive options available, the only thing stopping you is time.  Make the time; especially if you’re not yet published.  If you want help, contact Andrea Jackson, or PRO Liaison and a certified web designer; or contact Sara Murphy, CRW’s Webmistress.  For those of you RWA members with a website who have specific questions about how to make it more effective and/or comprehensive, you may email RWReditor@rwa.org.  Either Theresa Meyers or Bethanne Patrick are available to you.

            Write, blog, but most importantly, HAVE FUN!