Publishers Weekly's Judith Rosen explores cyber-possibilities with Steve Bennett, Carol Fitzgerald, Susan Cheever, et.al:
"Do authors even need a Web presence? And if so, is it worth the $3,000 to $35,000 fee that professional Web site creators/marketers charge?"
(Man-oh-manna, I had no idea they cost so much; maybe I ought to start charging me . . .)
I note the article says: "Relatively unknown authors, especially nonfiction writers, have found the Web to be an effective tool for generating interest in their work." The examples they give, however, seem to be those who have been published by a reputable house - in some cases using their advances to set up a net presence. So net presence is just a bonus - they are not unknown writers - they already have a book contract. I think some of the real action online will come from authors who haven't managed to break down the legitimate publishing door - or have decided not to bother with it. (Of course, I'm horribly biased.)
ReplyDeleteAnd get a teenager to set up your website. For free or close to it.
Excellent observation, James, one of the reasons I cited some of those names (oooh, a natural!). You're right, though; the bulk of the work of those featured comes attached to a contract with a house that can do that kind of promo easily (although, to tell you the truth, if they're paying $9.00 a month, they're paying too much; my webhosting company, PowWeb, charges $7.77 flat rate if you buy a year's worth; and, somewhere around $5.55 if you buy a couple in advance. I bought when our dollars were at par; now, of course, I'd be paying much more than that . . .).
ReplyDeleteThe real action, as you say, will come from other sources, from LuLu (I think it's called); plus, there's one called AuthorShare, IIRC, and the like. I think Lee has the right idea; and, when I was reading the piece, I was wondering why her blog, Lowebrow, didn't rate a mention in that piece.
I set up my website for free; so, does that mean I can still be a teenager, too? Yay! Now, I have a legit pouting excuse; next stop? LOL Catz! =^^=