5 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS FOR A PRE-PUBLISHED WEBSITE BY BRIANA MACPERRY

 

Briana's website screen

"Build your platform...You need to have an online presence...Boost your 'likes' and build a fan base...Publishers want to know you can market yourself!" 

How many times have you heard these statements at a writer's conference or workshop? And it's particularly harrowing if you plan on pitching to editors and/or agents at the Romance Writers of America national conference (#RWA15) this summer.

"But I'm not published, yet. What am I supposed to put up there?" 

Here are five suggestions for the pre-published author.

1. Basic Information. Always include a personal bio, contact information, and how you define yourself as a writer. Don't make an editor or agent have to work to find the most basic information about you.

2. Book blurbs. This is a controversial item. While some would suggest posting your story ideas with a book cover mock-up (thus presenting yourself as if you are already published), others would argue you're just handing over your ideas to a potential thief. That said, I've never personally met someone who said another writer stole their ideas from an unpublished author's book blurb and mock-up. Seems a little like stealing the jalopy in a parking lot of porches. Plus, the content on my wix.com website is "all rights reserved."

3. Contest awards. If you got it, flaunt it.

4. Themed Blog Content. Not just "blog content" but "themed blog content." If you want to ramble on about yourself, go right ahead, but make it pertain to an aspect of your life people would actually want to read about. And just so you know, unless you're a B celebrity, no one really cares about your writing process--except for your critique partner and RWA chapter mates (unless it involves punking half-naked male cover models on a live feed). Your blog is where you have a chance to display not only your writing skill to a potential agent or editor, but also to demonstrate your critical thinking skills, creativity, and professionalism.

       Write about something you are qualified to write about. Write about new discoveries and fun facts in your historical research. Write reviews for new releases in your genre. Write about writing in a way that attracts a following of other writers. Invite guest bloggers. Build a community with your blog. Seekerville.net is a great example of this. I've modeled my own blog, www.yellowbrickscommunity.wordpress.com, after this concept as well.

5. Visual content. If your writing is sub-genre specific, make sure that is communicated clearly through text and visual content. If you're not sure what that looks like, check out the websites of your favorite authors. Look at their color schemes, fonts, and the way they organize book covers and other photos on their webpage. But above all, less is more. Keep it clean and minimal.

       With the advent of Wordpress and other website building companies, it's easy to build visually pleasing designs through the use of drop-in templates. Book cover mock-ups are one thing you could play with. Character sketches and profiles are something that could easily replace book blurbs, which will allow the tone of your writing to shine through, without running the risk of giving the storyaway.

       If you attend any conferences with other authors or participate in local readings or workshops, post pictures of those events with your friends, because they will draw traffic to your page and help build that sense of community, (and thus, a fan base). The website I used for the photos in this post, I built with wix.com. You can check out my primary author's website at www.brianamacperry.com, and my paranormal author's website at www.macperry.net.

Now, let's say you've chosen what you will from the five content areas above, and designed a website for yourself. Here are some questions to ponder before putting it out there, most of which I borrowed from the Aspiring Author Scoresheet from WHRWA's "Romancing the URL" contest.

DESIGN

·         Visually appealing?

·         Good first impression?

·         Tone of the website matches the genre the writer hopes to be published in?

·         Is the aspiring author starting to build a brand image? Can you immediately visualize the target audience?

·         Elements are consistent from page to page, making for a cohesive site?

·         Clean and uncluttered?

·         Photo of the writer – present, professional, and appropriate?

FUNCTIONALITY

·         Menu easy to find?

·         URL easy to remember?

·         Are links functional? Are they used where appropriate (ie, the writer doesn‘t just mention an event or outside website, but includes hyperlink for convenience).

·         Easy to contact the aspiring author?

·         Easy to find the aspiring author elsewhere on the web? Social media follow buttons?

·         Easy to share content on social media? (Social media share buttons on blog posts, etc).

·         Is the website active? New content? Or is all the news outdated?

CONTENT

·         Is it clear the aspiring author is involved in a community of writers and/or is actively involved in improving her craft?

·         Blog? How is the aspiring author communicating with her audience?

·         Multimedia content, or just text and photos?

·         Links to writing resources?

·         Audience engagement? Are there contests, activities, or a place to interact with fellow fans?

·         Easy to subscribe to the website/blog?

Hopefully, this article gives you some ideas. Now have at it!♥

Briana MacPerry teaches graduate level thesis writing and works for a brain research and diagnostic facility. When she is not corralling her four-year old son, she is slaving away at her passion's pursuit. To learn more, please visit her blog at www.brianamacperry.wordpress.com, or follow her on twitter @macperrytweets

BOOK COVER FRIDAY: A HEARTLESS DESIGN BY ELIZABETH COLE

  

WELCOME TO BOOK COVER FRIDAYS!

Every week we bring you an exciting hot book cover from 

one of New York's Leading Romance Authors. Enjoy!

A HEARTLESS DESIGN

Book 1 of The Secrets of the Zodiac series

by Elizabeth Cole

www.elizabethcole.co

An enigmatic woman,

a determined spy,

and a love that could shake the foundations of Europe.

Click here to read an except.

WHAT’S IN A QUERY? EVERYTHING AND NOTHING BY LAURA K. CURTIS

Your Query is a Super Important Piece of Writing.

When I tell people that I’ve never written a query that didn’t result in a request for pages, they can’t believe it. When I tell them I ever sent out three (or six if you count the random assignments I was given to pitch to at conferences) queries, they are shocked.

But here’s the thing: I researched before I sent out my original set of queries. I looked not only at who represented what (which you can generally find on websites) but who sold what (which you can find out on Publishers Marketplace). I don’t care if an agent loves historical romance, if every sale she’s ever made is paranormal, she is probably not going to have the right set of contacts.

Because I belong to RWA, MWA, and Sisters in Crime, I am involved in a lot of discussions about queries. And I can also say that any query I’ve ever edited for someone has also resulted in a request for pages.

Your query is a super-important piece of writing. If you’re looking for an agent or editor, it may be the only piece of writing the people you want to take you on ever see. If you’re self-publishing, think of it as your cover copy—it’s the thing that’s going to make readers pick up your book.

A query letter has some basic pieces, but the one most people get wrong is the part that is like cover copy, the part that hooks an agent or editor and makes them want to find out more. Because that’s the trick—it’s not a synopsis that gives away everything in your book, it’s just a taste, a tease, a tempt.

This section needs to have three things and virtually nothing else:

1.    Setting

2.    What keeps the characters apart

3.    What keeps the characters together

I’ve included setting here because setting often has bearing on not only the goals and conflicts, but also on the subgenre. Someone who is looking for a small-town contemporary romance is not looking for an urban werewolf romance. You don’t need to describe the setting, just let me know where and when this takes place. The one exception to this is paranormal: in paranormal, you need a bit more world background. If your world has demons crawling up from the sewers, I need to know whether people are aware of them or not. Your world is a character, and it needs the bones sketched in.

What keeps the characters apart is vital, but I don’t have to know the details. For example:

“When Molly’s fiancé left her for his paralegal, she decided to stick with battery-operated boyfriends for the rest of her life.” Fine. I don’t need more. I don’t need her ex’s name or any of the details of their breakup. I don’t need to know that her father also left her mother—it will add character depth in the story, but it doesn’t need to be in the query. But let’s put Molly somewhere:

"When Molly France’s fiancé left her for his paralegal, she moved out of his Seattle apartment and back to the home where she grew up on Vashon Island with a chip on her shoulder and a suitcase full of battery-operated boyfriends to remind her not to trust any man.  The old farmhouse, however, is in a bad way, and if she intends to use it as a home base for her new app-designing business, it’s going to need a lot of work." [OK, it’s not elegant, but I am making up as I go along, here.]

Now we have to give her a guy. He can either want her or not. Doesn’t matter, because her trust issues are enough to keep them apart.

"Patrick Green has been trying to get off Vashon Island forever. Carpentry is all he knows, and saving sufficient funds to get a business off the ground in the city isn’t easy."

OK. Now, look, these two have nothing in common except that they live on the same island. If I am reading along in your query, I can see the conflict, but I don’t see any reason why he wouldn’t just ignore her completely, or why she wouldn’t just hole up in the farmhouse and nurse her wounds while looking for a job.

So we need to get them together, and keep them together. So…

"Patrick Green has been trying to get off Vashon Island forever. Carpentry is all he knows, and saving sufficient funds to get a business off the ground in the city isn’t easy. When Molly first hires him to work on her house, all he sees is a path of dollar signs leading to freedom. But as passion flares between them he faces a difficult decision: will he give up the future he’s always wanted for the woman he’s beginning to love?"

OK, like I said, it’s rough. But see how it sets up the situation without too many details? I don’t need to know that Molly has been working out of her boyfriend’s apartment in downtown Seattle for three years. I don’t need to know that Patrick’s parents died when he was nineteen and he’s had to take care of his siblings until this year. I don’t need the flesh of the story, just the bones. The bit that makes me go “yeah, let me see whether I want to read a few pages and see if I like the author’s voice and style.”

This is NOT a particularly good query, as far as I am concerned. Because it sounds to me as if the story is a bit empty. That’s because I haven’t written it yet and I am a pantser so I can’t write a query until after I’ve at least started the story.  Anyway, if you’re editing your own query, check and see whether you’ve hit those three points…and good luck!♥

Laura K. Curtis has three romantic suspense novels and one contemporary romance, none of which her mother thinks are as good as THE SPESHEL DOG.  This article was first posted on her blog in June 2014.  Visit Laura at www.laurakcurtis.com.

MOTIVATION, WHERE ART THOU? BY MARIA COX

  

Welcome to My Writing Den!

In a perfect world all writers would get eight hours of restful sleep, would never suffer writer’s block, and would never be in a lousy mood. Likewise, no writer would ever be awakened at night by a sick child or a pet, or ever have a fight with a spouse.

I don’t think too many of us live in that perfect world, I certainly don’t… Two nights ago I slept funny and my back is hurting me. These past few weeks I’ve missed the gym more times than I care to admit. And, despite my best efforts at watching everything I eat, I still can’t lose those darn ten pounds! …in short, I’m a bit grumpy.

So, how do you motivate yourself to write when you really don’t feel like it? Me? I have a few tricks, and I bet some of you do, too.

Let me share a few…

Reward yourself.

I cannot sit at a computer and write for long periods of time. So, I set up writing spurts which helps to not only boost word count, but also helps with motivation.

For me, 10-15 minutes of fast writing is a fair measure. And, once I’ve reached the 10-15 minute mark, I reward myself, I get up, stretch, refill my coffee cup, check email. Then, I begin another 10-15 minute writing spurt; rinse, repeat.

Whatever you do be sure to choose the reward that works best for you and your lifestyle. This will keep you motivated throughout the writing spurt process.

Go for a walk.

Staring at a computer screen triggers anxiety that may keep you locked out of your ‘writing brain’ for hours, days, weeks even. As writers continue to focus on work (writing), they become more and more anxious and thus less able to write.

Regular exercise has been shown as an effective way to decrease levels of stress and increase your overall happiness. Going for a walk can have meditative properties, too; as the focus on movement and breath is similar to meditation.

Write, no matter what.

Saturdays and Sundays I get up early, shower, put on presentable clothes, then I sit at my computer and write, or edit, or research, something. I don’t allow the thought of it being a weekend to prevent me from writing. See, when I act and dress the part of a person who has important things to do it helps me to get in a disciplined state of mind.

My deepest motivation? I want to make a living as a writer. So, if my goal of being a full-time fiction writer is to ever to materialize, I have to work harder than the average writer out there. I have to be willing to commit as much of my free time as possible to perfecting my craft. And, in time, I’ll be able to reap the rewards of such unwavering dedication.

Here’s to all the writers out there living the dream and to those who are following close behind.♥

Maria Cox is a PRO member of Romance Writers of America, she is also is the past President of the Phoenix Writers Club. Maria has been writing stories since she was a young girl. She picked up her first romance novel when she was just eleven years old and has loved the genre ever since. Maria writes sensual romance, stories that showcase strong, sassy, and sexy characters. When not writing fiction, Maria works as a technical writer. She lives in Queens, New York.  Please visit her site www.mywritingden.net and/or follow her on Twitter.

BOOK COVER FRIDAYS! GAMING THE SYSTEM BY LAURA K. CURTIS

  

WELCOME TO BOOK COVER FRIDAYS!

Every week we bring you an exciting hot book cover from 

one of New York's Leading Romance Authors. Enjoy!

GAMING THE SYSTEM

by Laura K. Curtis

A Goody's Goodies Novel

BookEnds

www.laurakcurtis.com

She's not the kind of girl

you bring home to mother,

which makes her perfect for him!

BOOK COVER FRIDAY! UNRESTRAINED, A Duology by LaQuette & Shyla Colt

  
WELCOME TO BOOK COVER FRIDAYS!

Every week we bring you an exciting hot book cover from 

one of New York's Leading Romance Authors. Enjoy!

UNRESTRAINED

A Duology

Hot Ink Press

by LaQuette & Shyla Colt

www.laquettelikes.com

www.shylacolt.com

DEBUT! UNRESTRAINED (A Duology) by LaQuette and Shyla Colt

  

RWA/NYC congratulates chapter member LaQuette and author Shyla Colt on the release of their new book, UNRESTRAINED (A DUOLOGY), released on August 28.

Below are excerpts from their stories.  Happy Reading!

Hot Ink Press

EXCERPT:  POWER, PRIVILEGE & PLEASURE

by LaQuette

When a need for unrestrained power and control unfurls…chaos usually follows.

Alexis-Jeovonni Tenetti is the most prolific legal mind of her time. She uses her genius to create intricate solutions for the problems her clients often find themselves in. Her mind sees what most can’t, providing her with the ability to initiate and master the manipulative games she’s accustomed to playing. Her ability to outthink everyone else around her has kept her successful and in control of almost every aspect of her life, and the lives of the clients she serves.

After all, control is necessary to keep things in order. Order is the only thing that keeps chaos away and allows most people to embrace the illusion of freedom. She was all too aware that freedom came at a cost and was often a privilege of those in power. The one time she’d forgotten that fact and relinquished her control had resulted into the living nightmares that chased her even in her waking hours.

Life had taught her in a very vivid way that there were only two options in her world…control or be controlled. And the latter just wasn’t an option she was willing to entertain.

Sometimes the only way to regain control is to stop playing the game…

Elliot Alan Quillen was raised in big business; he had everything at his fingertips until a tragic accident stole the most important thing in the world to him. Deciding the brass ring that had been dangled in front of his face was no longer an incentive for letting others control him, he walks away from everything his privilege has offered him.

Cast aside by his overbearing family, Alan is left to pick up the tattered pieces of his life and soul alone. He’s resigned himself to feeling nothing but the pain of loss for the rest of his life until his first encounter with his new boss’ lawyer clues him in that he might just be ready for something more.

Arrogant and frustrating, Alan quickly learns to suppress his desire for the lady lawyer and her infuriating mouth. If only he could stop daydreaming about what that mouth would taste like on his tongue, then maybe he could stop the desire that he’s been fighting like hell to bury along with the rest of his emotions.

When secrets from A.J.’s past come spilling out of her tightly sealed closet and bring danger to her door, Alan has to make a choice. Willingly step into another set of manipulative power games, stand by her and forgive her secrets, or let a murderous maniac decimate A.J. and her entire family.

Or will they both realize that her power combined with his privilege could equal the ultimate pleasure? ♥

Hot Ink Press

EXCERPT:  FOR THE LOVE OF DIXIE

Kings Of Chaos

by Shyla Colt

After having her heart broken by Echo, Dixie Dunn makes a new life for herself, away from the Kings Of Chaos. Now, she must return in order to get her stubborn father back to fighting shape after a heart attack. She knows she’ll have to face Echo, as he has made it clear over the years that she still belongs to him. But she refuses to give him any chance to crush her heart again.

Echo, Joel Spencer knows that Dixie hates him, but he also knows she yearns for him. After being forced by his hateful father to practically leave her at the altar when they were teens, he realizes that he has his work cut out for him. One thing is on his side, he knows what she wants and needs. This time, he WILL make her his again, and to hell with whoever gets in his way.

Click here for more information on UNRESTRAINED (A DUOLOGY)!

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

2015 Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award Finalist in Erotic Romance, LaQuette, a native of Brooklyn, New York, spends her time catering to her three distinct personalities: Wife, Mother, and Educator. Writing--her escape from everyday madness--has always been a friend and comforter. She loves writing and devouring romance novels. Although she possesses a graduate degree in English Lit, she'd forego Shakespeare any day to read something hot, lusty, and romantic.  She loves hearing from readers and discussing the crazy characters that are running around in her head causing so much trouble. Contact her on Facebook, Twitter, her website, Amazon, and her Facebook group, LaQuette's Lounge.  Visit her at www.laquettelikes.com.

Shyla Colt grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but has lived a variety of different places thanks to her wanderlust, interesting careers, and marriage to a United States Marine. She's always loved books and wrote her very first novel at the age of fifteen. She keeps a copy of her first submission letter on her desk for inspiration.  After a lifetime of traveling, she settled down and knew her time had come to write. Diving into her new career like she does everything else, with enthusiasm, research and a lot of prayers, she had her first book published in June of 2011. As a full-time writer, stay at home mother, and wife, there's never a dull moment in her household. She weaves her tales in spare moments and the evenings with a cup of coffee or tea at her side and the characters in her head for company. A self-professed rebel with a pen. Her goal is to diversify romance as she continues to genre hop, and offer up strong female characters.  Visit Shyla at www.shylacolt.com.

STAYING STRONG by Ursula Renée

After endless submissions and rejections, an editor indicates her desire to offer you a contract. You scream…you dance…you celebrate. You’re finally going to be a published author; your career can only go forward for that point on.

Unfortunately, while the first contract may open doors for you, it does not guarantee that they will remain open. For every book you would like a publisher to produce, you have to go through the same submission process of sending in the manuscript then waiting weeks to hear back from your editor. And, when they respond, the answer is not always what you wanted to here.

Not every work is guaranteed acceptance. Even if you signed a multi-book contract, the publishing company has a clause that gives them the option to reject any manuscripts that do not fill their needs.

In order to better your chances of getting accepted, remember the rules you followed when submitting your first manuscript. Always submit the required material. If your editor wants a synopsis with the manuscript, do not think this does not pertain to you and only forward the manuscript.

Make sure the manuscript is polished, free of typos and formatted according to the style of the publisher. Remember, just because you have an editor you should not let your work become shoddy.

Once you have signed a contract with a publisher, do not become a diva. Do not insist your writing is the best since Shakespeare. Pay attention to the advice from the editor on ways to improve your skills. And, do not demand that your editor focuses her attention solely on your needs. You are not her only author. She have other careers to help build besides yours.

So, what do you do if you follow all the rules and mind your manners, yet still get a rejection? Most importantly, do not question your ability. You are a good writer. The manuscript was not the right fit for the publisher at that moment.

Do not take to social media and bash the editor and/or the publisher. Word gets around, even if you posts messages or private boards and no one wants to work with someone who is unprofessional.

Do acknowledge that the rejection does hurt. Be nice to yourself for a day or week or however long it takes for the pain to go away. If the editor offers feedback, take her notes into consideration. And, do not give up on the manuscript. Continue to submit it to publishers until you find a home for it.♥

Thanks to the support and encouragement of the members of RWA/NYC, Ursula’s debut novel, SWEET JAZZ, was published in September 2014. As President of RWA/NYC, Ursula wants to offer the same encouragement and guidance to other RWA members.  Visit her at www.ursularenee.com.