So, I feel ready to put my writing out into the wide world, but in my research so far I have found that a lot of agents/editors saying that they expect an author to have a website that they can look at to find out more about them and their projects. But right now, I have nothing published, except for one poem in an anthology, and two ongoing novel projects that are not yet completed (though I am in the midsts of revising one).
So, what on earth should I be putting on a website? Or should I just not bother yet and instead concentrate on getting those first few publications of short stories and try to build a readership? Whenever I look at authors whose work is published on E-zines, they have a website to link to, and although my instincts lean towards the actual writing is the most important thing right now, I wouldn't want to look unprofessional by not having a website if that is the general expectation.
Chicken and egg, chicken and egg...
Cheers.
Thanks for all the answers! -- I actually missed a lot of these (didn't see the 'more' button at the bottom --d'oh!).
I do understand the point of a blog, but as Louise points out, and I have read from agents' articles myself, if you don't think you will be able to blog regularly/manage it properly don't bother doing it.
I don't want to blog about France because, TBH, I don't particularly like living here (don't ask) and I don't think starting off on a negative note is a good idea -- nor on an uninspired one.
But you do all make very valid arguments, so maybe I will give it some more consideration and try and find an angle I can enjoy. But then, like I have the time!! That's the other consideration. Seems to me most people are so busy managing their web presence I don't know where they get the time to write the stories. They must have a secret room of elves writing their fiction for them, or something.
Ok, cheers chaps/esses
I didn't bother with a website until I was about to have something floating in the pond, and the blog took a while longer because I didn't think I had anything much to say. That's the problem - blowing your own trumpet without coming across as a big 'I am' is tough going, especially for someone like me who rarely says a lot on a good day.
My experience is that these things do make a difference in terms of sales, although I couldn't quantify that in any meaningful way. Like a few have said, it's getting your name out there, being visible as much as possible and showing you might have something vaguely interesting to say.
That was a few years ago. Publishing is changing all the time so I'm not surprised agents etc now want to see some effort on the writer's part. I think if I was starting today I might begin building a site, at least in readiness. Nothing like being an optimist! :D
I understand where you're coming from, Charlie, but I fear you're missing the point. And I say that only because, until recently, I was missing the point too. I'm a bit further on than you in that I have had a few bits published but I still had nowhere online to collate those things that are available electronically. Moreover, an agent who requested my full ms asked me if I had a blog. The answer, at the time, was an abject 'nooooo'. (That said, I think an agent, or publisher, would rather someone had no online presence than an iffy or poorly managed one.) So I set one up using Wordpress (link on my profile, if you're interested). It's very new but I'm enjoying it and have no problems finding things to write about. I like the instant gratification of "getting things out there" that it offers - even if no-one reads it!
Simon and Lorraine give some good ideas about how to go about it. Browsing first time novelists' sites, as Lorraine suggests, was something I found helpful (engrossing, actually).