Market Yourself

   As I continue to study the craft of writing, I've learned some of the elements of public relations and marketing that I  would like to pass on to new writers. 

   Your public persona is what your editors will see.  Remember that you're a professional and remember that this is a business.  You will need to market yourself, though I try not to be one of the people who overdo it.

Websites

Invest in a website.  Websites can be had for as  little as $5 a month.    However, I don't recommend new writers to delve into the investment.  Most internet service providers offer some free web space which is a great resource for those who want to start a small webpage.  Once your writing career grows you can purchase some webspace.

Do

• keep your personal webspace and your professional webspace separate.  An attorney doesn't have pictures of his family vacation on his business website; you shouldn't either
• keep your site easy to navigate.  Keep it well-linked and simple in design.  (Hopefully I've done that here!)
• showcase your work right up front without being boastful.  If you have clips, list them professionally and right up front.
• use your website to advertise your accomplishments.  Save postage .  When editors request clips to be sent with queries, direct them to your website instead.  Upload clips here and your editors will see your clips and see your professional abilities.

Don't

• never direct editors to Facebook and similar accounts.  Try to name your website after yourself or with a professional title that they can remember.    When readers google your name you want your website to come up on top.
• waste your time on flashy graphics and animations.  You want your  site to load quickly and showcase your writing not your animation skills (unless you're an animator!)
• let your website appear outdated.  If you're not going to update it often, don't put information on the site that will date it.  If you appear outdated you send a message that you're no longer writing or that you're not one to keep up with your business.
• spend money to have other people design your website for you.  Trade off with someone or a friend, or purchase site templates from your web host.  It's really not that hard to have a website.