Author Websites
In the next couple months I plan to completely redo my website, and I thought I'd ask you all what you like/dislike about author websites. I'd like my website to be a place readers enjoy visiting, where they can find out information about current and new books and also have a way to contact me. But I'd also like to know if there are any "extras" that you might like to see on my website. Basically, I'm wide open to suggestions. 
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:
1) Do you enjoy reading exerpts of books?
2) What about a family or community tree from books and/or series? For example, a family tree of the Bylers from the Hearts of Middlefield series.
3) What do you look for the most when you visit an author's website?
4) Anything you dislike or think is unnecessary on a website?
Thanks so much for your help! I look forward to the discussion.
'Til next time,
Kathleen
Here are a few questions to get the conversation started:
1) Do you enjoy reading exerpts of books?
2) What about a family or community tree from books and/or series? For example, a family tree of the Bylers from the Hearts of Middlefield series.
3) What do you look for the most when you visit an author's website?
4) Anything you dislike or think is unnecessary on a website?
Thanks so much for your help! I look forward to the discussion.
'Til next time,
Kathleen
Posted by Kathleen Fuller at 7/7/2010 11:26 AM 
Categories: Amish fiction, writing
Tags: Amish fiction A Summer Secret
Categories: Amish fiction, writing
Tags: Amish fiction A Summer Secret
My favorite thing to look for, and I wish more authors did it, is a list of upcoming books as well as ones already published. The only thing worse than having to wait for the next book in a fantastic series is not knowing when that next book is coming! Have fun with the renovations!
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Sure wouldn't want you to have no comments to your questions.
1. I enjoy reading excerpts as long as they aren't so long and help to interest a person in reading the book.
2. not really into family tree thing
3. about the author, her books, contact info, contests, reviews, general interest, book signings and such.
4. I love your website and visit monthly.
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I enjoy book excerpts, listings of books in series (backlists, current, and upcoming), and I think a family tree would be helpful. Mostly I look for websites that are simple, without a lot of graphics, flashy stuff or unlabeled images. I'm a lot less likely to re-visit a website if it doesn't work with my screen reader software. Too much trouble to sift through all the "noise" for what I wanted to find.
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When I look at an author's website I look for a list of the books that author wrote or published. That way I can compare it to what I have and what I might need to look for to complete my collection. Also if someone borrows one of mine I can give them the website to check out for themselves so they can make their own collection.I also look for upcoming book signings in case there are any in my area to attend.
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Dear Kathy,
I think your idea about "The Family Tree" sounds pretty neat and would help to show cohesiveness.
Since I am a member of Amish Hearts, Amish Living, Facebook, Twitter, I guess I feel it would be so much more effective and efficient if all of those sites were united as one. I do realize each developed separately but there is a common united thread..... Authors and Amish. Since I am not a computer wizard I have no knowledge as to how to simplify things into one network but that is what I would appreciate.
As I mentioned earlier, A Family Tree sounds awesome. I also enjoy learning about the Amish Culture, Amish Faith, Amish Recipes, Amish Traditions and last but not least hearing from each author about their family and their novels that they are writing.
Basically, what each one of you have created has been sites that are fun and inspirational. Way to Go! Grace and Peace
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I always look for a list of upcoming books and also for past books that the author has published.
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1. I love the family tree in your books. It is helpful to look back and to see how the characters are related.
2. On a website, I look for a list of books and the order in which they come in a series. Also, I like to read about the author.
3. I find the definition of Amish words to be very helpful.
Can't wait for your next book. May God bless you as you continue to write these wonderful books. Betty
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I think it is fun to see how the families from serveral books are conected.
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I love looking for the lists of new books coming out, as well as short exerpts. I love the connections between the families in the books- even if they are not always the main characters. Just keep doing what you are best at- that writing is important, you know.
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I would like to know how you came about writing the book or series you have. Also about the family or extended families if it is a series. 3) Maybe have a interview with a new Amish author that we might not of heard about and her/his new book coming out. 4) The setting of the book and the area around it. These are just a few suggestion. Hope they are helpful.
Thanks,
Connie
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I agree that a list of published and upcoming books would be a must for me.
Also an excerpt or first chapter would definitely pull me in. Also a profile or bio.
And of course any contests or giveaways are always appreciated!!
Some authors have background music and that's fine but I think if there was a way to turn it off if you didn't want it on would be good.
And of course if there are any book signings coming up a list of where you will be. Because if any of my favorite authors are within a couple hours of me, I will be there!! So far I've been lucky to meet Beverly Lewis and Cindy Woodsmall.
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Kathy, I think the family tree idea is great. It helps you keep track of people in an ongoing series. Also I love ongoing series, especially from books that I really enjoy, because I hate to see them end!! I definitely enjoy reading excerpts from books, because it helps the reader find out what the book is about,and captures their interest. It also seems a good way of promoting sales!!!! A list of books written by the author, and books being written, release dates etc, are also great ideas. Having tidbits of information about the real Amish community where the book is centered is always good too. The only thing that discourages me when I visit a website is if it becomes hard to navigate through. I am not the most computer literate person, so having things easy at my fingertips makes it more fun and alot less stressful. I'm sorry this reply is so disjointed. It's a reflection of where my thoughts are today, LOL!!! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to give you feedback!
Oh, and one more thing, I also like the idea of a small synopsis in the beginning of books when they are part of a series. Just enough to help remind the reader what has happened previously. I know alot of books can stand alone, but it would help remind the readers of the previous books, but also intrigue and interest new readers to look for the other books. Just a wild thought!
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can someone please kinda explian what a hand to hold is abou and the second couple in the book is about ?? thanks so much!
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