Having a website designed

I would avoid having someone design a site for you unless you have cash to spare. It can get expensive very quickly. Unless you're doing something fairly exotic, like a store front or transaction site, you might not need someone to create a site.

You might be fine using a domain and WordPress or something similar.

Depending on what you want, a custom site can get crazy expensive crazy fast. Something simple can be a few hundred dollars; but it can just as easily cost thousands

Most designers on the affordable end will be using a template that they modify for you; you could do that yourself with WordPress.

What sort of site do you have in mind?

You'll need to know how many pages and what you want on them before talking to a designer.

You'll need a domain and host, a server/ISP, as well.

Craigslist?

Hedgetrimmer said:

Thanks, Medievalist. I'll look into Wordpress before hiring someone. I don't need anything fancy, just something for some exposure with my writing.

Click to expand...

Then you absolutely don't need a pro.

I'd suggest checking out the free options first. Look at Google Sites, Wordpress.com, and Blogger.com.

If you go to websites you can see their portfolio and get a very good idea of their style and range. you can also check out the loading time and compliance of those sites.

You don't want something that you have to pay someone else to update. You don't need fabulous Flash whirligigs, you need content. WordPress is the writer's best friend.