Advice for YA website/blog

bethany · Oct 28, 2007

Okay, I have been totally stalling waiting for my book cover, fingers crossed, fingers crossed. But have to start shopping web designers because I need my website by the holidays. Probably at this point just by Christmas, I just had the holiday season as my goal.

Questions-
1. some of your favorite YA author's websites, and if you don't mind, what you like about them.

2. What makes a YA friendly blog? I want something reader friendly, not about writing YA, if you know what I mean.

3. Any other suggestions, ideas, or remarks. I'll probably add to this when I remember what number three was supposed to be.

Thanks guys, you're the nest

reenkam · Oct 28, 2007

I like Laurie Stolarz's website a lot. (www.lauriestolarz.com) It's easy to figure out what's going on and where to click and it's visually appealing. The thing I don't like about hers is that everything's kind of to the left and off-center. It could be just because I have a widescreen computer, though.

aaand that pretty much sums up author websites I know.

bethany · Oct 28, 2007

Ooh I thought of another question. How often do you guys actually look at a given author's website, or do you, like ever? I really don't look at author websites, but maybe that's just me (and it won't affect my getting one, just curious).

reenkam · Oct 28, 2007

I'll pop in again...lol

I look at authors websites when I'm waiting for their next book, basically. Sometimes, if I read a book by an author I didn't know before, I'll find their site. It's depressing when they don't have one or it's not updated or it's really empty.

So, yeah, I definitely look. It's got to be fun for me to come back lots, though.

Shady Lane · Oct 28, 2007

I never look at author's websites.

Realize this isn't very helpful, but, well. Just bein honest.

Mandy · Oct 28, 2007

bethany said:
Ooh I thought of another question. How often do you guys actually look at a given author's website, or do you, like ever? I really don't look at author websites, but maybe that's just me (and it won't affect my getting one, just curious).

I LOVE author websites. If I really like the book, I ALWAYS check it out.

Provrb1810meggy · Oct 28, 2007

I browse author websites, because, I dunno, I like authors.

The ultimate YA author website would be http://www.megcabot.com, where you can also find her ultimate YA author blog.

alainn_chaser · Oct 29, 2007

Holly black has my favourite web site. It's simple with information on her books but the most emphasis is on FAQ and resources for readers and potentiel writers.

She and Cassie Clare have pretty awesome livejournals too.

Maprilynne · Oct 29, 2007

bethany said:
Thanks guys, you're the nest

Yea!! I always wanted to be a nest!

I second Holly Black's site . . . plus I have heard good things about it. I tend to troll Stephenie Meyer's site (sorry, she's my friend) and one thing I like about hers is that it has a news section so if there is something new, it will be up there.

If I were a young writer I would want a section with suggestions for writing and publishing. I also like lots of color. Not flashy, but eye-catching.

TrishD · Oct 29, 2007

I love Maureen Johnson's website. I visit frequently to see when she updates her blog, which is always very funny and makes readers feel as if she's talking right to them.

ishtar'sgate · Oct 29, 2007

Good luck to you with your book and blog. I have a rather static website to support my novel. It's in high school reading programs so the site more or less serves as a place for students to get the info they need for book reports on my novel. I shut down my blog because it took too much time away from writing. I need to get better at multitasking before I try it again.

Linnea

bethany · Oct 29, 2007

Hm, I feel pretty dumb about that nest thing, but I was tired last night.

britlitfantw · Oct 30, 2007

I love looking at author websites. The FAQ and a biography is always interesting ... and I really like the idea of something that's updated on a monthly basis as to what the author is reading at the moment, or what their favourite music is that month.

reenkam · Oct 30, 2007

Maprilynne said:
I second Holly Black's site . . . plus I have heard good things about it. I tend to troll Stephenie Meyer's site (sorry, she's my friend) and one thing I like about hers is that it has a news section so if there is something new, it will be up there.

Oh, yeah, totally forgot Stephenie Meyer's site. I kind of stalk it, I don't know how I forgot...

And I second britlitfantw about the FAQs. Those are always fun.

TrishD · Oct 30, 2007

Oh, I've got another... she's not EXACTLY YA, but I think there are tons of teens who've read Sloppy Firsts, etc. but Megan McCafferty's site is cool. I especially love how she shares her journal entries from when she was young.

jessicab_87 · Oct 31, 2007

I'm so glad someone started this thread. I've definitely been thinking about this a lot considering how important a Website is.

Provrb1810meggy · Oct 31, 2007

Are there any authors with self-designed websites? Probably not. I guess most authors put some of the advance money toward their sites?

Cassidy · Oct 31, 2007

well, i did my own but it's not fancy. got some quotes from website designers and just didn't have that kind money to spend, but thought i should have one anyway. i just did a standard books, bio, FAQ, etc and a news page where i can add any updates. anyway, if you look at mine and have any feedback or suggestions, i'd love to hear them! and in case you decide to do your own, wordpress is free and i found it pretty easy to use.

Advice for YA website/blog

bethany

:)

reenkam

aka cupcake

bethany

:)

reenkam

aka cupcake

Shady Lane

my name is hannah

Mandy

limbo.

Provrb1810meggy

alainn_chaser

Kweh?

Maprilynne

Author Waiting in the Wings

TrishD

ishtar'sgate

living in the past

bethany

:)

britlitfantw

reenkam

aka cupcake

TrishD

jessicab_87

Provrb1810meggy

Cassidy

writing for kids and teens