Originally published on Writers Online and in the National Writers Union Local 7 newsletter Do Writers Need a Website? By Sandra Smith Recently I interviewed a Manpower executive for an article about hiring freelance or agency contract help. He said, “Manpower offers great customer service. But you're self -employed. You already know how to maintain a successful business.” He reminded me that I'm operating a one-person business. I have to create and supply product; market and sell product; do the bookkeeping; troubleshoot my computer; and increase my knowledge of finances and taxes. And I only wanted to write! When I began freelancing, the notion that I had to market my work nearly scared me back to the corporate world. So I decided creating a website to serve as an online resume and portfolio would help give me the confidence to proceed. It was also a valid reason to procrastinate. I was right on both counts. I now write email queries that refer to a web address for samples instead of including clips in the body. Since I created my site, I've been offered a full-time job over the phone without actually meeting anyone and I'm perceived as an established writer who knows her way around the Internet. It's easier to get assignments because editors appreciate my professionalism. Why Do You Need a Website? * An online presence shows that you take your work seriously because you're willing to learn new methods of communicating. * A website saves money for postage, envelopes, paper and photocopies. * It gives you the opportunity to “publish” articles and stories that haven't sold yet. * A website proves that you understand basics about how the Internet works--critical if you want to write online. * If you wrote a novel or nonfiction book, you can mail a cover letter and fascinating proposal and then refer agents or publishers to the website to read the first three chapters. You don't have to be a webmeister to create a simple site to showcase your writing talent. Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) such as AOL or Earthlink offer free web space, free templates, and simple instructions. Ask your ISP for more information. Before you begin, look at other writer's sites to figure out what you like. Also keep in mind that you most likely won't get work from accidental drops-ins. Most people will only visit the site because you referred them. Think carefully before placing copies of everything you write on your site, especially if it hasn't been published yet. But do include samples in a variety of genres and styles to whet an editor's interest. Organize * Home Page. This is the first page that anybody sees. First impressions are important. 1. Will you use your name or create a new name for your business? Include contact information. 2. What short statement can you write to describe the services you offer and why someone should use them? 3. List the services you'll offer. 4. Create a link to your resume. 5. Create two links to samples of your work. One for personal writing (essays, fiction, novel chapters, poetry), and one for business writing samples. 6. Create sample pages to place your work. 7. The information should be easy to read. Free clip art is available on the Internet so you can add graphics--preferably photographs instead of line art. Unless the line art is elegant and well done. 8. Samples can be scanned or you can copy and paste written material onto the sample pages. Simple Design Rules When I say design rules, you'll immediately point to sites where the rules are broken. But it's safer for the beginner to keep it simple. * Don't use more than two or three complementary typefaces. What you see on your monitor is not necessarily what the end user will see--that's defined by individual browser (i.e., Internet Explorer) preferences. So keep it simple. * Don't display tiny, light-colored print on a dark background. It's too hard to read. If you like light print on a dark background, choose a font and font size that's easy on the eye. * Use white space creatively. That means don't crowd the text or graphics. It's visually pleasing to have plenty of empty space around and between page components. * Use black print on white, or light-colored background, for best readability. * Ensure easy navigation throughout with buttons on every page. * Maintain consistency throughout the site for a unified, professional look. Logos and navigation buttons should always be found in the same location. Print should generally be the same size and font throughout. Market Your Writing Once your website is launched (it took me approximately 80 hours to create mine, but it's morecomplex than the average writer will need), it's time to query your ideas. Write your normal email query and instead of attaching clips, refer the reader to your site to view samples of your work. I do have to admit that this can backfire. Some editors want exactly what they ask for, a resume and three clips--no more, no less. They won't look at anything else, even though the Internet has pretty much thrown old standards out the window. But you can't fight the editors. They have what we want--money and assignments. You can always include the site address in addition to the clips. Four Tips for Success 1. Market, market, market. 2. Send queries in volume. Establish a plan to send a specific number every week, and then do it. The more queries you submit, the higher the odds of receiving assignments. Trust me! It works. 3. Follow-up on your best queries asking whether the editor is interested. I've received several assignments I wouldn't have had otherwise by waiting at least two weeks, and then asking if the editor had received my query. 4. When you send email to anyone, include your site address and contact information as a signature. Today I'm a successful freelancer. My business continues to expand partly out of sheer determination and partly because of the advertising power of my website. You're welcome to visit my site to get some ideas. But understand it fulfills a different purpose than I've described here because I'm also a graphic designer. . Sandra Smith is a freelance writer specializing in business and marketing communications. She also writes essays and creative nonfiction. Visit her site at http://www.PageSmith.Net