Novel/Author Websites - Survey

[Keroin]

For the fiction readers among us...

I'm curious about your thoughts on author/book websites. How likely are you to visit the website of a book/series you've read, plan to read or are considering reading? What about authors - do you visit author websites? If so, why? If not, why not?

For those who do visit book/author websites, what are your pet peeves, or do you have any? What do you want most when you visit (questions answered, a list of other books by the author, release dates, etc)?

Would a good website make it more likely that you would read that author's work, or more of their work?

Any other comments are appreciated!

 

[graceanne]

I love author websites. When I read a new author that I like that's the first thing I do - google for their site so I can take a look at their stuff. I have all my favorite authors already bookmarked so I can keep an eye on their new releases. Plus, quite often they have sneak peeks to their books, which I LOVE. And it works in their favor, because then I crave the book even more. Rotten teases.

 

[DVS]

I love author websites. When I read a new author that I like that's the first thing I do - google for their site so I can take a look at their stuff. I have all my favorite authors already bookmarked so I can keep an eye on their new releases. Plus, quite often they have sneak peeks to their books, which I LOVE. And it works in their favor, because then I crave the book even more. Rotten teases.

what, they don't offer gum?

 

[TarevaChine]

I visit the websites for the reasons Graceanne has already mentioned. I also LOVE when an author has a book list on their website.

The author that comes to mind is [URL="http://www.noraroberts.com/index.php"]Nora Roberts[/URL]. You can look at her books by publication date or by series. The lists help me keep track of what books I have read and what ones I still need to read.

I don't think I have come across an author's website that I have had any issues with. What has aggravated me is an author not having a website. If I come across a new author, the first thing I do is look for a website.

I hope this helps.

 

[Keroin]

Thank you guys for the replies so far. Yes, this is all very, very helpful!!

 

[unregistered]

 

[FurryFury]

How likely are you to visit the website of a book/series you've read, plan to read or are considering reading?

There is a fair to middlin' chance that I will visit the site of a series I've read and enjoyed.

What about authors - do you visit author websites?

Sometimes.

If so, why?

Mostly for information, such as bibliography, in the order of books published, particularly in a given series, or when the next book is coming out.

If not, why not?

Often I find Wikipedia to have the information I want better organized and easier to find. Therefore, by pass the author website for a site I can find the info I'm looking for easier.

For those who do visit book/author websites, what are your pet peeves, or do you have any?

If you have a question and answer section, answer the questions.

Make the information I want easy to find.

Do not load the site with "dancing baloney" that makes it take a long time to load or makes the info I want difficult to find.

What do you want most when you visit (questions answered, a list of other books by the author, release dates, etc)?

Would a good website make it more likely that you would read that author's work, or more of their work?

I wouldn't be brought over by an author whose work I've never read before due to their web site. I might read more if I liked the first book I read of theirs and could find what was next in the series easily.

Some author web sites have apparel you can buy and contests. I'm not into that but others might be.

 

[Keroin]

Busy day today, but I'll be back to reply and maybe ask a few more questions. Thanks again everyone.

One quickie before I go, though...

What do you think of some of the book "trailers" that are out there? Do you watch them? Do they influence your opinion of the book?

Here's an example of one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ym2QfkWpezw

 

[DeepGreenEyes]

I visit author sites, yeah. I get obsessed with things, and when I'm obsessed with a book I want to know everything about it. What inspired or influenced the author, what didn't I pick up on that might alter my view of a character or plot line. I particularly like author websites that have meaty extra content, author interviews, and those that reflect the tone of the book in design and feel.

 

[Vixandra]

Busy day today, but I'll be back to reply and maybe ask a few more questions. Thanks again everyone.

One quickie before I go, though...

What do you think of some of the book "trailers" that are out there? Do you watch them? Do they influence your opinion of the book?

Here's an example of one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ym2QfkWpezw

I have yet to go buy a book based off of a trailer, mainly because I don't seek them out. Often, I find them after I read the book or series and giggle because they usually do not match what I see when I read the books.

Though some, like "The Black Prisim" were pretty awesome to watch. Others, like the Cassandra Clare Mortal Instruments series were just silly and looked like they were done by fans instead of the publishers.

 

[FurryFury]

What do you think of some of the book "trailers" that are out there?

I think some are fun, some are boring.

Do you watch them?

I do, but only rarely.

Usually after I've read the book (Hunger Games) or when I'm intrigued but don't plan to read the book (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter) ever.

Sometimes for one of the many book clubs I run I'll use a trailer to see if it pulls in more interest.

I'll also try a strip from Unshelved books.

http://www.unshelved.com/bookclub/2012-3-2

I use groups such as these, at times, for discussion ideas and questions.

http://www.readinggroupguides.com/content/index.asp

Do they influence your opinion of the book?

No. Not at all.

 

[BiBunny]

I like author websites when the author has a blog that he/she updates semi-regularly with interesting things. I certainly don't mind a good bit of self-promotion (since that's what the whole website is for, anyhow), but if there's nothing on the site/blog but "Buy my shit!!!!" over and over, I get turned off. Jen Lancaster's site is a good example of a site that makes me come back repeatedly because she entertains me.

I'm not very familiar with book trailers, so I can't comment on those. I mean, I've seen a few, but that's about it!

 

[graceanne]

Busy day today, but I'll be back to reply and maybe ask a few more questions. Thanks again everyone.

One quickie before I go, though...

What do you think of some of the book "trailers" that are out there? Do you watch them? Do they influence your opinion of the book?

Here's an example of one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Ym2QfkWpezw

I don't watch them. *shrugs*

 

[Keroin]

I have all my favorite authors already bookmarked so I can keep an eye on their new releases.

This is surprising, but in a good way. I wonder how many other readers do the same?

Plus, quite often they have sneak peeks to their books, which I LOVE. And it works in their favor, because then I crave the book even more. Rotten teases.

Excellent marketing there.

*makes note...'be rotten tease'*

The author that comes to mind is [URL="http://www.noraroberts.com/index.php"]Nora Roberts[/URL]. You can look at her books by publication date or by series. The lists help me keep track of what books I have read and what ones I still need to read.

Yes, I can see that would be incredibly helpful. I know when I stumble across an author I love, I want to know what else they've written - and that's not always available in the hard copy book.

What has aggravated me is an author not having a website. If I come across a new author, the first thing I do is look for a website.

It's hard to imagine there is an author today who 'wouldn't' have a website but I know they're out there. It is a sad fact of the business now that writers must take responsibility for promoting themselves and their work. I feel much the same about any business that doesn't have a website.

I hope this helps.

It really does, thank you!

Also, I visit author sites for books I am teaching or considering teaching. I am thrilled to find that an author has posted a discussion guide or anything that I can read through or share with my students.

This is something I never would have considered. Thanks so much!

Often I find Wikipedia to have the information I want better organized and easier to find. Therefore, by pass the author website for a site I can find the info I'm looking for easier.

This is a good point to consider when designing a website. Make information easy!

If you have a question and answer section, answer the questions.

Ha! Noted.

What inspired or influenced the author, what didn't I pick up on that might alter my view of a character or plot line. I particularly like author websites that have meaty extra content, author interviews, and those that reflect the tone of the book in design and feel.

Frantically jotting down notes here!

Though some, like "The Black Prisim" were pretty awesome to watch. Others, like the Cassandra Clare Mortal Instruments series were just silly and looked like they were done by fans instead of the publishers.

Yeah, my thinking is that there's not much point doing a trailer unless you can do it really, really well.

Sometimes for one of the many book clubs I run I'll use a trailer to see if it pulls in more interest.

Book clubs, yes, something else to consider! Thanks FF!

I like author websites when the author has a blog that he/she updates semi-regularly with interesting things. I certainly don't mind a good bit of self-promotion (since that's what the whole website is for, anyhow), but if there's nothing on the site/blog but "Buy my shit!!!!" over and over, I get turned off. Jen Lancaster's site is a good example of a site that makes me come back repeatedly because she entertains me.

That is a well done website, agreed. And, yeah, blogs...I like those too. It's like the author "unplugged". Thanks BB!


You guys have all been so kind and immensely helpful. Hopefully I will need all this advice...soon!

 

[catalina_francisco]

How likely are you to visit the website of a book/series you've read, plan to read or are considering reading?

Don't usually bother with websites promoting a particular series of books or book.

What about authors - do you visit author websites? If so, why? If not, why not?

Author sites I do visit and have many bookmarked, and for those which offer it and are long term favourite authors, I am on their mailing list which updates on latest releases, upcoming books, and for some such as Nicholas Evans, personal updates on situations such as when he and his wife were poisoned by mushrooms and almost died. Not interested in their sharing everything, such as blog like drivel about everything they do and think each day, but in situations like NE it was nice he felt he could share and knew it would be appreciated, and that he keeps his followers updated on the long term impact of his poisoning and his daughter donating a kidney to him as a result. Like with music, I am interested in the person as a person, not just what they produce.

For those who do visit book/author websites, what are your pet peeves, or do you have any? What do you want most when you visit (questions answered, a list of other books by the author, release dates, etc)?

Have seen a few where the author seems to have a very high opinion of their self importance which puts me off, and some who have put down other authors / books which I hate even more. I prefer a real person who enjoys what they do and value their readers more so than have a 'look at me' approach. Like updates on books, love reading their views and thoughts, love to hear how they came about writing a particular book etc., and like some evidence they interact with readers more than have a website simply to promote their books.

Would a good website make it more likely that you would read that author's work, or more of their work?

Only so much as I appreciate their work. Not sure I would read books by someone just because they seemed nice....has to be some talent and interest as in writing the type of book I wanted to read before finding their website. Learning more about them and their writing would be icing on the cake, not the motivation.

Catalina

 

[IrisAlthea]

For the fiction readers among us...

I'm curious about your thoughts on author/book websites. How likely are you to visit the website of a book/series you've read, plan to read or are considering reading? What about authors - do you visit author websites? If so, why? If not, why not?

For those who do visit book/author websites, what are your pet peeves, or do you have any? What do you want most when you visit (questions answered, a list of other books by the author, release dates, etc)?

Would a good website make it more likely that you would read that author's work, or more of their work?

Any other comments are appreciated!

I do sometimes, but I look more at reviews when I hear about a new book.

When I visit the authors site, it is mostly to find other books by that person, to find out if there is something new on it's way or because I get curious about the person behind the writing.