No matter whether you write novellas, short stories or screenplays, the Internet is the perfect writer's marketplace. Writers around the globe, frustrated with the painful publishing process, are taking to cyberspace to have their voices heard. Here's how to create your online presence in two easy steps. Step One: Establishing Your Domain While you may not know a lot about the Internet, any writer can set up and maintain a great website to feature their work. Your first assignment is to research web hosts that offer all-in-one packages for getting started online. Web hosting companies like GoDaddy feature easy setup, domain name registration and ecommerce functionality. Must have feature when selecting a webhost: the ability to upload files to your site. This allows you to feature samples of your work for online readers. Also, you'll need to decide whether you want to set up a full-fledged marketplace, complete with credit card merchant accounts, or if you'll be using a payment processor like PayPal. No matter which features you choose, pick the domain host that offers the most ideas to help online businesses succeed. Unless you know a lot about registering website domains, look for a webhost that does that for you. Domain registration is done for at least a year, so choose a name that will make your site easy to find. Use www.LeticiaDimwittyNovellas.com rather than www.ILoveMyOwnWriting.com, for example. Make it obvious who you are and don't make online shoppers hunt too long for your site. Step Two: Opening Up for Business Once you've registered your domain name and selected a webhost, it's time to set up for business. Just as with a brick-and-mortar bookstore, the right setting for your work is everything. Either choose a template from your webhost's catalog or have someone design the overall "look" of your site. This includes colors, fonts, and graphics. If you specialize in edgy, urban stories, for example, avoid a Victorian backdrop. On the other hand, if your specialty is romance, pink and lavender may be perfect. Envision yourself "opening the door" to your website. What would you hope to see in a shop featuring your work? Keep that image in mind as you choose the right look for your website. Once you have your website's basic structure, it's time to use your writer's gift to make your web pages compelling. If you have a descriptive piece about yourself and your writing for use by publishers, include that in your "About the Author" section. You only have about eight seconds to capture the interest of website visitors, so keep website copy succinct, yet fascinating. With your web pages built, it's time to upload your writing samples. The simplest way to build a Writing Samples page is to create .pdf snippets of your work. Include short descriptions of each to pique the reader's interest. Once they purchase, either forward them to a download page with complete .pdf copies or send them the full work by email. Your webmaster can help you decide which works best. The final step is to establish links for handling sales. If you've chosen a webhost with a built-in ecommerce module, they'll have instructions for setting up your online store. If you're using PayPal, set up a PayPal account and then add the links they provide to your sales page. With a little planning, you can create the perfect online setting for your writing. Let your friends and fans know through your newsletter that you're now selling online. List your site in online writers' directories to find new customers. Take the time to establish an attractive online bookstore, and you'll reap the results of increased sales and exposure.
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