We talked not too long ago about adding a list of resources to your website in order to attract potential readers who are seeking additional information on your book’s subject or genre. Some of you know that I have accumulated a list of around 200 resources for authors and freelance writers at my personal website, http://www.matilijapress.com
Here’s a sampling of the 33 categories on my resources page: Books for Freelance Writers and Authors; Magazines, Ezines and Newsletters; Publications for Screenwriters; Services for Authors and Freelance Writers; Sites for Children’s Writers; Sites for Fiction Writers; Markets and Jobs for Writers; Newspaper Directories (for sending out press releases); Grammar and Writing Sites; Legal Help for Authors and Writers; Publishing Resources; Book Review Sites; Warnings for Writers; Grants for Writers; Find a Printer and even Writing Opportunities for Young Writers.
Check out my resources page and let me know if you see anything missing—anything you would like to see there that isn’t. http://www.matilijapress.com/forwriters/resources.html
How does one develop a resource list of this size? For me, it involved years of research. Many of these resources appear in my writing/publishing-related books. I did the research for the books and then transferred them over to my website for an even wider audience.
Of course, things change—books go out of print, newsletters come and go, sites close down and so forth, so it takes some diligence to maintain a resource list like this one. The beauty of it is, you can keep a website resource list more up-to-date than one that is in print.
So how do you go about finding the resources for your website—or for your book, for that matter? This question takes us back to research.
• Go through every book on your shelf or desktop on your book’s topic or genre in search of the resources those authors recommend. And don’t forget to add the books you trust most to your resource list.
• List the appropriate newsletters and websites you rely on the most.
• Note all of the best websites you’ve used over time to help you through the work on your project.
• Go in search of additional resources online and at your library/bookstore.
• Open your eyes, ears and mind to resources you see listed in your favorite newsletters and in your online discussions, etc.
• Document those resources you use daily (or even occasionally)—the new link you use to locate material for your press release, the publisher you heard of that is seeking manuscripts in your book’s genre, the informative blog you stumbled across, a report on a new scientific study, etc.
Check each and every resource before posting it. You want to make sure it is still live and that it is still relevant to your audience. Consider this, if it is relevant to you, it is probably something your readers want and need.
If you want more visitors to your site, offer them more. A resource list is an excellent place to start. Good luck with yours. Let me know if you need additional guidance and report back when your resources list is up and I’ll announce it in my blog.
Patricia Fry to Teach Two Online Courses
I’ll be starting two of my online courses after the first of the year. Space is limited, so sign up early. Starting January 5, 2010, I’m teaching the Successful Book Proposal Course. This course runs 8 weeks (or work through the course faster, if you like). Learn more about what to expect here: http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookproposal.htm For $200 you get one-on-one guidance through the process of writing a complete book proposal during the 8 weeks, only.
On January 12, 2010, my online Book Promotion Workshop begins. This workshop runs $200 for 6 weeks. Learn more about what it involves at http://www.matilijapress.com/course_bookpromotion.htm
SPAWN members get $25 off each course.
Start the new year on the right path with your book project, sign up today for the course of your choice.
If you are interested in the freelance writing workshop, let me know. If I get enough interest, I’ll teach it early next year, as well.
PLFry620@yahoo.com