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I made a new goal today, inspired by Markus Boch’s idea to critique a piece from everyone in the class. As a student, I don’t quite have the stamina to be able to critique everyone’s writing. However, with the help of Sarah Gribble’s worksheet, I am able to go through the listed author websites, find a blog post to comment on for each one, and subscribe to everyone’s newsletters. Once I’ve gone through everyone’s sites, I’m planning on making a blog post and reviewing the websites in 2-3 sentences each. Don’t worry, I’ll be nice and point out good things as well as things that could make the website even better. No website bashing from me!
I’ve been through about half the listed websites so far, and thought I would list some common areas for improvement. I’ll list my suggestions, but please feel free to chime in.
List of Common Issues:
1) Not having a website up and running.
I know it’s really hard to take the leap and put yourself out there with an author website, but I really do feel that it’s worth it. Even if you just have one blog on a page with a comments section that you share with the Cartel, that at least gives you a place to start. There’s really not that much that has to be done for a website before you can learn the tiny bit you’ll need to be able to update your blog. Worst case scenario, find a web designer (or preferably, a student who knows the little bit needed for a webpage) and they could probably knock out something simple in a few hours.
You’re already invested in the Story Cartel course, and it seems like a shame to spend the money on the course and then hold the money back on the website. Make sure you get your money’s worth and outsource making the website if you need to.
If you’re afraid of putting yourself out there, take the course’s advice and start with sharing small. We’re all in the same boat with you, and none of us are going to judge you if you don’t have the world’s best website. It’s safe to share your website with us and a lot of us are even willing to help you out, so don’t feel intimidated.
2) Not having a comments section on your blog posts.
Readers who connect with your work will want to connect with you and each other. If you don’t give them a comments section so that they can build a community around your work, you’re denying them the opportunity to support you and connect with each other. It’ll be much harder to get feedback on your posts if you don’t provide an easy way to do that.
(Note: I just realized two of my blog posts didn’t end up having comments sections for some reason, and I still need to fix that myself, so I’m definitely not immune to making idiotic mistakes myself.)
3) Not having a newsletter, having broken newsletter links, etc.
If you don’t have a newsletter, it’ll be harder for readers to keep tabs on your future projects. Make sure your sign-up form works. Put in your own email or a friend’s and send test emails. Email is going to be your best way to build a following, so if your newsletter isn’t working or is nonexistent, you’re cheating yourself.
That’s it so far! I’ll be going through all of the listed websites in the spreadsheet, and I should be able to make an annotated list of all of the websites by Friday. Happy carteling, everyone!
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