Developing an Author Website – A Marketing and Communication Checklist Study

What is the goal of your website? What is going to be the title of your website? How will people find your site? How do you make it easy to find your books and buy them? What are some of the topics you should include in your site? These are all questions that authors have when they create a website to sell their books..

I have spent the last several years studying, interviewing and writing about authors (250+). One of the first things I do is review the writer’s website. You can tell a lot about the author from their site. Some are complex. Some are simple. Some communicate their message. Some barely qualify as a website.

It is time to share a study I just completed using the HBSAuthor Spotlight Authors and their websites. This is a group of outstanding authors with bestselling credentials and a great net presence.

Title

In many ways the title is the most important part of a website. It’s like the title of your novel. The visitor immediately knows who the site is for.

The title should identify the author and the type of novels that are featured. A well-constructed title helps in any search the reader does on the Internet. Here is a sample of authors who use their name and genre as part of their title.

Terry Ambrose - Mysteries with character

Claude Bouchard Books  - Crime Thrillers and other Stuff...

M.R. Mathias Fantasy Author

J. F. Penn, THRILLERS ON THE EDGE (Joanna Penn)

L.J. Sellers - Author of provocative mysteries & thrillers

Several in the study use their credits to sell themselves in the website title. Here are a couple of samples.

Cheryl Bradshaw - The Official Website of New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author

Carol Davis Luce – NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

Many authors in the study put a subtitle after their name with a catchy phrase. Here are a few example of some of the HBS Spotlight Authors with extensions in their websites title.

Troy Blackford - Journey to Death at Lifespeed

Diane Capri - Licensed to Thrill

Jan Romes - There's a writer in all of us …

A few of the websites used a meaningful title other than their name. Something related to their novels or series in most cases.

The Guardian’s Chronicles - Ann H. Barlow

Promised Valley - Ron Fritsch

Work Quake - Paul Glover

Cassidy Jones Adventures - Elise Stokes

The thing to remember here is when people start looking for you, the author; they may have a problem matching you to their search if you try to get to fancy.

In my case, if I use my book title ‘Game of Fire’ (my latest novel) or the Johnathon Stone Mysteries (my mystery series), I probably would miss much of the traffic that I get today. Plus when I write my next novel, the title of my site won’t match with the new book title.

Metadata

I think it is important to know a little bit about Metadata. What is Metadata, you ask? Metadata helps people searching the Internet for information about you, to find it more easily. (This type of information is used in the card catalogs of libraries.)

Metadata is inserted into an Internet Homepage as the page is developed. It is expressed as a set of keywords or tags. Descriptions and keywords in meta tags are commonly used to describe the Web page's content.

So the bottom line here is when your home page is constructed you should include your name, genre, title of your series, publisher, and protagonist in your metadata so readers, visitors and prospects can find your website.

Main Menu

The next important thing in a website is the main menu. It is the key to communicating to the reader. With a quick glance, the reader should be able to move to an important area of your website. Therefore the menu should be simple and easy to follow. The main menu appears at the top of every page of your site.

Here is a list of items the study found most common in the standard main menu.

Home – This is the first or front page of your website. A visitor should be able to click this option anywhere on your site and return to the front page.

About – This option is used for your Bio or Profile. It usually includes your picture and your background description. Profile control is a topic for another time but you are required to furnish a profile for your marketing effort including retail outlets (Amazon, etc.), organizations (Goodreads, etc.) and social media. You should try to keep your site profile consistent with the other profiles.

Books – If you’re an author, a list of your books is one of the main reasons for having a website. The site visitor should be able to click on this option and move to information about a particular book.

Blog/Newsletter – This is a link to your direct communications to your readers. I recommend doing both a blog and newsletter but there is a time factor in making this decision.. Besides broadcasting new releases and specials, they can help you develop a reader list.

Contact – This is another important option for your website. Your readers need a way to interact with you through social media and email (sometimes a form). This option makes it easy for them to click and communicate.

Extras (called many things) – This option can be a variety of things important to your audience. Some use it to broadcast services they provide. Others provide pictures or lists, etc. This option should be important enough to make the top rung of the menu system.

The following is a sample of some of the Spotlight Crew’s Main Menus. Like I mentioned before, there are more than 250 crew members, all with outstanding websites. Room would only permit to have a few examples.

Sparkle Abbey

Bestselling Mystery Authors Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter write under the name Sparkle Abbey @sparkleabbey. They have written the bestselling Pet Mystery Series. Their main menu is a basic, simple presentation allowing the visitor to easily move through their site.

 

Dianne Harman  

Author Dianne Harman @DianneDHarman is an Award Winning Bestseller Romance author. Dianne has another simple presentation.

 

Diane Capri   

Amazon Bestselling Author Diane Capri @DianeCapri is the author of The Hunt for Reacher series. Her main menu is simple. She adds an important topic, ‘Get Involved.’

I have included her sub-menu, ‘Get Involved’ so you could get an idea. Communications is important to her.

Carmen DeSousa  

Author Carmen DeSousa @Author_Carmen is the Author of the Southern Suspense Series. Carmen provides useful information to other writers so she includes an option for easy access.

Her ‘Writing, marketing, and life...’ section is a group of memo entries on giving advice on all sorts of things. Very interesting helpful tidbits.

Stacy Eaton   

Stacy Eaton @StacySEaton is the International Best Selling author of the popular My Blood Runs Blue series. Her main menu includes an option for her street team.

Her ‘Join My On The Beat Street Team’ selection says this:

Do you enjoy reading?

Are you a social butterfly who likes to share?

If you are, then you are going to want to join the On the Beat Street Team!

What you’ll receive:

·         Advanced review e-copies of upcoming novels

·         Promotional discount codes for your family and friends (applicable paperbacks)

·         Special street team giveaways, including personalized autographed paperbacks

·         If you host a book club or writers group, I’d be happy to schedule an online (or in-person, depending on location) discussion about my books, writing, or publishing

Melissa Foster   

Award-winning Author Melissa Foster @Melissa_Foster is the author of several International bestselling novels and the founder of the World Literary Café, Fostering Success and the social and support network for women, the Women’s Nest.

She has an option ‘FOR WRITERS’ so authors can go quickly to useful information. Also, she adds her social media and contact information as a second line which I like a lot.

Jan Romes 

Jan Romes @JanRomes is a Contemporary romance author. She is writer of the Texas Boys Falling Fast and the Twelve Brides of Christmas series. Jan also adds her social media links to her main menu.

Jake Needham   

Author Jake Needham @jakeneedham is a best-selling Mystery & Thrillers Author of the Jack Shepherd crime thriller series. Jake includes a link to his Audio Books.

Audio books are becoming a lead topic on websites as authors move their digital book versions to audio.

Chantel Rhondeau  

Chantel Rhondeau @ChantelRhondeau is a Romantic suspense author. Chantel writes the Agents in Love series. She adds a special cause to her main menu.

Chantel has '#DV Awareness' as one of their main topics on her site. Like many authors, she fights for something worthwhile and includes that on her site.

Domestic Violence Awareness : Readers of all my books know that somehow, someway the message that abuse is not okay makes it into my stories. I don't go in with the intention of this being there, but it sneaks in.

Multi-Line Menus

Many authors use multi-line menus. Remember to make this version simple enough that the visitor can easily travel around your site. Use multi-line menus cautiously.

Eden Baylee

Eden Baylee @edenbaylee is the author of a psychological mystery/thriller and three collections of erotic novellas and flash fiction. Her main menu has more options but it is easy to read and follow.

John W. Huffman   

Award winning Indie Author John W. Huffman @johnwhuffman writes Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers. John’s main menu is more complex but the style of his menu makes it easy to read.

Joanna Penn   

Author Joanna Penn @thecreativepenn (J. F. Penn) is an Action-Adventure Thriller Author creating the ARKANE thriller series. Also, she is a leading consultant in the book industry. Joanna’s double line menu is another example of a simple design.

Vertical Main Menus

Some authors use a vertical menu. This version of menu allows more options but simple to follow is still the key.

Catherine Bybee   

Author Catherine Bybee @catherinebybee is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Romance Author. Her main menu is simple but complete.

       

J.A. Jance   

J.A. Jance @JAJance is a New York Times bestselling author. Judith is the author of the Joanna Brady series and the J. P. Beaumont series. Her main menu is another example of vertical, easy to follow presentation.

Judith adds an interesting option: Sugarloaf Café.

The Sugarloaf Café section of her site has a wealth of good food recipes. Check out the Tuna Casserole recipe. In one of her books the lead character refers to her mother’s tuna casserole.

Connie Flynn  

Author Connie Flynn @ConnieFlynn is the bestselling award-winning author of many Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal and Romance novels and short stories. Another example of a simple, vertical menu. Connie works in her Bootcamp link.

BOOTCAMP FOR NOVELISTS IS ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT FOR CLASSROOM WORKSHOPS

Something of value

Another main menu concept that I like is giving the reader something of value besides your books. It gives the visitor another reason to visit the site.

Terry Ambrose   

Terry Ambrose @suspense_writer is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and a member of Murder, We Wrote. Terry has a topic to help readers avoid scams and cons.

Scams & Cons topic

December post is on Tips to avoid online shopping scams

Book Pages

Here is your marketing opportunity.

Your site should have a page for each book. This is your opportunity to market your book. At a minimum it should include the title, cover, product description and a BUY LINK. The authors in this study are all over this important marketing item.

Some other items I found on the book page where:

Reviews	Book trailers
Awards	Excerpts
Story backgrounds	Access to author signed copies

Dropdown Menus

Of course, the main menu leads to drop-down menus. They in turn have links to your information pages. Simple, straight forward titles provide an easy path for you reader. The number of items in a dropdown has a limit for readable. Several sites in the study had so many items in the submenu; a laptop lost control of the menu because the reader had to scroll down to view an item or two.

If you are fortunate to have written a ton of books, you should create submenus and split them up my series or genre or fiction and non-fiction, something the reader can quickly navigate through to your information. Remember the reader may not have much patience if they have to struggle to find information.

The following is a list of popular items I found in the submenus.

Events/Appearances	Interviews	Book Stores
Media Kit	News release	FAQ
Work In Progress	Services

Side Bars

The side bar usually includes your current action items and links. Here is a checklist of some of items found in this area. Most of these are not found in the main menu or their sub menus.

Join Newsletter	Latest News/next event
Recent comments	Books –Thumbnails with excerpts/Buy links/Trailer/Sneak peek
Guest Book sign in	Subscribe to blog via email
Contact me	Follow me
Site search	Social media icons with links
Advertise services	Story progress

Here is a list of other item usually found in the side bar that adds credibility to the author.

Great sites to visit	Badges – Groups/Publishers/Goodreads/Book tours
Profile summary	Acclaims
Tweet feed	Facebook list
Blog list/recent posts	Interview list

Bottom Menu

Usually this echoes the main menu although this is an opportunity to expand the information selections without getting in the way of the communications. Also, included in this area should be a copyright notice and the web developer credits. Don’t spring something new there if it relates directly to marketing your books. Many readers never go passed the second or third screen looking for information.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a current author or a new author, your website is your gateway to your novels and sales. The goal is to get visitors to your book buy links.

Most of the authors in this study have outstanding websites. That is why they were the best source for this study.

Hopefully this post will give you a direction in developing and maintaining your website. If you keep it up-to-date, it will change frequently. The sites I reviewed had two main purposes: Marketing and Communications. They all had links everywhere. And they provided useful information about the author, their novels and how to contact them. Please visit them by clicking the link connected to their name.

I’ll end with an old saying: “You can write great content but if you don’t market your book or communicate too your audience, it will be like writing in the sand.”

Follow me:

Follow Me on Twitter: @jimhbs

Or EMAIL at: james.moushon@gmail.com

View my website: James Moushon – Mystery Writer

Or visit my blog: The eBook Author Corner

Take a look at my Author’s blog: HBS Author’s Spotlight

Or my Mystery blog: HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle

Check out the Jonathon Stone Mystery Novel: Black Mountain Secrets

NEW RELEASE: Another Jonathon Stone Mystery: Game Of Fire

eBook Author Resource List – Marketing, Design Services, Information Sources, Reviews, Interviews, Resource Profiles, Book List and more

One of the most frequent questions asked by eBook authors is “What are the best sources of information to help me write, publish and market my book?” I think research is a key element in an indie’s quest for success and a great source list can become invaluable. So I put on my research hat again.

These are my favorites. You may not agree or maybe I have left a good blog out but at least this list could be a starting point for any author. I queried my HBS Spotlight Crew, a group of outstanding and successful authors, and accessed my own information sources and this is what I came up with.

This post is in two parts. The first part is an index of resources that provide author and publishing information (blogs), offer writing, marketing and publishing services, do book reviews and author interviews or head up author groups.

The second part is information about the resources list in the first part including their contact information and publishing industry book lists.

Resource Index

Author and Publishing Information 
This is list of blogs that provides useful information to authors about writing, marketing and publishing.

Henry Baum - Self-Publishing Review
Henry is the sponsor of the highly popular Self-Publishing Review blog devoted to self-publishing news and reviews.

Todd Borg Author's Blog
His blog is devoted to writing and helping authors.

Cheryl Bradshaw - A Place to Embrace our Love of Books
A provider of useful information for authors.

Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd
Judith has a very informative blog. She is an innovative and creative guide who can expertly assist you with your book and publishing project.

Sue Collier
She writes the Self-Publishing Resources blog. This is a great source of information for self-publishing authors. "We write well to make you look good!"

Rebecca Dahlke (R.P. Dahlke)
She publishes the All Mystery E-newsletter and the Dirt Cheap Mystery Reads.
A great newsletter with interesting author topics and a site to showcase your novels.

A Book Inside – Carol Denbow, Plain & Simple Books
Carol’s blogs focus is on How to Write a Fiction, Non-Fiction Book, or Novel, find a Publisher or Publishing Option, and Market Your Book for Free. Tips and Expert Advice.

Cats Eye Writer - Judy Dunn
I blog to release my true stories in the hope that they will help my readers learn to navigate the bumps in the road of life and live to tell about it.

New York Times & USA Today bestselling & award-winning author Melissa Foster
She provides valuable information to new and indie authors.

The Book Designer – Joel Friedlander, Marin Bookworks
His focus is on giving practical advice to authors to help build better books. Joel is an expert in cover and book design. He provides a wealth of information to authors in his blog and the many books he has written.

Indie Author – April L. Hamilton
April has one the most interesting and informative blogs in the indie ebook industry. It is a must follow.

C. S. Lakin - a novel life
Susanne has an outstanding blog featuring posts on copyediting and the essentials an author needs to be a success.

Katherine Lowry Logan's Notes from Tabor Lane
Katherine has an outstanding authors blog. You must check this great source of information.

Michael N. Marcus - Information for authors
Michael byline: “He discusses writing, editing, publishing and sometimes none of the above. Sometimes he draws attention to inept publishers and writers. It's his duty and his compulsion.”

Debra Martin - Two Ends of the Pen
Debra has a number of guest posts on Two Ends of the Pen that inform writers on different aspects of writing and publishing.

Christopher Meeks
Chris has authored a number of blogs about writing.For example, one blog was about using video to create a short film--something different from a book trailer--to suggest my new crime novel through metafiction.

Amy Metz - A Blue Million Books
Amy has an outstanding industry blog filled with useful information for authors.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller - Book-related free advice
Phyllis provides a wealth of information for authors on this broad reaching blog.

James Moushon - Industry Blogger
He writes the following blogs:
eBook Author’s Corner and
Top Shelf Author Advice
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle
HBS Author Spotlight

Terry Odell - Terry's Place
I blog about writing with craft, marketing, research, conference workshops, and other things I've learned over the course of my writing experiences. I blog about these topics on Mondays and Thursdays.

Susan Oleksiw - One Writer's World
Susan writes about writing and the writing life, with posts relevant to writers at all stages in their careers.

Jill Paterson - The Perfect Plot
Jill has an outstanding blog with a wealth of information for authors.

Joanna Penn - Book Design and Writing
Joanna’s blog has a wealth of information for all authors. Also, Joanna has a FREE book, Author 2.0 Blueprint which is a complete introduction to the new world of digital publishing and online marketing.

Author Marketing Exports – Penny Sansevieri
Penny blogs regularly on topics of interest to all authors. She presents leading edge updates on ‘How to Promote Yourself Online’. “We are the leaders in Internet Publicity,” she broadcasts.

SharonSkinner.com
Her blog provides information that can help writers on their writing and publishing journeys, including links to other blogs and writing tools.

The Savvy Book Marketer – Dana Lynn Smith
She helps authors and indie publishers learn how to sell more books through her how-to guides, blog, newsletter, and coaching services.

Selling Books – Cathy Stucker
Cathy's blog presents a wealth of information for the new and experienced author. Her byline is: ‘Your guide to writing, marketing and publishing books and ebooks.’

Make a Living Writing – Carol Tice
“I started Make a Living Writing because I wanted to share what I’ve learned about successful freelancing and help writers support themselves with their craft. This blog is my give-back to the profession that allows me to pay my bills doing something I truly enjoy. This advice blog has taken me places I never imagined I’d go.” Her blog is one of the top ten writer’s blogs in the industry. “I started Make a Living Writing because I wanted to share what I’ve learned about successful freelancing and help writers support themselves with their craft…"

Author Interviews 
This is a list of sites that do author interviews. Contact them directly for assistance.

Terry Ambrose
Terry does about one author interview a week

Cheryl Bradshaw
She does author interviews.

Dianne Harman Author
Dianne does author interviews if they're in the Romance genre.

Debra Martin - Two Ends of the Pen
Debra has interviewed an extensive list of authors.

Amy Metz, author
Amy does author interviews and posts them on her website.

Terry Odell - Terry's Place
I do, once a week, and let people know when I'm open for requests. I normally schedule 3 months at a time.

SharonSkinner.com
I do written interviews, internet radio interviews, press interviews and I just did a TV interview for a local school and television station in Ft. Collins, CO. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the finished program and promoting it.

Book Reviews 
This is a list of sites that do book reviews. Contact them directly. Most will do reviews, time permitting.

Terry Ambrose
Terry does three book reviews a month in the crime-fiction genre.

Ron Fritsch - Promised Valley
Ron writes and posts on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. reviews of books by indie authors if, and only if, I can give the book a favorable review.

Michael N. Marcus - Reviews of books for authors
Michael does book reviews. Contact him for the details.

Debra Martin - Two Ends of the Pen
Debra does reviews but because of an overwhelming backlog of books, I'm not accepting any new submissions at this time. Check back with her at a later date.

Susan Oleksiw - One Writer's World
Susan Oleksiw does book reviews and posts them on Goodreads (and also on LibraryThing if requested).

Jill Paterson - The Perfect Plot
Jill does book reviews. Contact her direct for more details.

Author Services including Marketing, Design services, Cover design, editing and eBook formatting. 
This is a list of sites that provide services to authors. Again, contact them directly.

Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd
She is an innovative and creative guide who can expertly assist you with your book and publishing project.

Chris Brogan – Human Business Works
He provides strategic business advice about developing business via the digital channel.

Marketing Tips For Authors – Tony Eldridge
Tony is a valuable source of information on marketing for authors.

Melissa Foster, New York Times & USA Today bestselling & award-winning author 
She runs the World Literary Café (bringing readers and authors together) and Fostering Success (author education, publishing/marketing) as well as the WLC private writer's group on Facebook.

The Book Designer – Joel Friedlander, Marin Bookworks
He provides a Book Designing and Writing services.

Writing and Publishing News – Patricia Fry, Matilija Press
Patricia is an author, a literary and manuscript consultant, an editor and a teacher with many articles and books to her credit.

All Smart Cookies - Emily Hill
Emily conducts author workshops and seminars in the northwest.

C. S. Lakin - a novel life
Susanne is a freelance copyeditor and writing coach. She has a full editing and critiquing services. She uses a team of very experienced editors who are also novelists and specialize in fiction.

David Lawlor - Editing Services
David provides an editing service for authors. Email him the first three chapters of your manuscript and he will provide you with a sample edit, plus an assessment of the story, structure and characters.

Michael N. Marcus - Pre-publication book assessments
Michael provides a book assessment service for authors.

Joanna Penn - Book Design and Writing
Joanna provides a variety of services for authors. She is a leading consultant in the book industry.

Dan Poynter's ParaPublishing.com
Dan provides publishing consulting and a wealth of published information for authors. He is also available for speaking engagements.

Author Marketing Exports – Penny Sansevieri
Penny provides a Internet Marketing & Publicity service

SharonSkinner.com
Sharon teach writing workshops on Character and Plot, as well as creating an inviting book display for festivals and cons, and crafting a solid reader pitch to hook new readers. She also does personal mentoring for new and emerging writers.

The Savvy Book Marketer – Dana Lynn Smith
She provides training programs and one-on-one coaching services

Author Groups 
This is a list of groups that provide information and help to authors.

Cheryl Bradshaw
She manages the hugely successful Indie Writers Unite group on Facebook.

Judith Briles - AuthorU.org
Judith is the presentator of the podcasts on various author and publishing topics.

Melissa Foster, New York Times & USA Today bestselling & award-winning author
She runs the World Literary Café (bringing readers and authors together) and Fostering Success (author education, publishing/marketing) as well as the WLC private writer's group on Facebook.

Ron Fritsch - Promised Valley
Ron is a director of the Association of Independent Authors.

Indie Author – April L. Hamilton
She is the founder and site administrator for Digital Media Mom and the founder and Editor in Chief of Publetariat.com

Terry Odell - Booklover's Bench
Where readers are winners. The Booklover’s Bench website is devoted to bringing good things to readers.

Susan Oleksiw - One Writer's World
Susan Oleksiw started and manage a writers' group on Cape Ann, through the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester.

Cheryl Shireman - Indie Chicks Café
Cheryl is also founder of the Indie Chicks group of women writers and organizer of the Indie Chicks Anthologies.

SharonSkinner.com
Sharon is Assistant Regional Advisor for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators in Arizona.

Resource Profiles and Book List 
The following are the profiles from the resources listed in the index and their book lists.

Terry Ambrose

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Funny Mystery, Suspense

Website: Terry Ambrose - Mysteries with character
Twitter: @suspense_writer
E-Mail: info@terryambrose.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Terry Ambrose - HBS Author's Spotlight

Terry Ambrose @suspense_writer is the author of the McKenna Mystery series and a member of Murder, We Wrote.

Mark Barnes

Author Genre: Educational, non-fiction, mystery

Website: Mark Barnes
Twitter: @markbarnes19
E-Mail: mark@thepaperlessclassroom.com
Google+: Check Out Google+


For the rest of the story...View Mark Barnes - HBS Author's Spotlight

Mark Barnes @markbarnes19 writes Mystery novels and Educational, non-fiction books.

Author's Publishing Book List
Teaching the iStudent
The 5-Minute Teacher

Chuck Barrett

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Chuck Barrett
Website: Chuck Barrett
Twitter: @Chuck_Barrett
E-Mail: chuck@chuckbarrettbooks.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Chuck Barrett - HBS Author's Spotlight





Best-Selling Author Chuck Barrett @Chuck_Barrett is the author of the Award-Winning Jake Pendleton series.

Author's Publishing Book List
Publishing Unchained

Henry Baum

Author Genre: Thrillers & Suspense Author

Author's Blog: Self-Publishing Review
Website: Henry Baum
Twitter: @henrybaum
E-Mail: henrybaum@gmail.com

For the rest of the story...View Henry Baum - HBS Author's Spotlight

Henry Baum @henrybaum has been a web-based copywriter for over eight years. He is the sponsor of the highly popular Self-Publishing Review blog devoted to self-publishing news and reviews.

Author's Publishing Book List
Self-Publishing Review


Todd Borg

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Todd Borg
Website: Todd Borg
E-Mail: todd@toddborg.com
Google+: Check Out Google+


For the rest of the story...View Todd Borg - HBS Author's Spotlight





Todd Borg is the award-winning, bestselling author of the Owen McKenna Tahoe Mystery series.

Cheryl Bradshaw

Author Genre: Mystery/Thriller fiction novels

Author's Blog: A Place to Embrace our Love of Books
Website: Cheryl Bradshaw
Twitter: @cherylbradshaw
E-Mail: cherylbradshawbooks@hotmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Cheryl Bradshaw - HBS Author's Spotlight





Amazon Best-Selling Author Cheryl Bradshaw @cherylbradshaw is the creator of the Sloane Monroe series and the founder of the hugely successful Indie Writers Unite group on Facebook.

Judith Briles

Author Genre:

Author's Blog: The Book Shepherd
Website: The Book Shepherd
Twitter: @mybookshepherd
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook










Judith Briles @mybookshepherd is an Author, Book & Publishing expert who is a blunt, butt-kicking, benevolent book coach. Judith has a very informative blog. She is an innovative and creative guide who can expertly assist you with your book and publishing project.

Author's Publishing Book List
Snappy Sassy Salty
Creating and Developing Your Author and Book Platform
Author YOU
Show Me About Book Publishing


Chris Brogan

Author Genre: Professional & Technical

Website: Chris Brogan – Human Business Works
Twitter: @chrisbrogan
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook








Chris Brogan @chrisbrogan is publisher of Owner Magazine and CEO of Owner Media Group, dedicated to helping owners grow their business through improving their capabilities and connections.

Author's Publishing Book List
Google+ for Business
Social Media 101
The Impact Equation


Sue Collier

Author Genre:

Website: Sue Collier - Market-Write Marketing Communications for Business
Twitter: @SueCollier
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook








Sue Collier @SueCollier is a content writer, blogger, social media strategist at Market-Write. 'We write well to make you look good!'

Brandilyn Collins

Author Genre: Suspense, Christian, Contemporary

Author's Blog: Brandilyn Collins
Website: Brandilyn Collins
Twitter: @Brandilyn
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook









Brandilyn Collins @Brandilyn is an award-winning and best-selling novelist known for her trademarked Seatbelt Suspense.

Author's Publishing Book List
Getting into Character


Arthur Crandon

Author Genre: Crime, Thriller, Fiction

Author's Blog: Arthur Crandon - Blog, Blog, Blog
Website: Arthur Crandon's Writing Matters
Twitter: @arthurcrandon
E-Mail: arthurcrandon@yahoo.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook








Arthur Crandon @arthurcrandon is a Crime and Thriller author. He has written several books on business and publishing.

Author's Publishing Book List
Giveaways - the Ultimate 'How to' Guide
Publish for Free


R.P. Dahlke

Author Genre: Mystery, Romance, Humor

Website: R.P. Dahlke
Twitter: @rpdahlke
E-Mail: rp@rpdahlke.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View R.P. Dahlke - HBS Author's Spotlight










R.P. Dahlke @rpdahlke is a Mystery, Romance and Humor writer. She publishes the All Mystery E-newsletter and the Dirt Cheap Mystery Reads.

Leti Del Mar

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, Young Adult

Author's Blog: Words With Leti Del Mar
Twitter: @leti_delmar
E-Mail: wordswithletidelmar(at)gmail(dot) com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Leti Del Mar - HBS Author's Spotlight


Author Leti Del Mar @leti_delmar is an indie author. She blogs about the craft of writing and indie books.

Author's Publishing Book List
How To Self-Publish: A Do-It-Yourself Approach


Carol Denbow

Author Genre: Nonfiction, Health, Mind & Body, Literature & Fiction

Author's Blog: A Book Inside – Carol Denbow, Plain & Simple Books





Carol Denbow is the founder of Plain & Simple Books Publishing as well as authoring six non-fiction books since 2006. She focuses on writing, marketing and publishing.

Author's Publishing Book List
How to Organize a Virtual Book Tour
100 Ways to Market Your Book for Free


Judy Lee Dunn

Author Genre: Blogger

Author's Blog: Judy Lee Dunn Author
Website: Judy Lee Dunn Author
Twitter: @JudyLeeDunn
E-Mail: judy [at] catseyewriter [dot] com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook








Judy Lee Dunn @JudyLeeDunn is a book industry blogger. Judy’s blogging advice is a must read if you’re going to market your ebook through the blogosphere.

Tony Eldridge

Author Genre: Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Marketing Tips For Authors
Website: Marketing Tips For Authors – Tony Eldridge
Twitter: @tonyeldridge
E-Mail: tony (at) marketingtipsforauthors (dot) com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook






Tony Eldridge @tonyeldridge is a Mystery & Thrillers author. He shares his book marketing tips with fellow authors through his blog, Marketing Tips For Authors and through his free weekly video marketing tips for authors newsletter.

Melissa Foster

Author Genre: Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Amazon Author's Page
Website: Melissa Foster
Twitter: @Melissa_Foster
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Melissa Foster - HBS Author's Spotlight











Award-winning Author Melissa Foster @Melissa_Foster is the author of several International bestselling novels and the founder of the World Literary Café, Fostering Success and the social and support network for women, the Women’s Nest.

Joel Friedlander

Author Genre: Nonfiction

Website: The Book Designer – Joel Friedlander, Marin Bookworks
Twitter: @JFbookman
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook









Joel Friedlander @Jfbookman is an author of several books in the book publishing field as well as a provider book design and writing services.

Author's Publishing Book List
A Self-Publisher's Companion
The Self-Publisher's Quick & Easy Guide to ISBNs and Barcodes
The Self-Publisher's Quick & Easy Guide to Copyright


Ron Fritsch

Author Genre: prehistoric fiction, historical fiction - LGBTQ fiction

Website: Promised Valley
Twitter: @RonFritsch
E-Mail: ronfritsch@sbcglobal.net
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Ron Fritsch - HBS Author's Spotlight

Ron Fritsch @RonFritsch is a writer of Prehistoric fiction, historical fiction and LGBTQ fiction. He is the author of the Promised Valley series.

Patricia Fry

Author Genre:

Author's Blog: Writing and Publishing News – Patricia Fry, Matilija Press
Website: Patricia Fry
Twitter: @AuthorPLF
E-Mail: info@matilijapress.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook







Patricia Fry @AuthorPLF is the author of the Klepto Cat Mystery Series. Also she is a literary and manuscript consultant, an editor and a teacher with many articles and books to her credit.

Author's Publishing Book List
Publish Your Book


April L. Hamilton

Author Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Indie Author – April L. Hamilton
Twitter: @indieauthor
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook









April L. Hamilton @indieauthor is a writer of Humor and Mystery & Thrillers novels. She is also a book industry blogger and a web content developer and site administrator.

Author's Publishing Book List
The Indie Author Guide


Dianne Harman

Author Genre: Romance and Literary Fiction

Author's Blog: Dianne Harman Author
Website: Dianne Harman Author
Twitter: @DianneDHarman
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Dianne Harman - HBS Author's Spotlight







Author Dianne Harman @DianneDHarman is Award Winning Bestseller Romance author.

Liliana Hart

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, Humor,non-fiction

Website: Liliana Hart
Twitter: @Liliana_Hart
E-Mail: lilianahartauthor@gmail.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Liliana Hart - HBS Author's Spotlight

Liliana Hart @Liliana_Hart is a NYT and USA Today Bestselling author of romantic mysteries and suspense.

Author's Publishing Book List
The Naked Truth About Self-Publishing


Michael R. Hicks

Author Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Michael R. Hicks - I enjoy writing so you can enjoy reading!
Website: Michael R. Hicks
Twitter: @KreelanWarrior
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook

For the rest of the story...View Michael R. Hicks - HBS Author's Spotlight




Michael R. Hicks @KreelanWarrior is the Bestselling author of the IN HER NAME Sci-Fi and HARVEST Thriller novels. Mike has also written the The Path To Self-Publishing Success.

Author's Publishing Book List
The Path To Self-Publishing Success


Emily Hill

Author Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction

Website: Emily Hill
Twitter: @24GhostTales
Facebook: Check Out Facebook











Emily Hill @24GhostTales writes Paranormal and Historical Fiction. She conducts author workshops and seminars in the northwest.

Author's Publishing Book List
All Smart Cookies Can Self-Publish


S.R. Johannes

Author Genre: Young Adult, Mystery & Thrillers, Children's Books

Website: S.R. Johannes
Twitter: @srjohannes
E-Mail: shelli@srjohannes.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View S.R. Johannes - HBS Author's Spotlight





S.R. Johannes @srjohannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling thriller series, the Nature of Grace. Shelli has also written the Marketing Your Words.

Author's Publishing Book List
Marketing Your Words


Susanne Lakin

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Author's Blog: Live Write Thrive
Website: C. S. Lakin - a novel life
Twitter: @CSLakin
E-Mail: cslakin@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Susanne Lakin - HBS Author's Spotlight







Award-winning Author Susanne Lakin @CSLakin is the author of the seven-book fantasy series The Gates of Heaven. Also, Susanne is a freelance copyeditor and writing coach.

Author's Publishing Book List
Say What? The Fiction Writer's Handy Guide to Grammar, Punctuation, and Word Usage


Joseph Lallo

Author Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy - Epic

Website: The Book of Deacon Series
Twitter: @jrlallo
E-Mail: jrlallo (at) bookofdeacon (dot) com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Joseph Lallo - HBS Author's Spotlight



Joseph Lallo @jrlallo is a bestselling author of the Science Fiction & Fantasy series: The Book of Deacon Trilogy.

Author's Publishing Book List
Interviews with Indie Authors


David Lawlor

Author Genre: Historical Fiction

Website: historywithatwist
Twitter: @LawlorDavid
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View David Lawlor - HBS Author's Spotlight









Author David Lawlor @LawlorDavid is a Historical Fiction Writer and provides an editing service for other authors.

Katherine Logan

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery & Thrillers - Time Travel

Author's Blog: Katherine Lowry Logan's Notes from Tabor Lane
Website: Katherine Lowry Logan
Twitter: @KathyLLogan
E-Mail: KatherineLLogan@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Katherine Logan - HBS Author's Spotlight




Award winning, best-selling author Katherine Logan @KathyLLogan is the author of the Celtic Brooch Time-Travel Series.

Michael N. Marcus

Author Genre: Humor And Comedy, Business, Ebooks

Author's Blog: Michael N. Marcus
Website: www.MichaelMarc.us
Twitter: @michaelnmarcus
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook
Blog: Michael N. Marcus







Michael N. Marcus @michaelnmarcus is an author of Humor And Comedy novels and a provider of book assessment and book review services.

Author's Publishing Book List
Independent Self-Publishing


Debra L. Martin

Author Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Author's Blog: Two Ends of the Pen
Twitter: @dlmartin6
E-Mail: dlmartin6@yahoo.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook



For the rest of the story...View Debra L. Martin - HBS Author's Spotlight

Best-Selling Author Debra L. Martin @dlmartin6 Science fiction and fantasy writer. You can also find her writing Romance novels as Debra Elizabeth.

M.R. Mathias

Author Genre: Fantasy - Magic & Wizards

Author's Blog: M. R. Mathias Connection Hub
Website: M.R. Mathias Fantasy Author
Twitter: @DahgMahn
E-Mail: mrmathiasjr@aol.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View M.R. Mathias - HBS Author's Spotlight






Author M.R. Mathias @DahgMahn is an award-winning self-published Fantasy Writer. He is noted for his epic fantasy novels and his prolific social network marketing activity.

Author's Publishing Book List
The First Ten Steps


Christopher Meeks

Author Genre: Literature & Fiction, Short Stories

Author's Blog: Christopher Meeks, Author
Website: Christopher Meeks, Author
Twitter: @MeeksChris
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Christopher Meeks - HBS Author's Spotlight








Christopher Meeks @MeeksChris is a Prize winning novelist who writes serious and funny fiction. Also, Chris has an outstanding author information blog.

Amy Metz

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Humor, Romance

Author's Blog: A Blue Million Books
Website: Amy Metz, author
Twitter: @authoramymetz
E-Mail: amy@amymetz.com.
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Amy Metz - HBS Author's Spotlight








Author Amy Metz @authoramymetz is an Author of Mystery & Thrillers as well as a blogger and book editor.

Phyllis Zimbler Miller

Author Genre: Nonfiction, Literature & Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Phyllis Zimbler Miller
Website: Phyllis Zimbler Miller
Twitter: @ZimblerMiller
E-Mail: pzmiller@gmail.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Phyllis Zimbler Miller - HBS Author's Spotlight





Phyllis Zimbler Miller @ZimblerMiller is a author of Mystery & Thrillers. Also, she is a Web marketer and writer of several book industry publications.

Author's Publishing Book List
Top Tips for How to Publish Your Book in the Age of Kindle
Top Tips for How to Market on the Internet With Pictures
Top Tips for How to Market Your Book on Amazon and Facebook


James Moushon

Author Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: eBook Author’s Corner
Website: James Moushon - Mystery Writer
Twitter: @jimhbs
E-Mail: jim@jamesmoushon.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View James Moushon - HBS Author's Spotlight


James Moushon @jimhbs is a Mystery and Esponiage author. He also writes several industry blogs including eBook Author’s Corner, HBS Author's Spotlight, HBS Mystery Readers Circle and the Top Shelf Author Advice blogs.

Terry Odell

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery & Thrillers, Suspense

Author's Blog: Terry's Place
Website: Terry Odell
Twitter: @authorterryo
E-Mail: contact@terryodell.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Terry Odell - HBS Author's Spotlight




Terry Odell @authorterryo is a author of romance, mystery & romantic suspense novels. She is also an publishing industry blogger and hosts the Booklover’s Bench, a website for readers.

Susan Oleksiw

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers

Author's Blog: Susan Oleksiw - One Writer's World
Website: Susan Oleksiw
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Susan Oleksiw - HBS Author's Spotlight








Veteran Author Susan Oleksiw is a bestselling author of the Mellingham series and the Anita Ray mysteries.

Jill Paterson

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Suspense, Mystery,Publishing Industry Writings

Website: Jill Paterson - The Perfect Plot
Twitter: @JillPaterson2
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Jill Paterson - HBS Author's Spotlight







Jill Paterson @JillPaterson2 is a Mystery writer, and author of The Celtic Dagger, Murder At The Rocks, and Once Upon A Lie, in the Fitzjohn Mystery series. Also book reviewer and blogger.

Author's Publishing Book List
Writing - Painting A Picture With Words
Self Publishing - Pocket Guide


Joanna Penn

Author Genre: Action-Adventure Thriller

Author's Blog: The Creative Penn
Website: J. F. Penn, Ancient Mystery, Modern Thrill
Twitter: @thecreativepenn
E-Mail: joanna@TheCreativePenn.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Joanna Penn - HBS Author's Spotlight










Author Joanna Penn @thecreativepenn (J. F. Penn) is an Action-Adventure Thriller Author creating the ARKANE thriller series. Also, she is a leading consultant in the book industry.

Author's Publishing Book List
Business For Authors. How To Be An Author Entrepreneur
Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and other Introverts
How To Market A Book
Author 2.0 Blueprint
From Book to Market:
From Idea to Book: How To Write and Publish Your Book


Christy Pinheiro

Author Genre:

Website: Christy Pinheiro













Christy Pinheiro is a technical and financial writer. She has written several books on Self-Publishing and Business.

Author's Publishing Book List
The Indie Book Reviewer Yellow Pages:
The Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Publishing for Profit!


Dan Poynter

Author Genre:

Website: Dan Poynter's ParaPublishing.com
Twitter: @DanPoynter
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook










Dan Poynter @DanPoynter is an author of more than 120 books, has been a publisher since 1969 and is a Certified Speaking Professional.

Author's Publishing Book List
U-Publish.com 5.0:
Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual, Volume 2
Book Publishing Encyclopedia


Mohana Rajakumar

Author Genre: Essays & non-fiction projects with young adults

Author's Blog: YouTube Channel - Mohana Rajakumar
Website: Mohadoha - Modern Mother, Writer, Scholar
Twitter: @moha_doha
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Mohana Rajakumar - HBS Author's Spotlight



Award-winning Author Mohana Rajakumar @moha_doha is an author based in Qatar. She has a PhD and has been involved in various foundations supporting young writers.

Author's Publishing Book List
So You Want to Sell a Million Copies?


Johnny Ray

Author Genre: Mystery & Thrillers, Romance, Literature & Fiction

Author's Blog: Sir John's Blog featuring Author Johnny Ray
Twitter: @Sirjohn_writer
E-Mail: sirjohn@wwisp.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook







Johnny Ray @Sirjohn_writer is the Award Winning Novelist MASTER OF THE ROMANTIC THRILLER. He is also the author of LITERARY AGENTS--BEWARE.

Author's Publishing Book List
LITERARY AGENTS--BEWARE


Penny Sansevieri

Author Genre: Book Publishing, Fiction

Author's Blog: Book Marketing Blogs
Website: Author Marketing Exports – Penny Sansevieri
Twitter: @Bookgal
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook







Penny Sansevieri @Bookgal is the provider of Book Publishing books and information. She is a internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert.

Author's Publishing Book List
52 Ways to Sell More Books
How to Get a Truckload of Reviews on Amazon.com
How To Sell Your Books By The Truckload On Amazon.com
Red Hot Internet Publicity
The Book Marketing Expert


Cheryl Shireman

Author Genre: Fiction Novels, Non-Fiction and Children's Books

Author's Blog: Cooper Moon - The Series
Website: Cheryl Shireman
Twitter: @cherylshireman
E-Mail: Contact Form on her Site
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Cheryl Shireman - HBS Author's Spotlight





Author Cheryl Shireman @cherylshireman is the author of the 'Life is But a Dream' series and the 'Cooper Moon' series among many novels. Cheryl is also founder of the Indie Chicks group of women writers and organizer of the Indie Chicks Anthologies.

Author's Publishing Book List
What's Your Story? Icebreaker Questions for Small Groups


Sharon Skinner

Author Genre: Children's Books,Fantasy

Website: SharonSkinner.com
Twitter: @sharonskinner56
E-Mail: Sharon@BrickCaveBooks.com
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


For the rest of the story...View Sharon Skinner - HBS Author's Spotlight










Sharon Skinner @sharonskinner56 is an award-winning poet and author. She writes Children's Books and Fantasy.

Dana Lynn Smith

Author Genre:

Author's Blog: The Savvy Book Marketer – Dana Lynn Smith
Twitter: @bookmarketer
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook









Dana Lynn Smith @bookmarketer helps authors and indie publishers learn how to sell more books through her how-to guides, blog, newsletter, and coaching services.

Author's Publishing Book List
How to Get Your Book Reviewed
The Savvy Book Marketer


Cathy Stucker

Author Genre:

Website: Selling Books – Cathy Stucker
Twitter: @CathyStucker
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook















Cathy Stucker @CathyStucker blog presents a wealth of information for the new and experienced author. Her byline is: ‘Your guide to writing, marketing and publishing books and ebooks.’

Carol Tice

Author Genre: Business, Non Fiction

Website: Make a Living Writing – Carol Tice
Twitter: @TiceWrites
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook










Carol Tice @TiceWrites is a freelance writer and writing-business coach. She has been writing business and finance topics for roughly 20 years.

Author's Publishing Book List
13 Ways to Get the Writing Done Faster


Laina Turner

Author Genre: Romance, Mystery, Suspense

Author's Blog: Laina Turner
Website: Laina Turner
Twitter: @lturnermolaski
E-Mail: laina@lainaturner.com
Google+: Check Out Google+
Facebook: Check Out Facebook








Laina Turner @lturnermolaski is a Romance, Mystery and Suspense writer.

Author's Publishing Book List
Books Aren't Just for Reading

Conclusion

I hope this list of resources is helpful. Please comment if you have other resources that I can add to my list and I will check them out. I plan on updating this list periodically and republishing this information.

Author Recommended by: James Moushon, a Mystery Writer and writing industry blogger and HBSystems Publications, a Publisher of ebooks and the sponsor of the following blogs:
HBS Author's Spotlight
Top Shelf Author Advice
eBook Author’s Corner
HBS Mystery Reader’s Circle