I get this question every once in a while from unpublished writers inquiring about our services. It’s always been tough for me to answer it, since from my side of the table as the developer of websites, it’s hard to judge the real value of taking this plunge. The question behind the question is, of course: Can a website or a blog help an aspiring author make that first sale? I figured it was time to do some research on the topic by getting answers out of agents and of published authors who had a web presence before they sold.

Can a website or blog help you get an agent?

The short answer is: Yes. Agents (and to some extent, probably also editors) do visit your blogs and websites, and what they find there can impact their decision to request materials from you. All of the agents I surveyed said that if they find your query or partial interesting, then they’ll most likely visit any URL you’ve included in your query or cover letter. Agent Kristin Nelson said that in cases where she’s unsure about requesting more material, what she finds on a blog or website is more likely to sway her one way or another. While the agent’s decision to offer representation will depend on the manuscript itself, your web presence can help motivate the agent to take a closer look at it in the first place. For an even more encouraging example, agent Lori Perkins said, “I read about a book published by a small press, Googled the author, went to her blog, where I found an excerpt from the book. After reading it, I knew she could write, so I emailed her about representation.”

Can a website or blog hurt you in your search for an agent?

Definitely! When an agent visits your home on the web, she is looking for more info about your writing and info about you, the writer. The importance of professionalism can’t be stressed enough. Kristin Nelson points out that a site that’s obviously homegrown leaves a bad impression and can actually do more damage than good. Content that the agent finds off-putting can make her decide you’re not someone she’d like to work with or that you’re not serious about your career.

Keep in mind that your URL in a query or cover letter is not the only way an agent can find you on the web. They visit many of the same sites that you do and could follow any link you leave behind. They might be pointed to your website by an acquaintance. Or they might actually Google your name to see what they can find about you. Several agents admit to Googling writers they’re curious about, so consider that not only when you add content to your own site or blog but also when you post anything on other people’s blogs and message boards. If you come off as unprofessional or say something that rubs the agent the wrong way, you could get a “no thanks” instead of a request.

Do’s and Don’ts

So what are agents looking for on your blog or website, and what do they not want to see?

Samples of your writing are probably the most important. If your query or partial interests them, they might visit your site looking for more excerpts. Information about your other projects could be helpful, too. You could talk about your research and writing process. Mention anything positive as relates to your pursuit of a career as an author—conferences and workshops you’ve attended, contests you’ve won, and critique groups you’re a member of.

The number one thing to avoid is adding too much personal information. A “this is what I did today” blog generally won’t impress an agent, unless you write it in a way that shows off your voice and writing skills. Agent Marlene Stringer of the Barbara Bova Literary Agency said, “This is a great venue to show off your writing chops, and I can get a better feel for your writing style overall if you’re writing about other topics. This is especially useful if you’re writing in a genre that is hot at the moment, but might not be next year. Lets me see you can write other things.”

Marlene adds a warning that unpublished authors should be careful about dispensing advice on the publishing business when it’s clear they have very little actual experience to back it up. Agent Jessica Faust of BookEnds similarly cautions against talking about sensitive issues such as politics. It’d be very unfortunate if you got a rejection because the agent felt offended by your personal beliefs.

Finally, be careful about talking too much about your submissions. Agents prefer not to know that you’ve received X number of rejections for the manuscript they’re considering—they tend to find that discouraging.

Advice from published authors

Why did they establish a web presence before selling?

Getting a head start on networking with readers and other writers seems to be one of the top motivations. HelenKay Dimon said, “The real benefit was in the relationships I formed with people via my blog. Authors I never would have met stopped in. Some of my best writing buddies now are a direct result of those early relationships I made through blogs.”

It’s also a way of showing to the publishing world (and yourself) that you’re a professional and serious about a career as an author. Kalen Hughes’ reasons were:

To help establish my name in the industry. I’m a costume historian, so getting my name out there to the romance community (both to potential readers and other writers) seemed like a good stepping stone (good promo). It was a way to have a “base” of people who would be ready to buy my book once I sold. It was sort of my version of “dress for the job you want”.

Was it worth it?

The general consensus seems to be that, yes, establishing some form of web presence is worth it. If you can afford to hire a professional, do so. If not, set up a free blog with a nice, free template.

HelenKay Dimon found blogging to be a good way to motivate herself to sit down and write. Once she’d blogged, she’d move on to working on her manuscript. Author Joely Sue Burkhart said that even though no publishing professional took note of her blog, it helped keep her working towards her goal of getting published.

Not everyone finds this advantage, though. Larissa Ione said that if she had to do it again, she might decide not to blog, since the thinks now that it might have taken up too much of her writing time. On a positive note, Larissa mentioned that editors have since told her they knew who she was because they remembered her from her blog.

Stephanie Tyler also pointed out that she’s glad she had a site up and running early, because once she sold, she got so busy that it would have been overwhelming to go through the whole site building process at that point.

Another thing to consider, mentioned by Jenny Gardiner, is that a web presence can help you gain interest from your potential readership.

Finally, one aspiring author (who chose to remain anonymous) shared a story that’s straight out of an unpublished writer’s dream: A blog post she wrote caught the attention of a NYT bestselling author, who then read her excerpt out of curiosity, was impressed, and offered to recommend it to her editor. While the editor ultimately rejected it, the aspiring author got a foot in the door, she got her name and full manuscript in front of the editor, and she established a powerful networking connection.

On a final note

Whether you decide to set up a site, a blog, or both, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, the first thing I recommend that you do is register your domain name. Grabbing your name is cheap (approximately $10/yr), and you make sure that when the day comes to set up your site, you won’t have to settle for something other than yourname.com.

Before you take the plunge, plan ahead. If you decide to pay a professional to create your site, if possible try to find a look that you would want to keep even after you sold so that you wouldn’t have to pay for a whole new site later on.

It’s not strictly necessary for an aspiring author to set up a blog or website. There’s a chance it could help your career, but there’s also a chance it could hurt, if you’re not careful. Consider first how much of a commitment you’re willing and able to make re. blogging regularly and/or keeping your site up-to-date. If you feel like you have little to add to a blog or site that would present you in a professional or advantageous way, there’s no need to feel pressured to invest money and/or time in a web presence.

And whatever you do, don’t let your blog or website distract you from getting that manuscript written!

Do you have any further thoughts or advice? I’d love to hear it!

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This article was originally posted on Romancing the Blog.