| Getting published in the real world is quite a task, | | | | I have set up my online novel exactly as above. I |
| and in this economic climate publishing houses are | | | | capture my reader's information, I can email them |
| going to become even more focused on the big | | | | with updates, there is a blog set up so readers |
| names. | | | | can have input on the story (from pointing out |
| What this means for writers trying to break into | | | | spelling mistakes to plot suggestions). |
| the big time (or to just get published) is we need | | | | My story is serialised, with a new chapter at least |
| to find other ways to become noticed by | | | | once a week. This allows readers the chance to |
| publishers and readers alike while earning | | | | say their bit with a chance of seeing their input |
| something from you efforts. | | | | become real. I set up pages myself (easily done in |
| Online publishing is quickly becoming one way to | | | | the admin area) and every time I add a new |
| get your story out there. But the main issue | | | | chapter I send out an email to tell everyone. |
| most people who write stories can't make sites. | | | | If you want to earn some money, I have set up |
| Which means they either need to pay someone | | | | a donation area where people can pay $2 a |
| big money for a good site or settle for something | | | | month, $2 every second month or $2 every |
| that looks less than average that is self made. | | | | three months. There is also AdSense and a series |
| Then there is the online promoting to be done. | | | | of banners across the top which I can sell space |
| It is not easy to get noticed, regardless of the | | | | to advertisers. |
| track you take, but it helps to start from the | | | | Am I making a fortune? No, not yet. But I am |
| right place. | | | | making some money. My story is being read. And |
| Having a site that looks good is a start. You don't | | | | updating the site is not a huge challenge. |
| need anything with bells and whistles, just clean | | | | And it isn't costing a fortune to run |
| and easy to navigate. | | | | If you want to publish online, having a |
| The site needs to be able to collect the readers | | | | membership site is the way to go. Don't be shy |
| name and email address, which is why I strongly | | | | about it, get your work out there and do it well. It |
| suggest having a membership site set up. | | | | will help your product to look good for potential |
| It also helps to be able to easily send out emails | | | | publishers. |
| to your readers with updates. | | | | If you want to see my sight, take a look, join up |
| If this sounds all too much, chances are it is. But | | | | and see it in action over the coming weeks. |
| that does not mean there are not answers. | | | | |