5 things you should do right now

Whether you are just putting pen to paper, actively querying, or setting up your launch party, here are 5 simple things to help you build your platform as a writer.

1. Register your domain - Wait, didn't I already mention that? No, I'm not getting kickbacks from godaddy. I'm just that serious. Pony up the $10 and do it!

2. Get a real email address - You may have had the foresight to register edwardcullen4ever@google.com back in the early days, but do you really want to send your first queries to an agent and expect them to reply to that? Keep it simple and professional. It never hurts to have a dedicated email for queries and writing projects.

3. Get a business card - Don't miss an opportunity to make a connection because you don't have a pen to write down your contact info. Even a simple solid card with your name and email tucked safely in your wallet is better than nothing. Vistaprint.com offers free business cards.

4. Join one writing website with a forum - You don't have to post daily or join twenty different groups but do reach out to other writers. It will make it easier for you to promote yourself later on, especially if you've built genuine connections with others.

5. Get a good profile picture - That fuzzy 10 year old pic from your wedding that you cropped your spouse out of it won't do it. Yes, someday when you land your 6 figure contract you can get a really good photo taken, but for now a simple head and shoulders shot will do nicely.

5 Great YA Writers/Books Websites

I love to peruse writers' personal sites as well as sites built to showcase books.  These are my favorites and why they work.

5 Favorite Writers' Sites

1. Kristen-Walker.com

Walker's site is well-designed, easy to navigate and it markets her contemporary YA very effectively.

2.  Scott Westerfeld.com

A great example of using a blog as a primary platform.  Westerfeld's site showcases his works and has been personalized to reflect his genre.

3.  Maggie Stiefvater.com
A simple, but personalized site that reflects the themes of Stiefvater's books.

4.  Sarah Dessen.com
Dessen's site is crisp and contemporary just like her novels.

5.  Ally Carter.com
Carter's site is a strongly designed personal site with blog that reflects her modern, fun books.

5 Favorite Book Sites
If you are lucky enough to nab a great book deal, your publisher might put up a book site.  Here are my favorites in no particular order.

1.  the Luxe series
Well-designed, elegant site that showcases the books and author Anna Godberson

2.  Matched
I haven't read it yet but Matched is getting a lot of hype.  Its website reflects it.

3.  Sapphique
From the writer of Incarceron, a stunning website for her new novel debuting this month.

4.  I am a Genius of Unspeakable Power and I Want to be Your Class President
Title says it all.

5.  Virals
The site brings the story to life complete with interactive map.