Should Your Author Website Designer Read Your Book?
Most of my articles here are how-to advice, marketing tips, or Squarespace website tutorials.
This is an opinion piece.
I'm curious to know what you make of it! It’s based on many years of working with authors, especially newbies who are trying to navigate the complicated world of publishing their book, finding an audience, and getting reviews.
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If you’re a debut author, it’s likely that you’re incredibly excited about your new book. This is possibly the most demanding, rewarding, self-affirming project you’ve ever completed.
And I’m thrilled for you. Honestly.
However, much like a new parent, you might forget that the rest of the world isn’t quite so captivated by this miracle you’ve produced. Sorry to break bad news, but it’s time to moderate your hopes. Not everyone you meet will be willing to cancel their weekend plans, in order to crack the spine of your new work.
In particular, when you’re talking to people who work with authors day in day out, your own “baby” may be met with polite interest, instead of unbridled enthusiasm.
Are you working with several different professionals to promote your work, grow your authority, and get your message seen? Should these freelance experts all read it? You might assume the answer is yes.
Let’s ponder that.
To get the book written, perhaps you have a book coach, a developmental editor, a copy editor, and a cover designer
To get the book published, perhaps you’ve hired an interior layout designer, a cover designer, a project manager, maybe even a lawyer who’s checking your publishing contract(s) and advising on copyright snags
To build your authority, impact, and platform, perhaps you have a brand strategist, a book publicist, a website designer, a social media manager, a virtual assistant, and a graphic designer?
Some of these people absolutely need to read your book, in order to do their job.
Others definitely can partner with you without reading it, and, in most cases, you should assume they won’t read it.
Why not everyone on your book team should read it
As the author, you need to get used to talking about your book in clear, engaging terms to people who haven’t read it.
Because you’re so close to your work, it can be hard for you to identify the salient points to emphasize in your marketing. The fresh perspective from an expert who only knows a little about your book can be critical.
The best professionals who work with authors are busy. They probably love to read… but they have a towering pile of books on their nightstand already. Even if one of your freelance team expresses interest in your book, keep in mind, that’s not the same as stating an intention to use their leisure time to read every word.
Sooner or later, you have to get over the idea that your book is “for everyone”. It’s not. Really, it’s not.
My verdict here: if it’s necessary for someone to read your book in order to work with you, you should be prepared to pay for their time to do so.
My policy on reading my client’s books
Unless I happen to have read your book before you come to me to discuss your website project, my policy is not to read your book at that time.
Why? Well, all of the above, but especially:
It’s important that I offer a fresh pair of eyes. I need to approach your website from the point of view of someone who knows only a little about your work.
I’m a slow reader. And I need a lot of sleep, so my bedtime reading capacity is limited. My TBR list, frankly, is out of control. I have accepted there are millions of amazing books in this world that I will never enjoy. This all means: the chances of me reading your work before or during your website project are slim.
Long experience has taught me, if you, the author, know I’m reading your book… and if it turns out it’s not a 5-star experience for me, it’s just plain awkward. It compromises my integrity to leave an inflated review, and it compromises our working relationship if I’m honest.
However, that’s not to say I’ll never read your book…
Occasionally, I create a website for an author whose book(s) I’ve already read. Our project together is usually a welcome reminder for me to check out your new title.
Or, if I didn’t already know you, by the time we’ve finished working together, and assuming it’s been a productive, enjoyable working relationship (I get to know all of my clients before we decide to work together, so it usually is), then it’s likely my interest in your book has been piqued.
So I do read some of my clients’ books, after the fact. It’s just I do it in secret, on my timeline.
Unfortunately, there are some client books I don’t ever get around to, even though I would dearly love to read them.
What does this mean for working with publishing professionals?
Here’s my recommendation for a positive relationship with other book professionals that you hire:
If we need to read your book in order to work with you, we’ll request it.
If we don’t ask for your book, it’s better that you don’t offer it.
Remember: if we’re good at what we do, we earn enough money that we can afford to buy your book.
Do not suggest that someone reads your book while you “make up your mind” whether you’re going to hire them.
If I have to explain this to you, we’re definitely not a fit to work together.
Please don’t ask for a free consultation or to “pick someone’s brains,” then offer your book as a “thank you”.
Just because someone gives you 20 minutes of their valuable time, it doesn’t mean they are willing to spend another 5-10 hours reading your book and (admit it, you were planning to ask this too) leaving you a review.
Most people who work with authors are inundated with offers of free books. If you feel compelled to “thank” someone who’s helped you, please find another way to express your appreciation. Hint: I love tea, dark chocolate, scented candles, and stationery.
Especially if you’re meeting publishing professionals at an in-person event where people have traveled, be respectful of their luggage!
In the publishing world, a free book is not valuable currency. More often, it’s a burden on both their time and their back.
To end on an encouraging note, if you’re a past client of mine and I let you know that I’ve read and enjoyed your book, you can be confident this is an honest, authentic endorsement of your work.
And whether or not I’ve read your book, know that when we work together, I will give every ounce of my expertise to create a custom website that delights your ideal reader and encourages them to stick around.
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Other resources for supercharging your author website
And for the essential steps in your website project, take a look at my free 50 Step Website Checklist.