How do I register with the AuthorTree Web site?
From the AuthorTree homepage, click the “Start Now” button. You will be automatically redirected to a registration form, which will request your identification so we may create your account.
After you are registered, you will never need to re-register in the future. All you need to log in to AuthorTree is your username and password.
Why do you ask for my birth date?
AuthorTree has a minimum age requirement of 18.
Are there any special requirements for my password, username or challenge question?
Yes, your password must be at least 6 characters in length, and can only contain letters or numbers, but no spaces.
How should I select a challenge question and why do you ask for one?
The challenge question is a safety net. In case you forget your password, you can provide the answer to the challenge question and then access to your AuthorTree account. Just make sure that you can readily remember the answer to the challenge question you choose!
What should I do if I forget my password or username?
If you forget your password, your first option is to answer your challenge question correctly and access your account.
Your other option, which will also allow you to retrieve your username, is to click the “Forgot Password?” link in the Member Login area on the AuthorTree Homepage. You will receive an e-mail (sent to your e-mail address on file) containing your username and password.
Why can't I log in even though the password and username are correct?
There is most likely an issue with the security-level on your computer. On your Web browser, set the Internet security levels to "low" and try again (under "Tools" > "Internet Options…"). Even medium levels of security can cause problems for some users.
Also, make sure you are entering your password and user name correctly. Make sure the "Caps Lock" is off.
What if I decide to change my username?
Unfortunately, we are unable to change a username once the registration process is completed. If you would like a different username, you would need to register again.
How can I delete my account and start over?
At this point, you would need to e-mail customersupport@authortree.com and request that your account be deleted. Please identify yourself and specify your account information clearly in your e-mail.
Still need help? AuthorTree support is standing by to answer your questions!
How is an AuthorTree Web site organized?
There are six pages which comprise an AuthorTree web site:
Users will use a navigation tabs to move around within the Web site. Each page has a specific purpose, of course, but there are three elements which appear on most of the pages. In a sidebar on the right-hand side, you should see:
Author Photo A picture of you, of course, which is uploaded via the Admin Wizard.
My Books Images of each book cover which link directly to each book’s detail page.
Events Shows a small monthly calendar. Today’s date will be displayed in gray. Dates on which you have events will be highlighted in blue and available as clickable hyperlinks that redirect to the event detail pages.
What information is on the individual pages?
Homepage
Your AuthorTree homepage reflects a quick snapshot of your Web site as a whole. The previews of individual pages are arranged in different sections. These four sections appear on the left hand side of the page:
Welcome Message: This is where your customized welcome message will go.
Book Details: Scrolling information on each book. Thumbnail of book covers with synopsis and link to details.
Recent Blog Posts: Displays scrolling snippets of recent blog posts. Links to the blog page at the end of the snippets.
Featured Reviews: Any review you’ve decided to mark as a “featured” review will be listed here. Information displayed includes the title, a thumbnail of the cover art, the source of the review and the rating (on a five star scale). A link will also redirect to the full review.
Reviews Page
Each book will be listed on the left, with links to the book details, free preview section and a “buy now” button. Below these links, the book review will be listed, with the star rating, source of the review and a link to view the entire review.
Featured Books Page
This section lists each book with its corresponding cover image as well as links to the book details page, its reviews and a free preview. There is also includes a “buy now” button for interested readers.
Author Bio Page
Here is where the authors can share biographical information and post their author pictures.
Links Page
The first part of the Links page will include two custom links supplied by the author, leading to other Web sites.
The second part of the Links page is the Social Network manager. Two social networks to which the author belongs can appear in nested windows, simplifying the process of updating your other social networking pages with new content from AuthorTree sites.
Events Page
The full-size version of the Events Calendar appears in the side bar. Dates for which you’ve entered events will be marked with a “book” icon. Below the calendar is a full list of events, so users don’t need to flip through the calendar to see what events the author will be hosting in the future. Book icons within the calendar as well as listed events are both clickable links, which lead visitors to event detail pages with further information.
Blog Page
Blog entries will appear on the left-hand side. Each includes a header with the date and time of the post, a highlighted blog title and the text of the post itself. After reading the post, users have the option of viewing comments or leaving their own. Via the Admin Wizard, authors also can choose whether or not comments should be reviewed before being publicly viewable.
Will I need to download any software to create my Web site?
Absolutely not. Our software is completely web-based and doesn’t require you to download a single byte.
How long will it take my AuthorTree Web site to be activated?
As soon as you complete the Admin Wizard, it’s up and accessible by anyone in the world. As quick as a blink of the eye.
What if I don’t want the my Web site to be public yet?
We always give you the option of keeping your Web site private. During the first step of the site building process, “Home Page,” a simple, one-click check box will allow you to either activate the site or keep it private.
Can I change my mind about the layout once I’ve selected one?
Of course. Simply visit the Layout section of your Admin Wizard and choose a different scheme. Your Web site should update instantly.
What is my URL?
Once registered, your URL will be http://www.authortree.com/username.
Can I have my own domain name?
Yes. You are always able to register a domain name that can replace your standard AuthorTree Web URL. If you prefer using AuthorTree, you can take advantage of our Domain Name Registration service.
What is the up-front cost of building an AuthorTree site?
We’re proud to offer our Web site service at absolutely no charge to authors. That means no up-front costs.
What gives? How do you make money?
AuthorTree earns revenue by selling professional and effective marketing and publishing services. With our years of experience in book publishing, we have the resources to offer powerful promotional materials. Now, you can support your personal internet marketing campaign based around your AuthorTree Web site.
How can I learn more about AuthorTree’s marketing services?
You can view a menu of our current options here. For more details about pricing and product descriptions, you’ll want to contact our support staff.
I’d like to have an AuthorTree Web site – where do I start?
First, register with us and create your AuthorTree account. At the end of the registration form, click the checkbox labeled “I am an author and would like to create my FREE public Web site to promote my media!” Once you’ve updated your personal information, you can then use our straightforward Internet tools to create your very own Web site!
After the registration is complete, you will be able to access your Admin Wizard directly, where you’ll be able to create your site.
Don’t see the information you need? AuthorTree support is standing by to answer your questions!
What is AuthorTree?
We started AuthorTree to serve the needs of both readers and authors. Authors needed a way to easily establish an online presence, and readers needed a way to find new books. Now, the AuthorTree community fulfills both of these vital needs, creating a place where readers and writers alike can interact. Rather than making books obsolete, the Internet can enrich the overall literary experience.
How does it work?
AuthorTree is all about simplicity. Authors can now use our intuitive, professionally designed Internet tool to create a dynamic, promotional Web site. Members, too, now have a great way of finding and interacting with literary voices new and old.
Simply click the Find an Author link on the AuthorTree Homepage to start discovering new books and new literary talents.
Why should I register?
First and foremost, registration is completely free, so there’s really no reason not to become a member! AuthorTree’s literary value should become apparent as soon as you become a member and visit a few individual author Web sites. Our free Internet service allows authors to easily add keywords to their search database, ensuring that users discover your specific books and particular subject matters. Another great advantage of the AuthorTree membership is that you will constantly have the opportunity to communicate directly with the authors you read, conveniently and securely.
Where can I register?
Just click the Start Now link. If you have any further questions, our extensive [Registration FAQ] is another valuable resource.
How can I comment on authors’ blogs?
After you read an author’s blog, it’s very simple to leave a comment. Located below each blog post will be two links. One will allow you to read comments posted by other users, and the other will allow you to leave a comment of your own. Simply click “Add Comment” to join in the ongoing conversation.
Some authors may want to review their comments before the public can read them, so if your comment does not appear immediately, this is reason. As soon as the author visits their blog, he or she can then allow your comment to be safely (and publicly) posted.
How do I get started so I can build my own AuthorTree Web site?
Will clicking the “Previous” button erase the changes I’ve made to a page?
No, clicking the “Previous” buttons will automatically save your changes just as clicking “Save and Continue” will.
If I need help while working on a page in my Admin Wizard, do I have to leave the page?
If you scroll to the bottom of the Admin Wizard, you will see a Live Chat button. Clicking this will connect you with a helpful member of the AuthorTree support staff who can guide you.
I noticed on the bottom of each page there’s a field called ‘Keywords’ and ‘Description’. What are these, and how are they used?
The keywords and description can be a little baffling for people who aren’t exactly tech experts. The content you enter into these two sections isn’t even meant for your AuthorTree site’s visitors. Rather, keywords and descriptions are present for search engines, such as Google.com, Yahoo.com and Ask.com.
When a search engine scans a Web site for filing in its database, it looks for this background information, called “Metadata.” Basically, metadata is “information describing information.” The keywords and description informs the search engine what content exactly your Web site reflects, which helps categorize your author details and ultimately helps Web surfers discover you based on their interests.
So the most important thing for authors is to keep your keywords and description relevant to your particular Web site, books and subject matter. If your books are about the Civil War, then, obviously, it would serve your well to choose keywords relating to the Civil War.
The reason we have included these metadata fields on each page of your site is because you might have several books, and they might each deal with different subjects. You can always expand your keywords to cover the entire range of your various subject matters.
Do my AuthorTree Web site’s viewers see the text I enter in the “Keywords” and “Description” boxes?
These sections are not seen by the typical visitor to your AuthorTree Web site. They are “invisible” to anyone except for search engines and only used to generate your search listings.
How do I decide what keywords and descriptions to use?
You have the opportunity to select metadata for each page of your Web site. For the most part, you want this to be concise and comprehensive information about your site pages. If you have certain topics which you deal with in your book(s), these topics would make great keywords. Also, be sure to list your name, your book title(s) and genre within the metadata fields.
For individual pages, you can add specific terms about the individual page’s content to the general keywords and increase your chances of being found within search engines.
The description should be a short paragraph that covers your general information, including the fact that you are an author and that people can read information about your work as well as find out where to purchase your book on your Web site.
I completed the Admin Wizard, but now I can’t get back to it! Where did it go?
The Admin Wizard’s purpose is to guide you through the initial site building process. After the Admin Wizard is complete, you will manage your site via a page called the Control Panel. It’s much more flexible and easily navigable, so don’t mourn for the Admin Wizard. Embrace the Control Panel!
When I look at my AuthorTree Web site, the navigation tabs include a link to the Control Panel. Other people can’t make changes to my site, can they?
No. The Admin Wizard is only visible to you when logged in to your account. If you log out and visit to your Web site again, you will notice that the Admin Wizard is not displayed, and then you will view what the average visitor of your page sees.
AuthorTree makes effective Web sites available to authors who seek to establish a powerful marketing presence on the Internet. With the intuitive AuthorTree Admin Wizard, an author can have a professional, easy-to-use promotional Web site online in minutes. With AuthorTree, any author can harness the digital energy to market their writing.