Between online self-publishing, podcasting, registering on bookhitch (eh hem), and blogs, it is clear that marketing a book today is all but impossible without the Internet. That is why, for your reading pleasure, Lars Clausen, of www.americanauthor.com, has offered up a little advice about the Internet world.

The day after the author ordered his website he called to cancel it. “The $299 website is too expensive. For that price I can send proposals to 50 radio stations!”

“And what if a radio station interviews you?” I asked. “Won’t you need a website where people can learn about you and buy your book?”

As an author website consultant, I’m constantly helping authors realize how a website is the new “business card” for authors and publishers. In today’s world, if you want to exist for your readers, you need a website, your home on the Internet.

Once people realize the value of a website, they often ask, “what kind of website do I need?” Forget all the fancy terminology for a moment. Think back to why you wrote your book, who you wrote it for, and what problem it solves. Even if you write poetry about horses, you’re solving a problem, filling a need, for some reader somewhere.

The kind of website you need is a website that solves problems for your reader. Evaluate every available option according to this problem solving criteria. Do you need a $5,000 custom flash website? Should you be able to edit your own website? Do you need a blog? Do you need a Facebook site? A video trailer? Podcast?

Far too often we think about getting a website because we’re “supposed to have one.” Yes, every author needs a website, and there’s just one reason - to solve problems for our readers.

Before buying your author website, you’ll find it valuable to research your options. Your choices will vary from MySpace, or a blog, to content-control websites, or multi-thousand custom websites. Keeping in mind the one criteria of solving problems for readers will help you choose a website that will achieve your goals at a price you can afford.

That author who wanted to cancel his website? After a few minutes of conversation he realized how a website opens whole new worlds. If you don’t yet have your author website, consider that your website may be the most important action you can take for promoting your book.