How to Create an Author Website

3. Design your writer website

The look, feel, and layout of your author website design can differ depending on a number of factors. Try to choose colors, fonts, and designs that feel reflective of your books and work, and tailored to your target audience.

For example, if you write Young Adult fiction or books for younger audiences, you could make your site more colorful and engaging to appeal to your target age bracket. You'd also want to ensure any content and images are age appropriate for your audience.

Someone working in the Horror or Thriller genre may prefer a darker color scheme, while self-help professionals could opt for branding that matches their other platforms, like LinkedIn, or match the style to their book cover. No matter what, it's helpful if your design is clear, engaging, and consistent with your branding on other platforms.

See site design tips from a Squarespace designer

What to include on your author website

Once you've figured out your design, make sure your website includes details that present the full scope of your work and what you do. Here are some examples of pages or information you could include.

About Me page

An About Me page is where visitors get to learn a bit more about you behind your work. Many writer websites include personal details for a more personable feel, such as how you got into writing and your inspirations.

But it's also important to cover the basics. If you have a professional biography this is a good place to host it. It's also worth highlighting professional experience, such as years in your line of work, accolades you hold, and general expertise.

If your writing is linked to expertise in a profession, such as therapy, the medical field, or academia, you can inform readers of your qualifications here. This could include certifications from any awarding bodies or professional certifications like a PhD, which gives you validity and backs up your authority on your chosen subject.

See examples and best practices for a professional bio

Information on your books

Your author website should include information on your books and any upcoming releases. If you have imagery available, such as hi-res cover images, you could highlight this in its own section. This is particularly advisable if you want to highlight or advertise a new release.

Book information to cover includes:

• Synopsis, blurb, or information about their contents

• Release date

• Imagery and book covers

You should also include information on your past releases and where visitors can buy them. If you sell your books independently, you could add a store section to purchase your works on your website. It's also worth including links to other third-party sites to boost sales.

It can be helpful to look at other authors you admire to get an idea of how they organize their book pages. Consider using those as inspiration or a gut check for your own.

Blog and updates for readers

An onsite blog can be useful for showcasing your writing, providing updates, or having correspondence with readers. You can add a dedicated blog page to your website or add a sign-up box for a mailing list if you manage one.

You can use your newsletter to share new blogs and book or press updates to direct readers back to your website. Turn on comments on your blog to hear from readers or encourage them to reply to your newsletter.

Information on other writing

Writing books may not be your only line of work. Many authors also work as journalists, copywriters, or ghostwriters, among other professions.

If your other writing is connected to your books, it's useful to highlight it to build trust in your authority on the genre or topic. If your other writing is less related to your writing, you may want to include detail on the other types of work and writing you provide in your bio, but link out to a separate portfolio for your alternative writing styles.

Contact details

Include information on your author website to let people know how to get in touch. You could include a business email or embed a contact form into your page to keep on top of enquiries.

If you have formal representation, you can include details of a press contact for any of your releases, as well as details for your agent if you have one. If you're on social media, it's also useful to link this here so readers can stay updated on their preferred platform.

Contact details may also differ depending on your niche of writing. For example, children's authors or those in the YA genre may want to include a fan mail address for physical mail delivery from readers.

If you're unrepresented and looking for agenting support, the contact page could also be a good place to mention this on your site. That way, interested parties can reach you accordingly.

Events page

Many writer websites include information on live events, such as speaking gigs, event hosting, signings, and book tours. An events page lets readers know your upcoming locations and schedule. You can also include purchase options to help boost revenue or link to third-party sites to boost attendance numbers.

Consider adding images or video from events after they pass or link to blogs recapping them. If someone's looking for another author to host or participate in an event, these can show that you're experienced.

Reviews and press

Reviews give your work credibility and help encourage new readers to trust your work. You may want to include a page detailing reader feedback and reviews, such as those published in the press or any publications.

This is a chance to showcase accolades or feedback you're proud of. For example, many authors whose work is classed as 'bestselling' will include this information here.

If you work with an agent, manager, or any form of representation, consider having a lawyer or legal rep look over your website to scan for any issues.

Remember, your website is a living document. It's worth keeping the site updated with any new releases or news as your career progresses, for example, if you gain new representation, publish something new, or participate in any book events.

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