What an author website needs to do
Show each book with its cover, a short description and buy links. Add a short bio, event dates and a simple way to be contacted for press or speaking.
We link to retailers for purchases rather than building a store, and we can add a newsletter signup using a tool you already use. Keep review quotes to those you have permission to use.
People searching for an author usually decide in seconds. Your site should answer the questions below before they have to ask.
Buy a book
Retailer links for each title
Read the bio
Your story and background
Invite me to speak
An event inquiry form
Join the newsletter
A signup using your existing tool
Timing matters. Launch weeks and holiday gift season bring the most attention.
The pages an author website needs
An author site does not need dozens of pages. It needs the right few, each doing one job:
- ✓Home with a featured book — cover, description and buy links
- ✓Books — every title with retailer links
- ✓About
- ✓Events — appearances and signings
- ✓Contact — press and event inquiries
Need a page for every service or town you cover? The larger packages give you room to grow.
Mistakes we see on author websites
- ✓No buy links
- ✓No bio — readers do not connect with you
- ✓No press contact
Getting found: SEO basics for an author
- ✓Name the author and genre — "romance author name"
- ✓Book pages — match title searches
- ✓FAQ on where to buy — answers common questions
Cheap Cheap Websites sets up the essentials on every build, and Monthly SEO adds new pages every month when you are ready.
Sample sites that could be yours
These are real samples we designed. Yours is built around your business, your photos and your words.
What an author website costs
Most authors fit Launch Website: $399 one-time for up to 5 pages, because they need a home page, a books page, an about page, an events page and a contact form. Websites are priced one-time, plus Website Care at $30/month for hosting, HTTPS, backups, weekly checks and A/B testing. Every package includes a consultation, mobile-friendly design, copy we write for you, a contact form, essential search setup and 10 revision rounds.
What we ask an author for
We will ask for your books, covers, bio, retailer links and event details.
How it works
1. Consultation
We learn your services, customers and goals, in English or Spanish.
2. We write and design
We draft the words and build the site around your business.
3. 10 revision rounds
You review and request changes until it is right.
4. Launch and care
We launch, then Website Care keeps it hosted, backed up, checked weekly and A/B tested.
