What should an author website include?
Start with a clear author introduction, book information, suitable retailer or enquiry links and a contact route. Add an events, media, newsletter or blog section when there is a plan to maintain it. The right scope depends on whether the site supports a first launch, an established catalogue, speaking enquiries or direct reader relationships.
Define the visitor’s next action
Decide what you want readers or media visitors to do after viewing the site. Buying through a retailer, contacting the author and joining a newsletter require different page elements. List your priority actions before requesting design options. If you want to sell directly, specify the checkout, fulfilment and support requirements separately rather than assuming a basic brochure website includes an online store.
Gather the content and book assets
Prepare an approved biography, author photo, book cover files, descriptions and links. Confirm that you have permission to use photographs, endorsements and other supplied materials. If the site needs copywriting, include it in the quote request. Content readiness affects the delivery sequence; ask how drafts, approvals and updates will be handled instead of treating every page as complete at the start.
Clarify ownership and ongoing maintenance
Ask who registers and controls the domain, which hosting or third-party subscriptions are needed and what happens after launch. Confirm whether you can update pages yourself and whether handover guidance is included. Agree who maintains forms, backups and software where applicable. Clear ownership and access arrangements make the website easier to keep useful as new books or campaigns are added.
Prepare a scoped website enquiry
Send the required pages, book catalogue size, existing domain, content readiness, integrations and target launch window. Share examples to explain your preferences, while identifying the functions that matter to your audience. American Writers Club can discuss an author website quote based on that brief. Publishing and promotion services can be scoped separately when needed.
Discuss your book project
Explore Author Website Design Services or browse publishing and marketing answers before sending your brief.
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