An introductory guide from Ranexco. General information to support your planning.
Decide what the website should do
An author website might introduce your work, support a forthcoming book or provide a route for speaking enquiries. Choose the main purpose first. It will help you decide which pages and calls to action deserve the most attention.
Prepare your core materials
Gather an approved biography, book descriptions, cover files and any photographs you have permission to use. Note the formats available for each book and where readers can obtain them. Keep forthcoming titles clearly labelled.
Connect the visual direction
Your website does not need to reproduce every book cover, but it should feel related to your wider author identity. Consider the genre, tone and audience alongside practical needs such as legibility and mobile navigation.
Plan reader contact responsibly
Decide how readers should reach you. If a newsletter or enquiry form is required, choose the service that will handle submissions and prepare an accurate privacy notice before collecting information. Add only the features you can maintain.
Think beyond the first launch
Allow space for future books and updates without creating empty sections now. Agree how you will edit content and who will handle technical maintenance. A focused website with current information provides a useful foundation.