When should I launch my author website?

As early as you can. If you're querying agents, a website shows you're taking your career seriously. If you're self-publishing, it's where your launch happens. If you're traditionally published and don't have one yet, now is the right time.

What should I include on my author website?

At minimum: a homepage, an about page, a books page, and a contact page. From there it depends on what you do — a reading order page if you write series fiction, a newsletter signup if you're building a mailing list, a blog if you want one, an events page if you do readings or workshops.

How much does an author website cost?

Most author websites fall between £800 and £1,400 depending on the number of pages and what's included. A simple focused site sits at the lower end. A more complete build with blog setup and newsletter integration sits at the higher end. Everything is quoted clearly upfront with no hidden extras.

Can you help with my newsletter and email marketing?

Yes — connecting your mailing list to your site, setting up a signup form, and getting a basic welcome sequence in place is something I offer as an additional service. It's worth doing properly from the start rather than trying to add it later.

Do I need a blog on my author website?

No — and if the idea of maintaining one puts you off, don't have one. Many authors update their sites only when they have a new release or something worth sharing. A blog is useful if you want to build SEO over time, but it's optional not essential.

WEBSITE DESIGN FOR authors uk

Websites for

Websites for authors

Authors need a website that feels like their writing. Not a template that could belong to anyone, something that carries the atmosphere of your work before a reader has finished the first paragraph.

I'm Rachel, a web designer for authors and writers across the UK. I've built websites for crime novelists, fiction writers and writing retreat hosts.

What they all have in common: they needed a professional online presence that felt authentically theirs, not a generic author template with their name dropped in

.If that's what you're looking for, you're in the right place.

Start a project View my work

"If you're looking for a website that's beautiful, practical and tailored to your brand, Rachel is the one!"

— Emma Christie, Write & Walk Founder

the honest answer

Do authors actually need a website?

Yes, and it matters more than most authors think.

Social media is borrowed space. Algorithms change, platforms decline, and you never fully own your audience there. Your website is the one place online that's entirely yours. It's where readers find you when they go looking, where you build your mailing list, and where you control exactly how your work is presented.

It's also where potential publishers, agents, and event organisers go to check you out. A site that reflects the quality of your writing signals that you take your career seriously. One that looks like it was built in an afternoon says something else.

Selected work

Pages that feel like the author

author site

A complete site that feels like the author from the first click

“Rachel was a joy to work with. She listened to what I was looking for and added creative ideas that took the website to the next level. I'm really delighted with the product and her communication.”

Daniel Sellers

Best selling crime author

Author website

A polished author website with the atmosphere of her novels

Linda Mather

Author, The Zodiac Murder Mysteries

writing retreat

A single page that does exactly what it needs to

“Rachel’s got all the qualities an awesome web designer needs—creativity, patience, and flexibility. If you're looking for a website that's beautiful, practical and tailored to your brand, Rachel is the one!”

Emma Christie

Founder, Write and Walk

Device mockup of Write and Walk website. Image shows a group of people walking in the Spanish countryside and text reads "Active retreats in spectacular corners of Spain:

Everything I can help with

What your author website should include

Whether you're a published novelist, a self-published author building your readership, or a writing coach attracting clients, here's what a site with me typically includes:

Your homepage

Who you are, what you write, and a clear reason to keep reading. Not your full biography, not every book you've ever written. Just enough to make someone feel like they've arrived in the right place.

Your books

Each one with a cover, a description, and links to buy. If you write a series, a page that presents them in the right reading order, something readers actively look for and Amazon author pages handle badly.

About you

Readers buy authors as much as they buy books. A page that feels genuinely like you, warm, specific, written in your actual voice matters more than most people expect.

Contact page

For event enquiries, press, reader messages, or anything else. Simple, easy to find, and actually checked.

Newsletter sign up

If you're building a mailing list this needs to be visible on every page. We'll connect it properly to whichever email platform you're using so it works from day one.

Series extras

Reading order pages, bonus content, character guides, world-building details. Not every author needs these but if you do, a website is the only place you can present them properly.

A simple process - no surprises

Getting to know your goals

We chat about what you need and whether we're a good fit. No jargon, no pressure.

A clear plan and a fixed price

You get a simple outline of what I'll build and what it'll cost. No surprises.

Design and build

Clean, psychology-led layouts built around how your visitors actually behave, not just aesthetics.

No big reveal - you’re involved throughout

No big reveal. You see it taking shape as we go, so nothing gets to the end and feels wrong.

Launch, handover and you’re in control

Once we're live the site is yours. I'll make sure you know how to manage it.

Book a free intro call

packages

How I work with you

Two clear options built around what authors actually need, fixed pricing, no surprises, everything included upfront.

The Foundation

From

£800

2-4 weeks

A clean, focused author website, mobile optimised, basic SEO included, 30 days post-launch support. Right for debut authors or anyone who needs a professional online presence without the complexity.

what's included

1 page + contact form
30 days post-launch support

Start a project

The Full Picture

From

£1400

6-8 weeks

A complete author website. Up to six pages, blog setup if needed, newsletter integration, basic SEO included, 30 days post-launch support. Right for established authors, writing coaches, or anyone with a growing body of work that needs proper space to breathe.

what's included

Up to 6 core pages
Optional blog set up inlcuded
30 days post-launch support

Start a project

Every quote is tailored to your project, these are starting points, not fixed prices.
Get in touch and I'll give you a clear number based on exactly what you need.

faqs

Questions you might have

Do I need an author website if I'm not published yet?

It depends. If you're actively querying agents, a simple one-page site with your bio and contact details can be useful, it shows you're professional. If you're earlier in the process, it's probably not urgent. I'm happy to have an honest conversation about whether the timing is right for you.

What's the best website builder for an author?

Squarespace, in most cases. It strikes the right balance between design quality and ease of management for authors who don't want to become website administrators.

Does my author site need a blog?

Not necessarily. A blog can help with SEO and gives readers a reason to return, but only if you'll actually use it. An empty blog that hasn't been updated since 2023 does more harm than good. I'll help you decide honestly, and if you do want one, I'll set it up properly.

Can you integrate my newsletter?

Yes. If you're using Mailchimp, Squarespace Campaigns, or a similar platform, I'll connect it to your site so visitors can sign up without leaving the page. Growing your mailing list is one of the best things a website can do for an author.

Still have questions?

Every project is different, if something isn't answered above, just get in touch. I'll get back to you within 24 hours.

Get in touch

Booking for 2026

Your writing deserves a home that feels like you. Let's make that happen.

If you're ready to have a website that actually represents your work, one you're proud to share and confident to manage, let's talk.Send me a message or book a free introductory call. I'll ask you about your books, your readers, and what you're hoping the site will do. We'll work out whether we're a good fit before anything else.

Start a project