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Ever wondered why some author websites make you want to hit the ‘buy’ button instantly?
Well, just like a well-written book, a successful author’s website draws you in, telling a story only you seem to understand.
Today, we’re exploring the world of author websites – from their enthralling designs to the features that make them stand out.
This isn’t just a review; it’s a journey into the authors’ digital universe, where their creativity meets sleek web design.
So grab a comfy seat, and let’s explore some of these great website examples.
100 Days of Brave
“100 Days of Brave” is a cool website that helps you start your own business in just three months. It offers a book as a guide to help you do this. The book is jam-packed with advice on how to make your dream business a success. With this website and book, you gain knowledge on building an enterprise that’s sure to last.
Website Design Features
- Bright, clear colors: It’s got a lot of white, which makes it look clean and easy to read.
- Cool video content: There’s a video that explains more about what the website offers.
- Lots of helpful buttons: No need to search for anything. All the information you need is just a button away!
N. K. Jemisin
N. K. Jemisin is all about the author of the same name. You’ll find all sorts of information about her books and writing on the site. It’s a go-to spot for fans of the author’s books.
Website Design Features
- Lots of book covers: The colorful illustrations on the book covers make the site interesting to look at.
- Blog layout: It’s set up like a blog, so you can read through all the author’s updates.
- Easy-to-find Buying links: If any of the books grab your attention, you can click on the buying link to get your own copy.
Neo Yang
The “Neo Yang” website is a super cool place to find out everything about the author. It includes lots of information about the author’s books, appearance schedules, FAQs, and a blog. It’s updated regularly, so there’s always something new to check out.
Website Design Features
- Clear layout: Just like you prefer, everything’s marked and easy to find.
- Photo carousel feature: It’s great for showing off lots of pictures without taking up too much room.
Rick Riordan
The Rick Riordan website is about, you guessed it, Rick Riordan and his books!
Rick Riordan is the author of many exciting books including the “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series, “The Kane Chronicles,” and “The Heroes of Olympus!” No matter which book you’re into, you’re sure to find information about it on this site.
Website Design Features
- Bold Navigation Menu: It’s easy to find things with this handy feature. You can check out all of Rick’s books, learn more about him, or even find advice for writers!
- Fun Book Images: Each book series comes with an eye-catching image. It brings a certain magic to the website!
- Good Use of Color: The website uses a cool mix of blues and whites, making everything stand out and easy on the eyes.
Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s website is a must-see for any fan. It’s a central place to get updates about all things Leigh Bardugo and her books. Looking for new books or want to know more about the author? It’s all right here.
Website Design Features
- Wonderful Photos: The homepage has a beautiful image of the author and her books.
- Up-to-Date News Section: If Leigh has any big news, you’ll find it here. Stay in the loop and never miss a beat!
- Effective Footer: The footer has all the links you could need, including social media handles! It’s a one-stop spot for everything you need.
Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay’s website is a cool place to learn all about this award-winning author and her works.
It’s full of useful information for everyone from longtime fans to new readers.
Website Design Features
- Bold Color Scheme: The use of black, white, and pink creates a striking and memorable look.
- Quick Links: Right at the top of the homepage, you’ll find links to important sections like “Books,” “Events,” and “About.”
- Engaging Homepage: It has blog posts and news right on the front page, all nicely listed out.
Laura McKowen
Laura McKowen’s website is a place where she shares her experiences and offers support on the journey to sobriety. Her website encourages visitors to order her books and dive into the stories of her life’s challenges and triumphs.
Website Design Features
- Engaging Call to Action: A prominent “Order now” button that stands out and encourages you to take action.
- Clean Layout: The site is probably neat and tidy, which means you can find what you need without any trouble.
Helen Hoang
Helen Hoang’s website is where you can learn all about her romance novels. Helen’s books often include characters with unique backgrounds and experiences, like those on the autism spectrum. On the site, you would likely find her books, details about Helen, and information on events she’s attending.
Website Design Features
- Warm and Inviting: The website probably uses colors that make you feel welcomed, just like a good romance novel.
- User-Friendly Layout: It’s likely very easy to navigate with clear sections for different types of info.
- Up-to-Date Events Section: There’s likely a spot where you can see if Helen’s got any book signings or talks coming up, so you can join in on the fun.
Ibram X. Kendi
The website for Ibram X. Kendi centers around his work as an author and advocate for antiracism. Kendi’s books and articles tackle racism and his site is the go-to place for his thought-provoking essays, books, and speaking schedules.
Website Design Features
- Polished and Professional: The design is likely crisp and clean, making you take his message seriously from the first glance.
- Resourceful: You might find a section full of educational materials that could teach you more about antiracism.
- Easy to Get Around: A well-organized menu probably helps visitors find exactly what they need in just a few clicks.
Jennifer Egan
This website is a digital showcase that represents Jennifer Egan, a well-known writer.
It introduces visitors to her world of stories and books. Here’s what you’ll find on the site:
- Information about Jennifer’s books and other works
- News and insights about her latest projects
- Various interviews and articles about her.
Cool Design Features:
Several design elements on this website make it quite appealing:
- Its minimalistic design helps focus attention on the author and her work.
- The use of imagery reflects the stories that Jennifer tells through her books.
- A clear navigation menu helps visitors find exactly what they need.
- The site has been organized smartly to highlight the most crucial information about Jennifer and her writing journey.
Mike Michalowicz
This site is a virtual hub for Mike Michalowicz, an author and entrepreneur. Here’s what you’ll find on the site:
- Mike’s collection of books and other resources
- His blog posts full of insights and tips.
- Information about keynote speaking and unique methods for growing businesses
Cool Design Features:
The website has been designed well to make it user-friendly and attractive:
- The vibrant colors give the site an energetic feeling which is synonymous with Mike’s personality.
- The site uses big and bold typography to emphasize key messages.
- There is a variety of multimedia including videos and podcasts, making the information engaging.
- A sticky header with a clear menu makes it easy to navigate through the website.
Kylie Howarth
Kylie Howarth’s website is a delightful place where you get to meet her and her excellent children’s books. You’ll find the following on the site:
- Kylie’s colorful and exciting collection of children’s books
- Information about her school visits and workshops
- News related to her latest work and events
Cool Design Features:
The design of Kylie’s site is as charming as her books, enhancing the overall user experience:
- The fun and colorful illustrations make it perfect for the target audience – children and parents.
- Big, clear buttons make navigation easy, even for little ones using the site.
- The inclusion of book reviews and testimonials lend credibility to Kylie’s work.
- A neat layout makes information easy to digest and adds to the site’s friendly appeal.
FAQ On Author Websites And Building One
What is an author’s website?
An author’s website is like their personal corner on the internet. It showcases their books, tells you a bit about their life, and often has a blog where they share cool stuff, like what inspires them or tips about writing. Imagine a colorful flyer for their book club, but online!
Why do authors need a website?
Authors need a website because it’s their online home! Here, they can invite readers over, show them around their latest projects, and even chat with them through newsletters or blogs. It’s also super handy for sharing news like book release dates or signing events.
What should be included on an author’s website?
An author’s website should have a few key pieces:
- A bio to get to know the author
- A list of their books with nice pictures and descriptions
- A section for news or a blog to keep things fresh
- A way to contact them, because who doesn’t like fan mail?
How often should authors update their website?
Authors should update their website pretty often, like whenever they have new book news, blog posts, or upcoming events. It’s important to keep things as fresh as a newly printed book – nobody wants last year’s news!
Should authors write their own website content?
Sure, they can! Writing their content means it sounds just like them, which is wonderful. But, some might get a pro to help, so they have more time to focus on what they do best – creating stories.
What’s the best way for authors to promote their website?
There are loads of ways to promote an author’s website. They can share it on social media, tell folks about it at book events, or even include their website address in their books. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for readers to follow back to their site.
How can authors make their websites stand out?
Authors can jazz up their site by adding cool features like:
- Sneak peeks of upcoming books
- Video introductions or book trailers
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of their writing life
- Interactive elements like quizzes about their books
Do authors need to blog on their website?
They don’t have to, but it sure helps! A blog keeps their site dynamic, giving readers a reason to come back. Plus, it’s a neat space to explore topics they’re passionate about outside their books.
Can social media replace an author’s website?
Social media is awesome for chatting in the moment, but it’s not a home base like a website is. A website sticks around, it doesn’t get lost in a feed, and it’s all about the author, not mixed in with a billion other voices.
How much does it cost to build an author’s website?
The cost can vary, kind of like books at a bookstore. Some authors might go DIY with website builders to keep costs low, like finding a great bargain. Others might hire designers for a site that looks as fancy as a hardcover edition, which can cost more. It all comes down to how custom and snazzy they want their site to be.
