Author Website Design – This article on our literary agent blog (for aspiring and established authors) is the third installment of a 3-part series, revealing the seven essential ingredients of effective author website design. This segment highlights many author website design examples that will inspire you and help you find the best author website template for you.
A professional author website design will help you: establish your credibility, impress literary agents and publishers, promote your book, get more exposure, make more money, and make a greater difference in the world. If you haven’t already done so, click here first to read parts one and two: Author Website.
Then scroll below to see our
author website design examples.
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Author Website Design Examples
Before you look at the author website design examples below, you need to know a few things. First, I helped create them. I don’t just help authors write and publish their books. I also help authors discover/develop their personal brands, improve their author platform, and promote their books. I do a lot of that through a sister company called Born Celebrity (founded by my wife and business partner, Ingrid Elfver).
This is important for you to understand because it means we know for a fact that the author website design examples below are effective. That’s because we’ve been able to measure them and see them get results. We also know WHY they work, because it’s by design.
One more thing you need to know…
All of the author website design examples you’ll see below were created in WordPress (WP). WP is a good website building platform to use, for many reasons:
* It’s easy to use.
* It’s free (not important to everyone, but it doesn’t hurt).
* WP isn’t just for bloggers (all the websites below, and all of my websites, were made in WP).
* You can install WP on your own domain/url/website address (and you should). Don’t set up your WP website at wordpress.com or wordpress.org because then you’ll end up with a lame url/website address like literaryagencies.wordpress [dot] com instead of http://literaryagencies.com.
* WP allows you to easily create beautiful (and smartly laid out) designs using “themes”. There are tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands, or more) themes available on the Internet that you can easily install on your WP site. You simply have to look online and choose the one you like best. Many WP themes are free, and the others aren’t very expensive. By the way, many companies that provide themes offer a “club” type of membership that allows you to use any of their themes (usually 20-80 to choose from) for $29-97.
* There are zillions of “plugins” or little software program add-ons (kind of like apps for an iPad, iPhone, or smartphone) that you can easily install on your WP site… to do virtually anything you can imagine. For example, I use one plugin that lets visitors to my website listen to audio files without having to download anything (since some people don’t know how to download an mp3 file). I also use plugins to backup my sites, manage my email opt-in forms, and about 20 other things.
* WP is the most popular web hosting platform. That means whenever you have a question or run into a challenge, all you have to do is Google it and you’ll find answers. That also means (incredibly important) if/when you run into a problem that you can’t figure out… there are lots of people out there who you can hire (inexpensively) to help you fix it.
* Other author website design platforms (not WP) are extremely limited in their functionality and what they let you do. For example, you can only have a certain amount of pages in your navigation bar, etc. You might not recognize it right away. But trust me, you don’t want to figure out what those limitations are after you’ve spent hundreds of hours creating your site. I’ve been there, done that.
* You have complete control of your website. One of the biggest mistakes I see in author website design… is authors creating sites on other platforms other than WP. The functionality of those platforms isn’t just more limited. It’s also extremely difficult if you want to move your website or change something later. Many web design companies consciously set up their businesses using proprietary tools so it’s hard for you to leave, and you’re “stuck” paying them exorbitant fees year after year. When my company sets up a website for a writer and creates an author web design, you get complete control. It’s set up on your domain, with tools that you control. Completely. Of course, that’s after everything is step up (looking good and working properly).
Okay, now that you know why you should use WP… let me show some author website design examples (for authors of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books) for you to learn from (and find inspiration).
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Author Website Design – #1
Nadine Haupt, FAST Women in Business
Ingrid and I have been working with Nadine for about 7 months. She was in the corporate world when we met and wanted to break out and do her own thing. Like many people, she wanted to find her own unique voice and message… and use it to create a book, business, and brand.
The first thing Nadine did was fly out to spend a couple days with us. When you’re making big decisions in your life (it’s good to get help and take the time to make sure you’re doing it right). We helped Nadine get more clarity about what she’s really best at (that’s unique). Then we helped her research her competition, so we could position her in the strongest way possible.
That’s when I came up with the million dollar name
for her brand: FAST Women in Business.
You’ll understand why this name is perfect for her and her business/brand if you click through the link above and check out her website. I get goose bumps just talking about. LOVE it.
After we had the right name, Ingrid and I helped Nadine outline her: unique core teaching philosophy, coaching/consulting process, and marketing messages (including the free mp3 that you can listen to at her website). Now Nadine is scheduling lots of speaking (something she wanted to do) and building her coaching/consulting business. Soon she’ll start writing her book called (you guessed it), FAST Women in Business. And she’ll have an easier time selling it, because her website burns rubber.
Oh, make sure you check out Nadine’s blog when you go to her website. It might give you some ideas for your content.
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Author Website Design – #2
Rick D’Elia, Comedian
Rick D’Elia is a 20-year veteran of stand-up comedy with appearances on Comedy Central, Showtime and The Tonight Show w/Jay Leno. He already had a couple books published when we connected, so all we really did for him was create a new website. Notice the cool “slider” on the homepage that prominently displays his books. He has a section for videos, too, among other things. Anything is possible when it comes to author website design.
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Author Website Design – #3
Jorge Avellan, Children’s Book Author
Jorge Avellan is a TV news anchor who also happens to write children’s book and adult thrillers. We chose this author website design for him, specifically for his children’s books. He hasn’t started putting blog posts online yet, so there isn’t a whole lot to look at on this site yet. But the author website design is rocking.
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Author Website Design – #4
Gail Holstein, Fiction Author
Gail Holestein is a wonderful author who wanted a simple design that was a bit rustic, matching the setting of Aspen, CO where she lives. Check out how we displayed the information about her books. You’ll also notice, if you look at her blog, the she’s posted a few articles that address some of the themes she deals with in her fiction.
Are you getting ideas?
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Author Website Design – #5
Laura Liu, Embracing Your Dragon
Laura’s story is very similar to Nadine’s (above). Ingrid and I have been working with Laura Liu (founder of Embracing Your Dragon) for about 7 months. She wasn’t working in the corporate world when we met (she was a stay-at-home mom), but she had a lot of experience in the corporate world.
As Laura’s children started to get older, her desire and calling to do more in the world suddenly appeared… like a fire-breathing dragon. She wanted our help to figure out how to be a good mom AND a successful entrepreneur.
We steered Laura away from doing some things that she would have been good at but wouldn’t make any money from (or very little). That’s an extremely important part of our process when we help people discover/develop their brands. It can save you years of frustration, heartache, and disappointment.
Laura is good at many things, but we focused her talents and passions in a way that allowed her to become a 6-figure coach/consultant within 4 weeks of launching her new author website design and brand (the one you see above).
Now she’s working on her book.
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Author Website Design – #6
Melinda Suglio, Do Animals Go to Heaven?
This is another case of “the author might not have gotten an agent without this website.”
Melinda Suglio is an animal expert who recently wrote a book about animals going to heaven. Her book is nonfiction, and literary agents/publishers put more emphasis on an author’s platform for nonfiction, so this was huge. The best part of this story is that Melinda got approximately 30 requests for her complete proposal and manuscript after sending out queries (with a link to her website, of course). Then she had four different literary agencies offer to represent her.
Isn’t life wonderful when you make choices
that leave you with options?
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Okay, by now you must have
a million thoughts going
through your head…
Comments AND questions.
So, post your comment
and/or question below.
And SHARE this article!
Like It, +1 it, Tweet it.
It’s good book karma,
Mark
P.S. – If you missed it, click here to read
part 1 and 2 of this Author Website article series.
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MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
The installation of WP on my own ‘ domain/url/website address ‘ to get a ‘ url/website address ‘ like ‘ http://literaryagencies.com ‘ is NOT FREE, right ?
Hi Prakash, no… you’ll have to buy a domain name and pay for website hosting. 🙂
And I’m sorry for the long delay. I’ve been very busy lately and, as a matter of fact, just hired someone new to help me stay on top of things.
Have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have written four novels, two of which I self published as an untutored Marketer, (is that a word?). Despite my having a PhD. in Psychology, with a minor in Physics, I also am an infant in moving photos, themes, designing a site, etc. I am impressed by your detailed
help in designing a Pitch, but, how can I, hands on, design and create a website? I am interested in following through with you on both the Pitch, but first the Site.
Hi Fred, if you’re not a technical person who’s willing/able to build a site yourself… you’ll have to Google online to find someone who can help you with that. When it comes to websites, I can help with strategy… but I don’t do any of the website building for anyone. When you’re ready for everything else though, I’m your guy.
I’m happy to help if possible… but I want to make sure you know that I’m a former literary agent turned author coach. Now I help authors get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals.
If you haven’t already done so, make sure you click here to access all the valuable resources I have about getting an agent in my private, members-only area (no charge): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/membership/. Once you’ve entered your name and email address there, click on the link that says, “Audio Training Library”. Then you’ll see my main audio training (and text transcript), which reveals the 7 Insider Secrets You Need to Know to Get a Top Literary Agent, Publisher, and Book Deal.
If you want help with anything else, you can post questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/. Either way, I’m looking forward to learning more about you and your work.
If/when you want help with anything else, you can post more questions for me online here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/ask/. And you can register for an introductory coaching call with me here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/intro-call/.
Have a good weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Wow. I look forward to booking a coaching session with you Mark, (my husband was laid off and we are just getting back on our feet). Meanwhile I am learning so much from your articles and can start applying this info to my site(thestrawberrybard.com)so thank you! Your business savvy is undeniable,but your integrity shines through – wicked combo. Thank you for sharing some of your more personal stories, too- they inspire me to be more open. More brave.
Thank you Robin… although it’s taken me a while to respond… I’ve just been busy. I appreciate your thoughtful words… and your positive energy just gave me a boost. 🙂
Have a good weekend!
And be brave,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
How might I forward this stuff to my webmaster??? His gmail is jesseb@sycamorelibrary.org
Thanks
Charlie
Hi Charlie, just send him a link to this webpage. Anyone can access it. Mark
I have been very excited about signing up for your couching. I have been trying to rewrite my query before I submit it to you, but the biggest problem I’m facing now is how to make myself sound like an expert. There are aren’t very many articles written about the market for fiction written by Latina writers or perhaps I’m not looking in the right place. What I have found so far is outdated. My novel is often compared to “Bless Me Ultima” by Alfonso Anaya, a book written in the early 70’s.
Hi Virginia, well now I’m excited about your coaching call too. Don’t stress the query too much. That’s something I often help people with during the call. It’s more important that you do a good job with the questionnaire you’re going to get from me after you register. That’s where the great content for the query will come out. 😉 Mark
You’ve rearranged the furniture
You have a new décor
The site is more feng shui I’d say
Enticing to explore
And though your website’s changed a bit
I still feel right at home
The information quite robust
You’ve made it more your own!
Hi Lynn, showed Ingrid your poem over dinner when it came in. I just hope you look forward to my articles as much as I look forward to your comments. Ha ha ha. Thank you for your support and kindness. And creativity. Always. Mark
Building, building, building my platform. All this information you are sending is like GOLD to my process. THANKS!
Hi Mardell, have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? You are a jewel. Half because of who you are. And half because you took all my coaching advice, never gave up, and made it happen. Here’s to continued success, and great platforms. 😉 Mark
I don’t know quite what you can do for me: website, Facebook etc. I understand. But I want to get a legitimate agent who will help me sell to a legitimate publisher. I have written several books, the first was published. Though it did not sell well it was optioned for a motion picture. I tried self-publishing, but became discouraged at their constant demand for money to market the book. Give me a call at 571-239-6949.
Jean K.
Hi Jean, my main focus is helping authors get top literary agents so they can then get top book deals with traditional publishers. Listen to the complimentary mp3 audio training here on my homepage: https://literary-agents.com. Lots of valuable tips whether you decide to do more with me or not. Then sign up for a call with me here if you want in-depth 1-on-1 support: https://literary-agents.com/book-marketing/book-marketing-coach/. Any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Sounds like you’ve paid your dues and you and your work are the real deal. So I can definitely help you. Mark
I checked out Fast Women In Business and it looked really professional. I was wondering if I were to ask you to do a website for my unpublished manuscript looking for agents in future, how do you normally charge?
Hi Saw-Lian, it all depends on how complex the site is… since every author is different. I’m going to send out a promotion soon though… this week I think… with info about next steps if an author is interested in possibly creating a site with me… or improving an existing site. Stay tuned. Mark
I moved from blogger to WordPress, last year. I have no regrets, and love my new platform. My readership has grown, the design was easy to adapt, and the uploading is simple. I paid for my www.glynissmyauthor.com so I don’t have the tagline, WordPress in the address, and it is so cheap to purchase I am happy to continue paying. At the present time I am satisfied with homemade but eventually I will purchase a supadupa site! 🙂
Hi Glynis, that’s good to know… and I’m glad you have the site hosted on your own domain. It’s a bit of learning curve, but well worth it… as you know. Here’s to getting it done and continuing to move toward supadupa. 😉 Mark
Thanks for the great articles – all 3. Love all of them for the information. Haven’t come across anyone who’s taught me so much.
Hi Saw-Lian, thank you for that. You just made my Saturday. I know you left this comment a while ago, but I’m just catching up now on my reading and replies. Writing the author website article series took a lot of my time! Mark
Very good Mark and Ingrid, got my wheels turning. My book is in publication right now, but once that is completed I would like Mark, for you and Ingrid to take a look at what I am trying to acheve and maybe we could put together a dynomite web-site to complament my complexed project working on to delever the word. Once you skim though my book you’ll be able to see what I’m talking about.
Hi Dave, wheels turning is the goal… so I’m glad to hear it and grateful for you letting me know. Glad to know you’re making progress with your book. I know it’s been a long journey for you. And you know where to find if/when you want to talk about your website. Keep us posted on your progress, and have a great weekend. Mark
Mark, this was timely. The woman who will design my new website yesterday said she would check out other authors’ websites, and suggested I do the same. You’ve made that easy.
I have a question. You advised me not to reference the website for my first book in the query letter because the book is print-on-demand and had few sales. The designer said she could add that book after the current book is published. Do you agree? We’ll use example No. 8 in how to handle a website for an unpublished book.
Hi Bob, that’s great. Happy to help. I didn’t realize, until I sat down to write this article series, how much I had to say on the topic. There are so many more things I could have added! But you have to end somewhere. Regarding your question, I agree with the suggested strategy. Mark
HI Mark, Superbly inspirational, my head is spinning with ideas. I particularly like Melinda Suglio’s page it is not dissimilar to my own ideas. I have a mock up of a book cover using my own artwork, do you think it a good idea to use it, obviously making it clear that it is only a mock-up?
Would love to have the money to fly over and spend a few days with Ingrid and you, but that will have to wait till I get my amazing book deal. The NET will have to do for now. Cheers Erik
Hi Erik, I don’t recommend putting a mockup cover online. Little secret, we removed it from Melinda’s site before pitching agents. After she got an agent, we put it on the site. Ask me why during our next call. 😉 And I do hope we get to meet in person eventually. We’ll have to settle for Skype for now. Mark
Wonderful, Mark! I fell in love with Gail Holstein’s website. You and Ingrid have made it simple yet attractive, informative & easy to follow. I’d like to have this kind of website for me where I also have the blog (2 in 1 saves time and energy) Are her books already published? (It’s indicated in each that it’s available for the literary agents and publishers.)If yes, then why is it indicated? If not, then it’s a real smart way to inform them about your books. I’ll keep it in mind in future.
Hi Aarti, that’s great… glad to hear it. I wanted to include quite a few since every had different tastes. About your questions, Gail published one of her books previously and is now seeking an agent for multiple works. If a book is already showing up on search engines everywhere and you can’t remove it, you might as well leave it on your site. Mark
Thank you Mark for your valuable insight. I appreciate all the information you have provided. I need to get closer to finishing my book (self help) before actually going live with a website.
Also I do presentation regarding the same subject matter so I think it would be useful to tie both together.
In addition I am also a Reiki master and have many testimonies too. So it may be a 3 part website. What are your thoughts on that?
Hi Cindy, I’m glad you liked the article series… and thanks for posting. Regarding your question, it sounds like everything is related and would work well together. Just a matter of organizing everything in the best way. Mark
What a treat to see these sites, and have your fabulous insight on the subject, but also to read about such FASCINATING and fantastic seeming people! I enjoyed surfing their sites and learning about them so much, that I forgot that I was supposed to be checking out design – right? In any event, terrific people and how fun! And your dinner/bubbly tax celebration, shared in yesterday’s comment section, sounded wonderful! Thank you for this great piece! And thank all these people too for sharing!!!
Hi Leah, happy weekend! Love that you actually checked out the sites. Now you have a much better idea of what Ingrid and I really do… big picture. It is a lot of fun, the creative part plus seeing people live their big mission and life. That’s partly why we enjoy your energy so much. You are a star. 😉 Mark
Awesome, Mark!! A little overwhelming, but definitely something I need. Thank you!!!!
P.S. I really will be in touch soon. Lots of progress.
Hi Kitty, that’s my job… overwhelm with the essential info but hopefully not so much that it paralyzes people. 😉 Good hearing from you and thanks for the positive feedback. Mark
I like the professionalism of your site.
Thank you Robert, you just made my day. We just changed the look and layout of the site, so it’s great to get this feedback. All my best to you. Mark