Author Website Design
Let’s get you ready to grow your audience and sell more books
Your author website should fit your goals—not the other way around.
Every author's journey is different. You might be launching your first book, building a speaking career, growing a consulting business, or juggling all three.
That's why every new website I build begins with strategy.
We'll clarify what you're trying to achieve, then create a website that's thoughtfully designed to support those goals—without paying for features you don't need.
Choose the level of support that's right for you, and we'll build something you're proud to share. And, don’t worry, you can always add to it, later.
Before we create your new author website, I will get to know you, your book(s), and your work in depth.
From there, I’m able to advise you on powerful opportunities and smart tactics. Together we'll map out exactly what your website needs—and just as importantly, what it doesn't.
Only then will I recommend the package that's the best fit.
A website project with me begins with a short, paid strategy conversation: the Author Website Clarity Call.
-
![Author website, Chuck Shelton, novelist]()
“I felt so well taken care of as we built it together”
I've mentioned many times how much I appreciate your calm, incisive care for my writing, my goals, my ideas, and my learning needs. I felt so well taken care of as we built it together, and your editorial and technical assistance was profoundly instrumental in the fine website I'm now sharing.
— Chuck Shelton, debut novelist
-
![Author website, Lori Arnold, nonfiction]()
“I could not recommend Pauline more highly”
Working with Pauline was truly a pleasure. She brilliantly set expectations up front, which made the entire project run smoothly. My website is completely custom, based on my preferences, goals, and branding. Pauline did an awesome job creating visual assets to ensure the look, feel, and functionality of my site was exactly what I wanted. She dove into all the different needs I had which spanned the creation of the site from the ground up, QR codes, multiple email list sign-up avenues, blog page, a book launch team sign-up process, and help with back-end analytics and SEO.
— Lori Arnold, nonfiction author
-
![Book website, nonfiction author and consultant]()
“When I realized the value I was getting, it was worth it and even more”
Just having a professionally designed website alone gives me the peace of mind knowing that I have checked the most important box of how you are presented to potentially clients who first visit the website. I had had some disappointments with designers prior so I was not too sure about it. However when I went to your website and saw all the valuable information you had there, I knew I was where I needed to be to get the help I needed.
— Samuel K. Bentil, consultant and nonfiction author
-
![Author website, children's and YA author]()
“I love what she’s done with it!”
Such a joy working with Pauline on this. I love what she’s done with it!
— Rashmi Sirdeshpande, children's and YA author
-
![Author website, romance novelist]()
“Made me feel like I had made the right decision every step of the way”
Pauline is a consummate professional. I’ve had problems with other contracted individuals standing by their deadlines and setting clear expectations, not so with Pauline. She was a dream to work with and made me feel like I had made the right decision every step of the way. Highly recommend!
— Lēigh Tudor, romance author
-
![Squarespace website for memoir author]()
“Pauline Wiles is an absolute pleasure to work with”
Her masterful design skills are evident in the fresh, welcoming, and professional website unique to my needs.
— Constance Hanstedt, memoir author
Investment Examples: Strategic Author Website Design
Working at this highly personalized level, no two author websites are alike
After our Clarity Call, I’ll create your custom proposal, with finely-tuned deliverables and options for working together.
The features will align with your marketing preferences, and the project approach will take into account the time you have available for our work.
• PACKAGE EXAMPLES •
Author Goal: Authority
You’re an established author, or solopreneur with a business-building book. You’re ready for a fully-featured, revenue generating business asset, with me doing most of the work.
You recognize the value of professional expertise and solutions, freeing up your time and energy, so you can get on with the (profitable) work you do best.
I’ll be your strategic partner, and take as much work off your shoulders as I can.
NUMBER OF BOOKS: UNLIMITED
-
Stress-free preparation, with extensive personal guidance and more work done for you
Full copywriting, if required
Authority branding
Coming Soon page, if required before full website launches
Number of books: unlimited
-
Pages: unlimited
Blog, evergreen articles, thought leadership, or integrated Substack feed
Done-for-you SEO strategy with keyword research and content recommendations
404 page, Privacy page, Terms page
Integration with your existing email list, or new list setup
PDF lead magnet and speaker sheet design
Media kit page; “white paper” download
Automated email welcome sequence
Online store to sell your books, if required
Integration with your appointment scheduling tool, if required
Advance reader campaign pages
Social media links
2 rounds of revisions
-
Website launched for you
1:1 training for you and/or your assistant
A curated collection of bite-sized training videos
2 weeks of Quality Assurance
Brand Standards Guide, for brand consistency
Post-launch website tune-up, timed for your book launch
20% off your first year with Squarespace
Preferred pricing + scheduling for future enhancements
-
Strategic preparation phase, then
2-3 week design and launch
Typical investment: $8,000-$10,000
Author Goal: Impact
You’re a business-minded author, aiming to grow your credibility and gain traction with your book(s).
You are ready to invest in an online home to support your current and future success as an author.
We’ll work together to create a powerful online home that showcases your work, using my smooth and streamlined process.
NUMBER OF BOOKS: 1-5
-
Guided preparation with Zoom support for your questions
Copywriting templates for you to write your website wording
Impactful author branding
Number of books: 1-5
-
6-7 key pages of your choice
Blog or evergreen articles area, with 3 loaded for you or Substack integration, so your feed shows up
Book excerpt or “white paper” PDF download
SEO settings for main pages and keyword recommendations
404 page, Privacy page
Email list setup and integration
Lead magnet delivery, if required
Automated “welcome” email
Contact form, if required
Social media links
1-2 rounds of revisions
Additional features can be added; let’s discuss
-
Website launched for you
1:1 training for you
A curated collection of bite-sized training videos
2 weeks of Quality Assurance
20% off your first year with Squarespace
Preferred pricing for future enhancements
-
Guided preparation phase, then
1 week design and launch
Typical investment: $5,000-$6000
Author Goal: Express
You’re likely a new author and you’re excited for a professional, attractive online presence.
Let’s get you up and running fast with a simple, entry-level website.
My Express website package delivers beautiful design, and cures your DIY tech headaches.
You'll provide your website content, and I'll get you online with a site you feel proud of.
NUMBER OF BOOKS: 1-2
-
Guided planning with email support for your questions
You provide all website wording
Starter author branding
Number of books: 1-3
-
4 key pages: typically Home, Book, About, Contact
Basic blog set-up, with your first post loaded for you or integration to show your Substack feed
SEO-friendly settings
Privacy page
Simple contact form
Social media links
1 round of minor revisions
-
Website launched for you
Mini training during launch meeting
A curated collection of bite-sized training videos
1 week of Quality Assurance
20% off your first year with Squarespace
-
Guided preparation phase, then
2 day design and launch
Investment: $2,750
Your author website project begins with a paid Clarity Call so we can dive deep into your author goals and make the best plan for you.
This is the foundation of every successful website I build.
You can expect on-time results, a collaborative process, and a few new skills
“You've taught me to fish, instead of just handing me a fish, and I really appreciate that”
Beth Ann Mathews, Memoir Author
“If you think you need a new website … you're way past the point of needing it”
Nell Wulfhart, Coach, Author, and Podcaster
“I'm finding Squarespace very user-friendly”
Lisa Manterfield, Author and Writing Coach
Your Author Website Project Includes
✓ Thoughtful, honest advice to identify your author priorities and tactics appropriate for you
✓ Premium website design and development in Squarespace
✓ Mobile responsiveness, to make sure every visitor gets a high-end experience
✓ My highly efficient project timeline
✓ Support for the business decisions behind writing and gathering your content
✓ Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics that allow your website to be discovered
✓ My personalized attention throughout our collaboration (I do not currently outsource or employ subcontractors)
✓ My curated collection of bite-sized training videos, so you can feel confident working inside Squarespace
✓ No retainer or costly maintenance package; you fully own your website
✓ 20% off your first year of Squarespace
How does this happen?
Here’s how our website story will usually go:
-
Strategy
Tell me about your work and your author goals. I’ll tell you honestly if we might be a fit to work together.
We’ll move forward with your Author Website Clarity Call where we’ll dig into your options and evaluate the right tools and tactics for you.
After that call, I’ll create a personalized proposal for working together to build and launch your new Author Website.
We’ll choose firm dates for our Design Period, and you’ll pay a project deposit.
-
Preparation
Depending on the package that you choose, you’ll work either with me or independently to prepare your website content.
Either you or I will write your website copy, again depending on your selected package. This phase might also include SEO research by me.
Your images must be ready before our agreed Design Period, and if you’re providing wording, that needs to be at “final draft” stage, too.
-
Design & Build
I now bring the perfect combination of my design, book marketing, and technical skills, to create your professional and powerful author website.
You’ll be closely involved during this phase, which lasts between 2 days and 3 weeks, depending on the scope of your project. I only build one website at a time, so you can be sure of having my full attention.
Your project payments are spaced according to our agreed dates.
-
Launch & Handover
At the end of our Design Period, I’ll launch your new website for you.
Depending on the options that you choose, I’ll either train you in making simple edits, or offer self-guided training resources.
Your final payment is due right before your site launches.
Then, it’s over to you to start using your new website to drive book success!
“Having this gorgeous, professional website is going to help me immensely. It was 1000% worth the investment of my time and funds.”
— Lisa Ramelow, nonfiction author
Hello, I’m Pauline, and I’m an author too
With 6 of my own books, I have a personal track record of book marketing success.
(Want to peek? There are 1200+ Amazon ratings for my debut novel.)
When we work together, you gain business solutions from an experienced marketing partner. I’m proud to provide author website design with meticulous attention to your author goals.
If you value quality and efficiency, delivered in a friendly and supportive way by someone who’s “been there”, then we should get to know each other.
Tell me about your book, your author career, and your author website goals here.
