welcome…
…to all my secrets on life as a published author
(I’m 7 traditionally published books in and I’ve learnt some stuff 😉)
I blog weekly about author websites, newsletters and life as a writer…
New posts published every Monday 😊
Want to learn more about me and my own publishing journey first?
(includes info on how I landed one of those mythical six-figure book deals!)
Read all about my own journey to publication →
Or scroll down to read all my other posts!
most popular posts
most recent posts
Project Spotlight: lizatully.com & elisabethelo.com
I’m so excited to be sharing not one, but TWO of my most recent projects with you today, but - plot twist - they are both for the same author! Elisabeth writes under two different names, for two distinct author brands, and approached me to design two very different websites - one for each of them.
Why I don't recommend Wordpress for your author website
Before I start this post, allow me a disclaimer. I think Wordpress is brilliant. I really do. There’s a reason that more than 30% of ALL websites are built using this platform. I used Wordpress for my own websites for years, and was a huge advocate of it.
Some honest thoughts on writing out of contract
I recently finished the second draft of my latest novel - my eleventh novel that I’ve written (I read somewhere that to become a ‘master’ at writing you need to have written a million words and I reckon I’ve surpassed that now - can someone send me a certificate please needy for validation?!)
Do I need a website before I get a book deal?
Over the five years I’ve been building author websites, I’ve built quite a few sites for authors who have yet to sign book deals and it’s always really exciting working with writers who are so forward-thinking in their ambitions.
What is your author website for?
Excuse the rather glib title to this post - but it occurred to me recently that some authors I work with come to me because they want an author website, but at the same time, they aren’t exactly sure why they want one.
Project spotlight: willrdean.com
It’s been a while since I shared one of my web design projects with you – so today I’m really happy to be taking a more in-depth look at one of my first projects of 2025: a website for award-winning author and forest dweller, Will Dean.
Why Substack is not a substitute for your author website
I’m in quite a few writer Facebook groups (which I love!) and I’ve heard a lot of chatter lately about people ditching their author websites / blogs and moving everything over to Substack.
Some honest thoughts about writing as an identity
Linkedin inspired me to write this blog post! That’s definitely not something I ever thought I’d say.
Using Squarespace's AI tools to build your author website
In my recent blog post about AI, I touched on the fact it’s becoming possible to use AI to help you build your website from scratch. Several website platform builders have introduced AI tools recently, and of course, Squarespace is leading the way, with Blueprint AI - which is effectively a sort of website-set-up wizard.
Guest post: 4 ways to prioritise your writing when life gets hectic
Thank you to Charlotte for inviting me to write this guest post! I’m Sarah Welch, and I’m here because Charlotte and I have both noticed a something that I’m sure you’ve felt, too:
My most popular blog posts in 2024
Not to show off, but I get lots of lovely messages from readers of my blog saying how interesting they find it and also how reassuring and helpful.
Why AI means your author website is more important than ever
There’s been much discussion among authors about artificial intelligence and the impact it’s going to have on the ‘career’ of a writer. Which let’s face it, has been perilously risky for years even before this little disruptor came along...
How to create an author website for free
I know I WOULD say this but… an author website is one of the most powerful tools for connecting with your readers, showcasing your work, and building your brand.
Substack for authors: interview with Emma Rowley
I had such a great response to my previous interview with Eleanor Anstruther about Substack, that I thought readers might find a chat with Emma Rowley, who works for Substack in the UK, helpful too.
One simple tweak to make to your author website today
I think this might be the shortest blog post I ever write, but here we go anyway! A small but important New Year thing that lots of people miss…
My three words for 2025
Allow me to share this Instagram post with you that freaked me out recently…
2024: my work year in review
Ahhh! It’s nearly the end of 2024 and this is my most favourite of all my blog posts to write so I may be a little bit overexcited.
My final 3 website designs of 2024!
The idea for this post just popped into my head and I thought it would be a bit of fun because it occurred to me the other day that the last three sites I built were so different from each other!
Squarespace: how to fix your Instagram feed
This is something that I’ve had a few questions about from former clients: how to fix your Instagram feed when it stops updating on your Squarespace website.
How long does it take to build an author website?
There are a lot of factors to consider when building your author website - from which platform to use, to how much you want to spend, and how much content you want to include. You also need to think about the strategy for your author website - what’s your primary goal for the website (if you’re not sure, may I suggest building your author mailing list?)
✨ 30 things I’ve learnt from 5 years being published ✨
September 6 2023 marked 5 years since my first book was released 😲
To celebrate, I shared a new post about what I’ve learnt from being published EVERY DAY throughout the month.
Enjoy!
curious about my books?
click the covers to find out more
pssst! before you go…
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Look at all the great stuff you’ll get…
Essential Guide to SEO for Authors
17 page guide
The Debut Author’s Survival Guide
30 page ebook
Author Website Content Guide
14 page guide
Author Newsletters
- a Beginner’s Guide
30 minute video
Blogging for Authors
- a Beginner’s Guide
18 minute video