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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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?)
How to resize book covers for your author website
This is something I get asked for advice on A LOT, so I thought I’d do a quick video to show you how to resize the covers for your books, so that they’re not too big before you upload them to your author website.
How to find photos for your author website
I really don’t want to start this blog post by writing ‘an image speaks a thousand words’ but… it’s 8am and I haven’t had much caffeine yet so… let me just whisper it. It’s true, anyway. Especially online. Photographs and images are simply much easier and more efficient ways to consume content on websites – even though, as a writer, it pains me to say so.
22 author website examples to inspire you
As you’d expect, I have spent a LOT of time looking at author websites. And I genuinely love it. Seeing all the amazing creative ideas that different authors have for their websites lights me up.
How to add links to your Squarespace author website
I know this might seem like a bit of a basic post, but I’ve come to realise that I spend a lot of time talking about links with my author website clients! So I thought it was time to dedicate a blog post to them, because it’s not actually as simple as it might sound...
How to build an author website: a step-by-step guide for authors
Create a professional author website with my step-by-step guide. Learn essential tips to enhance your branding and connect with readers effectively.
How to add text effects to your Squarespace author website
As authors, we often struggle to find good images for our websites. I find many of my author clients get in touch feeling worried that they don’t have any good photography for their website. Quite often they’ll only have their headshot, and their book’s cover, and that’s it.
How to format images for your author website
‘An image speaks a thousand words’ - this really does hold true on the internet. We much prefer to consume content online in image form, rather than text (obviously this saddens me, as a writer, but the evidence backs it up!).
How to add a social sharing image to your author website
Another quick video for you today to show you how to add a social sharing image to your author website.
✨ 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