Professional Websites for Indie Authors
Author Websites That Sell Books & Build Your Fan Base
Built for self-published authors ready to be taken seriously by readers, reviewers, and retailers
Your books deserve better than a generic site builder template. Without a thoughtfully designed site as individual as your writing, readers can’t find your backlist, bookstores won’t take you seriously, and you’re losing sales to authors who look more established—even if their writing isn’t as good as yours.
What's Included
- Customized website — 3–5 SEO ready pages with custom contact form
- Domain registration (1 year) — personal URL transferrable upon request
- Professional email address — delivered with your final site login
- On-page SEO — titles, meta, and headings to help you be found via search
- Site hosting & maintenance (1 year) — WordPress updates, regular site backups, and WordFence security
- Quarterly update support — 1 hour each quarter for light edits (e.g, minor changes like photo swaps, or copy tweaks)
- Content Workbook — guided checklist for author bio, book descriptions, buy links, newsletter signup, reader contact, and SEO
- 1 hr. Training session at launch — recording provided to help you make simple updates
Payment & Launch
One simple price covers the design and setup of your website.
PLUS:
- The Site Content Workbook that ensures important information—like book descriptions, buy links, author bio, and contact details aren’t missed.
- Custom URL domain registration,
- setup of your custom email account,
- your first year of site hosting & maintenance,
- WordPress training so you can make updates,
- an hour each quarter for additional updates and support.
- Discounted rates for ongoing hosting & maintenance after the first year.
Package Pricing
$1,500
- 50% non‑refundable deposit to begin project.
- 50% final payment before launch.
- Launch after final payment includes:
- Your URL is directed to your new site (“pushed live”), and site will be submitted to Google search.
- An Admin login will be provided during our training session.
The timeline depends on you: how long you take to complete the Content Workbook, provide images you want used on the site, and how quickly you provide feedback during your site review.
Why This Matters For Author Career
An Amazon Author Page isn’t enough anymore. Readers want to connect with you, bookstores and media expect professionalism, and search engines reward well-structured sites. With this package, you’ll have a home that:
- Showcases your complete backlist, upcoming releases, and teaser freebies
- Builds credibility with readers, reviewers, and retailers
- Gives you control over your brand (no platform can shut you down or change the rules)
- Grows with your career as you publish more books
How It Works
First, we consult and chat about your books, readers, and goals to ensure we align on the look and feel. The project begins with 50% upfront payment, then we’ll follow this process step-by-step.
Deposit & content
You'll complete the Content Workbook and share brand assets (logo, colors, fonts, book covers, buy links).
Site
Build
Site built using the completed Content Workbook, with your author brand at the center.
Site
Review
You'll have an opportunity to review the site, provide feedback, and request some tweaks.
Launch
& Support
Pay remaining 50%, and the site goes LIVE. Then we'll schedule your training session.
After The First Year
- Prepaid hosting & maintenance — $125 per quarter or pay for a full year for a 15% discount (covers hosting, routine updates, plugin licenses, security monitoring, backups, and 1 hr update support per quarter*)
- Or, transfer to another provider (anytime) after the ICANN 60 day domain lock period
*Support hours do not roll over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pages are included?
Home, About/Bio, Books, Contact, Reading Order or Series features, and Newsletter Signup (if applicable)
Can I add more?
Yes! A blog for author updates, an events/appearances page, reader extras (bonus scenes, character art), or merch page with buy now buttons are available as add-ons.
What if I write in multiple genres or under pen names?
We can structure your site to accommodate multiple pen names or clearly separate different series/genres as an add-on.
Can you link to all the retailers where my books are sold?
Absolutely. We’ll include buy buttons or links for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, direct sales, or wherever your books live.
What if I'm still writing my first book?
Perfect timing! Having your site ready before launch makes your book release smoother. We can build a “Coming Soon” site now and update it when you’re ready to publish.
Do I need professional book covers first?
It helps, but we can work with what you have and update images later during your quarterly support hours.
Can you help me set up my newsletter?
Yes! We can integrate Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or another email provider as part of your site setup.
Who owns the domain?
You do. New domains can’t be transferred for 60 days per ICANN rules; after that, transfers are available on request.
Questions? Start here. Not covered? Get in touch using one of the options below.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Book a free 30-minute consultation or send me a message—your choice.
Quick chat, no pressure, we’ll figure out if this is the right fit.
Prefer email?
Drop me a note at suzie@emberloomstudio.com and I’ll respond within 24 hours.
Most projects are completed in 2-3 weeks.