Home » Creating an Author Website » Author Website Template

Author Website Template: Simplify Your Online Presence

If you’re new to web design or looking for a cost-effective way to launch your site, an author website template will provide a quick and efficient solution. These pre-designed layouts are customizable, user-friendly, and tailored to the needs of authors. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using author website templates, highlight popular platforms offering these templates, and share tips for choosing the best one for your needs. This article is part of a 12-step Guide to Making an Author Website, written by a former literary agent who’s helped 400+ authors get literary agents and/or traditional publishers.

What Is an Author Website Template?

An author website template is a pre-designed framework or layout specifically tailored to meet the needs of authors who are building their online presence. These templates are created by website-building platforms or designers and come with customizable features, making it easier for authors to showcase their work, engage with readers, and establish their professional brand.

Why Use Author Website Templates?

1. Cost-Effective Solution

Building a custom website from scratch can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the designer and features. Author website templates, however, are often free or available for a fraction of the cost, with many ranging from $50 to $200.

2. Time-Saving

Templates eliminate the need for coding or design expertise. With pre-built layouts and functionalities, you can launch your site in hours instead of weeks.

3. Customization Options

Templates offer flexibility, allowing you to:

• Change colors and fonts to match your brand.
• Add or remove sections based on your specific needs.
• Integrate features like contact forms, book showcases, and blog pages.

4. Professional Design

According to a study by Stanford University, 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on its website design. Author website templates ensure your site looks polished and professional, even if you’re a beginner.

5. SEO Optimization

Many modern templates are built with SEO in mind, featuring clean code and responsive design to improve your site’s visibility on search engines.

Who Should Use an Author Website Template?

• Aspiring Authors: To establish an online presence even before publishing their first book.
• Self-Published Authors: To create a platform for promoting and selling books directly to readers.
• Traditionally Published Authors: To provide information about their work, upcoming releases, and events.
• Multifaceted Writers: To showcase their versatility, such as combining fiction, non-fiction, and poetry portfolios.

Essential Features of Author Website Templates

When selecting an author website template, ensure it includes the following features:

1. Homepage Design
• Highlight your latest book with a call-to-action (e.g., “Buy Now”).
• Include a professional photo and brief introduction.
2. Books Showcase
• Dedicated sections for book summaries, cover images, and purchase links.
• Room for reviews and endorsements.
3. About Page
• Space for your biography, achievements, and writing journey.
4. Contact Form
• An easy way for readers, media, or publishers to get in touch.
5. Newsletter Sign-Up
• Integrate with tools like Mailchimp to build and manage your email list.
6. Blog Integration
• Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and writing tips to engage your audience.
7. Mobile Responsiveness
• With 60% of web traffic coming from mobile devices (Statista, 2022), a responsive design is crucial.
8. SEO-Friendly Design
• Features like customizable meta tags, alt text for images, and fast load times to boost your site’s ranking on search engines.

Examples of Effective Author Website Templates

1. “Minimalist Author” by Squarespace

• Features: Simple navigation, large book cover images, and a built-in blog.
• Best For: Fiction and nonfiction authors who want a clean, professional look.

2. “Lit Author” by WordPress

• Features: Multiple book showcase options, customizable widgets, and SEO-friendly design.
• Best For: Authors with several publications or series.

3. “Creative Writer” by Wix

• Features: Vibrant visuals, integrated social media links, and newsletter sign-up forms.
• Best For: Children’s book authors or writers with a colorful, interactive brand.

4. “Eloquent Pro” by Divi

• Features: Elegant typography, customizable headers, and interactive book sliders.
• Best For: Literary fiction authors or poets.

Tips for Choosing the Best Template

1. Match Your Genre:
• Thrillers or mysteries may benefit from dark, moody designs.
• Romance or children’s books may work better with bright, playful themes.
2. Consider Your Needs:
• Prioritize templates with the right functionality, such as eCommerce integration or blogging features.
3. Look for Scalability:
• Choose a template that can grow with you as you publish more books.
4. Test Responsiveness:
• Preview how the template looks on mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.
5. Check for SEO Features:
• Ensure the template supports custom meta descriptions, image optimization, and fast load speeds. 

Best Platforms for Author Website Templates

Several platforms offer high-quality templates specifically designed for authors. Here are the top choices:

1. WordPress

• Why It’s Great: WordPress powers over 40% of all websites globally (W3Techs, 2023), making it one of the most trusted platforms.
• Template Examples:
• Astra: Lightweight and customizable, ideal for authors with multiple books.
• OceanWP: Offers sleek, professional designs with fast load times.
• Divi: A drag-and-drop builder with endless design possibilities.
• Price Range: Free to $89/year (for premium templates).

2. Squarespace

• Why It’s Great: Known for its visually stunning templates, Squarespace is perfect for authors who want a modern, minimalist design.
• Template Examples:
• Brine: Excellent for showcasing books and events.
• Galapagos: Ideal for authors who sell directly through their site.
• Price Range: $12–$40/month (includes hosting).

3. Wix

• Why It’s Great: User-friendly drag-and-drop editor with templates for every genre.
• Template Examples:
• Writer Portfolio: A clean, organized layout with sections for books, blogs, and events.
• Storyteller: Vibrant and engaging, ideal for children’s book authors.
• Price Range: Free to $39/month (premium plans include advanced features).

4. Weebly

• Why It’s Great: A budget-friendly option for beginners with straightforward templates.
• Template Examples:
• Novelist: Simple and effective, focusing on book promotions.
• Poet’s Haven: Perfect for authors who want to highlight their writing journey.
• Price Range: Free to $26/month (premium plans).

5. Shopify

• Why It’s Great: Excellent for authors who want to sell books directly from their site.
• Template Examples:
• Narrative: Tailored for storytelling with room for book descriptions and visuals.
• Debut: Clean and easy to navigate, ideal for eCommerce.
• Price Range: $29–$299/month (includes eCommerce tools).

Statistics Supporting Author Website Templates

• Template Popularity: 58% of small business websites use templates due to cost-effectiveness and ease of use (GoodFirms, 2023).
• Mobile Optimization: Websites with mobile-friendly templates see a 20% higher engagement rate (Google, 2022).
• SEO Benefits: Pre-built SEO features in templates can increase organic traffic by up to 30% (Ahrefs, 2023).

Conclusion – Author Website Templates

Using author website templates is a practical, efficient way to create a professional online presence without breaking the bank. Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix offer a variety of customizable options tailored to authors, whether you’re launching your first book or managing a growing portfolio. By focusing on essential features like book showcases, responsive design, and SEO optimization, you can create a website that not only represents your brand but also connects with readers and drives sales. Start with a template that suits your genre and style, and watch your online presence thrive. Now that you’ve read “Author Website Templates,” click here for the next part of this guide to creating an author website called, “Author Website Examples.”

The Bestselling Author, LLC

Founded by Mark Malatesta in 2011, The Bestselling Author has helped 400+ writers get literary agents and/or traditional publishers. Notable authors Mark has worked with include Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire, which Martin Scorsese produced for HBO; Leslie Lehr, author of A Boob’s Life, which is being adapted for an HBO Max TV series by Salma Hayek; and Scott LeRette, author of The Unbreakable Boy, published by Thomas Nelson and now a major motion picture by Lionsgate starring Patricia Heaton, Zachary Levi, and Amy Acker. Authors who’ve worked with Literary Agent Undercover, a division of The Bestselling Author, have gotten six-figure book deals; been on the New York Times bestseller list; had their books adapted for TV, stage, and feature film; had their work licensed in 40+ countries; and sold many millions of books. Mark’s work as an author coach and consultant is informed by his previous experience as a literary agent, literary agency owner, AAR member, and Marketing & Licensing Manager for the gift and book publisher Blue Mountain Arts. Click here to see Mark Malatesta reviews.