Aspiring Author Website: Your Essential Guide to Getting Started
Creating an aspiring author website can help emerging writers establish their presence in the literary world. Whether you’re working on your first novel, short story collection, or nonfiction project, an author website serves as your digital business card, creative portfolio, and hub for connecting with readers, agents, and publishers. If you’ve ever wondered why and how to create a website as an aspiring author, this article will guide you through its importance, key elements, and actionable advice. It’s 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.
Key Elements of an Aspiring Author Website
1. A Compelling About Page
Your “About” page is often the first place visitors will explore. Use it to share your background, writing journey, and any unique aspects of your story. Keep it professional but personal enough to create a connection.
Tip: Write your bio in third person for professionalism but add a first-person touch to keep it relatable.
2. Showcase Your Writing
Even if you haven’t published a book, include excerpts, short stories, or blog posts to give visitors a taste of your writing style. This helps establish your voice and attract readers or industry professionals who resonate with your work.
3. A Blog or Updates Section
Blogging about your writing journey, inspirations, or even book reviews can help aspiring authors engage with visitors. Regularly updated content also improves your search engine rankings.
SEO Insight: Blogs with targeted keywords like “aspiring author website” or “how to build an author platform” can attract aspiring writers and readers alike.
4. Contact Information
Make it easy for visitors to reach you. Include an email form or a dedicated contact page for inquiries from readers, agents, or collaborators.
5. Mailing List Signup
Start building your email list early. A newsletter allows you to keep in touch with your audience, announce updates, and promote your work once published.
Fact: According to HubSpot, email marketing has an ROI of $42 for every dollar spent, making it a valuable tool for authors.
6. Social Media Links
Link to your active social media platforms, where readers can engage with you in a more casual setting. However, make sure your website is the central hub, not a replacement for your social accounts.
How to Create Your Aspiring Author Website
1. Choose a Website Builder
Platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix are user-friendly and offer customizable templates for aspiring authors. Choose a design that reflects your personality and writing style.
2. Secure a Domain Name
Your domain name should be easy to remember and ideally include your name, such as www.YourName.com. If your name is common, consider adding “author” or “writer” (e.g., www.JaneDoeAuthor.com).
3. Focus on Design and Usability
Your website should be clean, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. Avoid clutter and ensure important information (like your bio and contact details) is easy to find.
Statistic: A study by Sweor found that 57% of users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile site.
When to Launch Your Author Website
The best time to launch your author website is as soon as possible. Even if you’re still drafting your first manuscript, having a website allows you to:
- Start building an audience.
- Establish a professional presence.
- Practice sharing your voice and engaging with readers.
Examples of Aspiring Author Success Stories
- Debut Authors: Many first-time authors have credited their websites for helping them secure literary agents or build a pre-publication audience.
- Indie Authors: Self-published writers often use their websites to sell directly to readers, avoiding the fees associated with third-party platforms.
Why Do Aspiring Authors Need a Website?
1. Establishing Your Online Presence
In today’s digital-first world, having an online presence is non-negotiable for any writer. Even if you haven’t published a book yet, your website can introduce you to the world, showcase your writing, and lay the foundation for your literary career. Think of it as planting the seeds for future opportunities.
Statistic: According to Statista, there are over 4.9 billion internet users globally. Without a website, you’re missing out on connecting with this vast audience.
2. Building Credibility
A professional website demonstrates that you’re serious about your craft. Agents, publishers, and readers often look for aspiring authors who are organized and professional. A well-crafted website reflects those qualities.
Anecdote: Many authors have shared that literary agents discovered them through their websites. For example, author Rupi Kaur built her early following through her online presence before publishing her bestselling poetry collection.
3. Connecting with Readers
Even if you’re still in the drafting stages, your website allows you to start building a readership. Readers love to follow an author’s journey, and sharing your experiences, challenges, and inspirations creates a connection that can grow into a loyal audience.
Example: Aspiring authors who blog about their writing process often attract other writers and potential fans who are eager to see the finished work.
4. Centralizing Your Content
Social media is an excellent tool for promotion, but it’s unreliable as a sole platform—algorithms change, platforms evolve, and accounts can be lost. Your website, however, is entirely under your control. It acts as a permanent home for your portfolio, bio, and updates.
Conclusion – Aspiring Author Website
An aspiring author website isn’t just a tool—it’s an investment in your future as a writer. It establishes your credibility, connects you with readers, and centralizes your professional presence. By creating your website early, you’ll be ready to leverage it when opportunities arise, from connecting with literary agents to promoting your first book. Whether you’re still dreaming of publication or preparing for your debut, your aspiring author website can be the key to turning your dreams into reality. Now that you’ve read ” Aspiring Author Website,” click here for the next part of this guide to creating an author website called, “Author Website Design.“
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.
