You’ve sat down and decided that you need an author website. Maybe you read my post about why authors need more than social media, you want to grow your email list, or maybe you want to start selling signed editions and merch. Either way, you know you want an author website.
The problem is, you’re stuck on what actually goes on it—how big does it have to be, what do you include, do you have to make it yourself?
So what goes on an author website?
You’re thinking, well, my books, right? And a newsletter sign-up?
Yep. But what else?
The good news is that you don’t need twelve pages, a complicated navigation menu and a website that looks like it was built for Penguin’s entire back catalogue. For most authors, your website can be distilled down into four core pages. But, rather than figure these pages out for yourself, read on while I break them down.
The Breakdown
The Homepage
The crowning jewel of the website (no really it is).
This is where people first land– both old and new readers– so you want it to be engaging and informative. Luckily, that’s easier than you think.
Your homepage has one big job: help visitors quickly understand who you are, what you write, and where they should go next. So whether that’s your latest book, an established series, your newsletter sign-up or getting in touch… the homepage guides them to that action.
If you’re DIYing your website it’s really quite intuitive. I’d recommend spending more time on your homepage than any other page.
What should be on it?
The first section of the website is the most important–it decides whether people stay or go. Include a clear heading or tagline that gives people genre expectations, and an obvious call-to-action button, recommending what action to take next (this comes back to your goals for the website).
Also include: imagery for your latest book, with blurb, pricing & purchase links, a small paragraph for a mini About section, reviews/excerpts if available, a newsletter sign up (this is vital).
The Books Page
This is the second most important, as this is one of the pages you want a lot of eyes on (and a lot of action taken). Your Books page isn’t just a catalogue. It’s a sales page too.
Rather than creating one long list of every book you’ve written, divide them into sections and clearly list the relevant information for each book. Very, very clearly.
What should be on it?
Book title and series name, a short, engaging blurb (one of the hardest things to write, I know!), and make sure to include purchase links. You want readers to take action, so link to your Amazon page, other retailers, or wherever else you sell.
Don’t forget a high quality image of your book, be it a simple cover photo, a physical mockup or an ebook mockup. Provide enough material to draw the eye and make people want to know more.
The About Page
This is the personality piece.
People come here to learn more about you. Who you are, what you like, why you write. Don’t worry about listing every qualification or award you have (though those are nice, so feel free to add some), but help readers get to know you a bit better.
A well-written About page can help convince readers to buy from you, follow you, and subscribe to you. This page can also be helpful for press or media, and I would recommend it over a separate media kit page.
What should be on it?
Not your CV (we’ve all had enough of those), but a biography that allows readers to understand who you are. Why do you write your books, why do you love your genre? What’s your inspiration or writing process?
Talk about why you started writing, and what readers can expect from your books. Personality encouraged.
The Contact Page
Give readers an easy way to get in touch. Seriously, don’t make them hunt for your email address. Keep the contact form simple and easy to fill out. Nobody wants to complete an application form just to ask a question. I’d recommend against only providing your author email because of spam risks.
What should be on it?
This one is pretty simple.
A clear form with a name, email and message input will beat the 20 input form that asks for your favourite time of day and mother’s maiden name.
Make sure to test this form and check it works on both desktop and mobile.
It’s a good idea to leave a note about what you will and will not respond to. So yes you’d like media & press enquiries, but editing someone’s manuscript? Probably not…
What if I’m just starting out as an author?
Just because you need a website doesn’t mean it has to be as big as possible.
For new authors especially, having a solid presence and a place to send people is better than nothing at all.
Starting out with two pages filled with good, relevant content is enough to get you started. You want to focus on the homepage and a books page (if you’re already building a catalogue), otherwise a homepage and a contact page is the way to go.
If we’re getting into the nitty gritty of a 2 page website, you want a homepage and a strategic mix of Books, About and Contact, but that’s for me to worry about. If you want a starting point and would like me to do it for you, the first chapter is what you’re looking for.
The one thing you shouldn’t forget
You want it on multiple pages throughout the website, and make sure not to forget! With the 4 core pages, I’d recommend having a newsletter sign-up on all four pages except the Contact page. (They’re already looking to get in touch, asking them for another input can turn people off).
Your email list is one of your most important assets, so double check you have it on enough pages to be the most effective.
So, what do you actually need?
These 4 pages can give you a solid foundation. If you’re just starting out, 2 well-planned pages can be more than enough.
But, once you’re ready to build a more comprehensive website, this is when you can introduce a blog, an events page, a lead magnet, a separate newsletter page to send people to, etc.
These extra pages don’t exist for the sake of it, they each aim for a specific goal and are designed strategically to inspire purchases and subscribers. You don’t need more pages just to make your website look more impressive.
The right website isn’t about hitting a particular page count–it’s about giving readers the information they need without making them hunt for it.
If you’re not sure if you need a website, take a look at this blog post explaining why they’re necessary for authors in 2026: why authors need more than social media
If you’re DIYing and want more information on what should go on your homepage, check out my free homepage guide here ↓
