🌐 Create Your Author Website & Email List

Katrina De Milano
16 авг.
4 мин. чтения

Because social media comes and goes — but your own online home can last a lifetime.

We live in an age of constant scrolling, shifting trends, and ever-changing algorithms. One day your post is seen by thousands, the next it disappears into the digital void. That’s the nature of borrowed space.

But your author career deserves more than that. It deserves roots. A solid foundation that’s entirely yours — no matter what happens on the platforms you don’t control.

That’s where your website and email list come in.

These aren’t just technical tools or nice extras. They are your creative headquarters. Your digital home base. Your safe harbor where readers can always find you, connect with you, and follow your work — no matter what else is going on online.

Whether you’ve just published your very first book or are mapping out an entire fantasy trilogy, this is your chance to build something lasting. Something real.

🏠 Why Every Author Needs a Website

Your website isn’t just an online business card — it’s the central hub for everything you create.

It’s a place where your readers can:

Learn about your books and where to find them
Get to know you — the person behind the pages
Stay updated with your latest releases, events, or creative news

Most importantly, your website is fully yours. You’re not at the mercy of algorithm changes, shadow bans, or third-party platform policies. You decide what goes up, what stays, and how your story is presented to the world.

And no — it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

What matters most is that your site is:

Visually clean and easy to navigate
Clearly written and welcoming
Aligned with your tone and personality as a writer

🎯 Think of it as your digital author card — short, warm, and inviting, with just enough magic to make people want to know more.

✍️ What Should You Include on Your Website?

The best author websites are clear, focused, and uncluttered. They give readers what they’re looking for — and invite them to come back.

Here are the key pages to include:

Homepage — A warm welcome, plus your most important book/news highlights
About — A short bio that gives a sense of who you are and why you write
Books — Covers, back cover blurbs, links to purchase or download
Contact — A simple form or links to your social media
Newsletter Sign-up — A way for readers to stay in touch beyond one-time visits

Optional — but powerful — extras:

A blog or “News” section where you can share thoughts and updates
An event calendar for signings, releases, or online appearances
Free sample chapters or downloadable bonuses for your readers

🧠 Pro Tip: Don’t overthink it. Tools like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress offer beautiful, beginner-friendly templates. Just pick a clean layout and let your words do the talking.

💌 Why You Absolutely Need an Email List

While your website is your home, your email list is your front porch — the place where true connection begins.

Unlike social media followers, people who join your newsletter have chosen to hear from you. They’re curious. They’re interested. They want to be part of your world.

And the best part? You don’t need to send weekly updates (unless you want to!). Even a simple, heartfelt message every few months can deepen your reader relationships.

Here are a few beginner-friendly platforms to consider:

ConvertKit — clean, author-friendly, great for automations
MailerLite — intuitive and generous free plan
Substack — perfect if you want to combine blogging and email
Wix Email Tools — seamless if you’re already using Wix

📬 What to Share in Your Newsletter

Your newsletter doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. Think of it more like writing a letter to a friend — someone who’s excited to hear from you.

Here’s what you might include:

Announcements about upcoming books, cover reveals, or pre-orders
Behind-the-scenes insights into your writing process or world-building
Light, personal updates that make you relatable (not too polished!)
Recommendations — books, music, podcasts, shows — whatever inspires you
Exclusive content like free chapters, character art, or early peeks

🎯 The golden rule? Keep it human. Keep it honest. Make it feel like a gift, not a sales pitch.

✅ Final Takeaway

Creating an author website and building an email list might sound like things for tech-savvy professionals or full-time writers — but they’re not.

They’re for you. Right now. Wherever you are in your journey.

Because having a platform of your own says something powerful:

“I take my writing seriously. I care about my readers. And I’m here to stay.”

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need a perfect site or a polished newsletter. You just need to begin — and let it grow with you.