“If You Publish It, Will They Come?”
Let’s say you’ve finally done it — you’ve finished your novel, figured out Kindle Direct Publishing, and your book is live on Amazon.
But now comes the sobering moment.
You Google your name…and nothing shows up. No website, no links, no way for readers to connect with you beyond a bland Amazon bio. In today’s digital-first publishing world, that’s like trying to sell books in a bookstore without showing up.
That’s why a well-crafted author website is your digital headquarters, and not just a luxury.
Whether you’re a fantasy novelist, a memoirist, or just starting with short stories, having a site gives you a professional edge. It builds trust with readers, helps you grow a mailing list, and yes, even helps you sell more books.
And the best part? You don’t have to be tech-savvy or published to have one. Tools and services (like The Publishing Pad, which helps indie authors build high-converting websites without the tech overwhelm) make it easier than ever to get started.
To get your creative wheels turning, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best self-published author websites. These are working examples of smart author branding, content marketing, and reader connection done right.
Let’s get into them.
1. Joanna Penn – www.thecreativepenn.com
Few names are as influential in the self-publishing space as Joanna Penn. Not only is she a successful thriller and non-fiction author, but her site also serves as a resource hub for writers across the globe.
Why It Stands Out:
- Multifunctional: It’s a blog, podcast hub, course platform, and book store.
- SEO-rich content: Joanna has optimized over a decade’s worth of blog posts around topics like “book marketing,” “author mindset,” and “writing tips.”
- Clear branding: Her author persona shines through as intelligent, generous, and prolific.
2. Mark Dawson – www.markjdawson.com
Mark Dawson is another powerhouse in the indie publishing world. He’s known for his John Milton thriller series and his work as a lawyer.
Why It Stands Out:
- Clean, high-converting design: The homepage invites readers to sign up for his email list with a compelling free offer.
- Smart segmentation: His site caters to his audiences both via email, blog, ebooks and store to get his physical books.
- Back-end strategy: Mark uses the site as part of a larger sales funnel, complete with email automation.
Takeaway: Even if you’re just starting out, you can borrow this structure — home > about > books > blog > contact — to keep things simple yet powerful.
3. H.M. Clarke – www.hmclarkeauthor.com
Australian fantasy and sci-fi author H.M. Clarke presents a colourful, genre-specific experience for fans of space operas and epic sagas.
Why It Stands Out:
- Vibrant branding: The colour palette and visuals match her fantasy themes perfectly.
- Series-focused layout: Instead of overwhelming readers with all her books at once, Clarke divides them by series.
- Newsletter placement: Email signup is at the header, offering free short stories as incentives.
Design Insight: This site is a great example of how to tailor your author website to a fiction genre and keep fans immersed in your world.
4. Rebekah Crane – www.rebekahcrane.com
If you’re a fan of minimalism, Rebekah Crane’s author website is a breath of fresh air.
Why It Stands Out:
- Simplicity: Buttons to everything you need — books, about, and contact — is right on the homepage.
- Clean typography: Easy to read and mobile-responsive.
- Visual focus: Beautiful book cover displays that pop against a white background.
User Experience Note: More than 60% of visitors view author websites from their phones. Rebekah’s site is optimized for that, offering a seamless scroll without clutter.
5. Michael J. Sullivan – www.riyria.com
Michael J. Sullivan is a great example of an unpublished author who used his website early on to build a following before becoming a best-selling name in fantasy fiction.
Why It Stands Out:
- World-building integration: His website feels like a continuation of his books; maps, timelines, lore, and all.
- Clear pathways: Readers can explore books, bio, and store with intuitive navigation.
- Credibility boosters: Features mention as a New York Times Bestselling Author, links to Goodreads, and reviews.
SEO Insight: Sullivan balances keywords like “epic fantasy author” and “indie books” in his page titles, without stuffing them unnaturally.
6. Bella Andre – www.bellaandre.com
Bella Andre is a prolific romance author whose site balances sleek aesthetics with high-function performance.
Why It Works:
- Genre alignment: Her colour palette and soft, romantic design speak directly to her audience.
- Book navigation: With over 50 titles, Bella makes it easy for readers to sort by series or format.
- CTA power: Full variety of buttons to easily get her books and newsletter sign-ups throughout the homepage.
- Global reach: Multiple translations and links for international readers.
SEO Highlight: Bella’s site capitalizes on long-tail keywords like “contemporary romance series” while maintaining a smooth, non-spammy flow.
7. Derek Murphy – www.creativindie.com
Derek Murphy wears multiple hats: author, designer, marketer, and writing coach. His website reflects that versatility.
What Sets It Apart:
- Content-driven strategy: Derek blogs regularly, which brings organic traffic through SEO-rich articles.
- Free value: He offers downloadable tools and guides for fellow indie authors.
- Strong voice: His brand tone is edgy, honest, and highly relatable.
8. J.F. Penn – www.jfpenn.com
Joanna Penn appears again here under her fiction brand, J.F. Penn, showcasing her thrillers in a very genre-specific way.
Why It Works:
- Sharp focus: This site only promotes her fiction, which keeps the messaging tight and targeted.
- Media elements: Uses trailers, atmospheric images, and her book collections to immerse readers.
- Reader funnel: Smart use of opt-in offers like free ebooks to build her mailing list.
💡 Takeaway: If you write in multiple genres or under pen names, separating your websites might keep your messaging stronger.
9. Jasinda Wilder – www.jasindawilder.com
With a mix of romance and women’s fiction, Jasinda Wilder’s site oozes personality and emotional depth.
What It Does Well:
- Emotional branding: Her copy and imagery speak directly to the emotional core of her readers.
- Mobile-ready design: Clean layout with easy navigation on both desktop and mobile.
- Interactive elements: Embedded video trailers and audiobook samples.
SEO Note: Jasinda’s site avoids keyword stuffing while naturally integrating terms like “best romance author websites” into meta tags and headlines.
10. Jenna Moreci – www.jennamoreci.com
Jenna Moreci is a self-published fantasy author and YouTube personality who has built a robust author platform. Her website reflects her bold, humorous brand while providing everything her readers and aspiring writers might need.
Why It Stands Out:
- Strong branding: Jenna’s voice is unmistakably confident, snarky, and fun. Her site matches this tone with bold fonts, high-contrast visuals, and clever copy..
- Conversion-focused: Clear CTAs like “Preorder Now,” “Learn More,” or “Subscribe” are strategically placed for high engagement.
- Cross-platform presence: Jenna smartly connects her website to her active YouTube channel and social platforms, increasing visibility and backlinks.
SEO Insight: Jenna naturally weaves in keywords like “fantasy author,” “self-published novels,” and “indie writing advice” without disrupting the flow of content.
Want to Build a Site Like These? Here’s a Shortcut:
Designing a standout website like these doesn’t have to mean endless tutorials and late-night tech struggles.
The Publishing Pad specialize in helping self-published and aspiring authors launch professional, high-performing websites without learning to code or struggling through clunky templates. Whether you’re launching your first book or upgrading your brand, we can help you do it right.
Conclusion: Your Website Is More Than Just a Bio Page
The best self-published author websites do three things exceptionally well:
- They reflect the author’s brand and voice.
- They help readers connect, subscribe, and buy books.
- They act as a platform for long-term growth.
You don’t need to copy every detail, but you can start by choosing the elements that fit your style and build from there.
So, take inspiration from these examples. Use them as a launchpad. Tweak what works, ignore what doesn’t, and put your own spin on it.
Because at the end of the day, if readers search for your name online… what will they find?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should a self-published author’s website include?
A great author website should include your bio, book catalogue, newsletter signup, blog (optional), social media links, contact info, and clear ways for readers to buy your books.
Can unpublished authors have a website?
Absolutely. In fact, building a website before publishing can help you grow an audience early, collect emails, and show industry professionals that you’re serious.
What’s the best platform to create an author website for free?
Free options include WordPress.com, Wix, and Carrd. These platforms are user-friendly and allow you to build professional-looking sites without upfront costs.
How do author websites help with book sales?
They serve as a central hub where readers can discover your books, join your email list, follow your updates, and click through to purchase from retailers like Amazon or Apple Books.
Should I blog as an author?
Blogging is optional, but it can boost SEO and reader engagement. Many authors blog about writing, book recommendations, or behind-the-scenes looks at their work.
