26f7.png?format=1500w)
welcome…
…to all my secrets on life as a published author
(I’m 7 traditionally published books in and I’ve learnt some stuff 😉)
I blog weekly about author websites, newsletters and life as a writer…
New posts published every Monday 😊
Want to learn more about me and my own publishing journey first?
(includes info on how I landed one of those mythical six-figure book deals!)
Read all about my own journey to publication →
Or scroll down to read all my other posts!
most popular posts
most recent posts
5 expert tips for your DIY author website
I’ve been building author websites for nearly six years now (WHAT?!!!) and I have definitely learnt a few tricks in that time. While I did complete a comprehensive web design course before launching my studio, there are always things to learn, and I pick up different ideas and tricks with each website I build.
My top tips for attending writing festivals
I can’t believe it’s been a year since my post about Harrogate went kind of viral (as viral as anything in the crime-writing-book-festival-niche can go, anyway! 😆).
How to set up a blog on your Squarespace author website
Blogging may feel a bit old school in the age of TikTok trends and lightning-fast Reels, but here’s a little secret: for authors, it’s STILL one of the most powerful tools out there - especially when it comes to building a long-term, loyal readership and boosting your visibility online.
Some honest thoughts on social media for authors
I came across the following post on Instagram this week and it brought out a very wry smile in me.
Expert support for authors: interview with The Author Clinic
Today, I’m excited to be sharing an interview about a brand new service that I WISH I had had when I first started writing: The Author Clinic. I’ve known the ladies who set this up for a while now, and when I first heard about their new venture, I found it hard to believe no one had thought of doing something like this before…
Project Spotlight: kitconway.com
Oh my goodness I love this website! And I know that sounds a bit boastful of me, but WOULD YOU LOOK AT IT!? It’s such a fab experience when an author has a book with a really distinctive hook, theme and cover that just all come together so perfectly.
Why you need a custom email address for your author career
Email addresses! When was the last time you thought much about yours? Or more pertinently – when was the last time you changed yours? I suspect not for a long time. Email addresses are a bit like bank accounts – you set one up when you’re young and then stick with it for life.
How to use Squarespace’s new AI alt text tool
If you're anything like most of the authors I work with, adding alt text to your images is either a) one of those website tasks you know you should do… but never quite get round to; or b) something you have never heard of.
Some honest thoughts on success as an author
For the past few days I’ve been feeling pretty good about my writing. I’ve just finished my eleventh novel, and for once, I’m really, really pleased with it.
What's the best Squarespace template for authors?
As you’ve might have seen on the Squarespace website, they offer lots of different pre-built templates, all with their own specific look and feel. There are so many that sometimes it can get a bit overwhelming – when I ask my web design clients to take a look through the templates and let me know which they like best, a lot of the time they say they feel bamboozled and come back to me with the same question: ‘but which Squarespace template is best for authors?’
Author website SEO: how to make your site show up on Google
So, you’ve finally launched your brand-new author website - congratulations! It's a huge step in your writing career. But now comes the next challenge: how do you actually get your website to show up on Google?
What's it like to work with me on your author website?
It occurred to me the other day that I haven’t really shared much on my blog about what it’s like for my clients when they pick me to build their author website, so I thought perhaps it would be of interest if I shared my process in a little more detail!
Project Spotlight: lizatully.com & elisabethelo.com
I’m so excited to be sharing not one, but TWO of my most recent projects with you today, but - plot twist - they are both for the same author! Elisabeth writes under two different names, for two distinct author brands, and approached me to design two very different websites - one for each of them.
Why I don't recommend Wordpress for your author website
Before I start this post, allow me a disclaimer. I think Wordpress is brilliant. I really do. There’s a reason that more than 30% of ALL websites are built using this platform. I used Wordpress for my own websites for years, and was a huge advocate of it.
Some honest thoughts on writing out of contract
I recently finished the second draft of my latest novel - my eleventh novel that I’ve written (I read somewhere that to become a ‘master’ at writing you need to have written a million words and I reckon I’ve surpassed that now - can someone send me a certificate please needy for validation?!)
Do I need a website before I get a book deal?
Over the five years I’ve been building author websites, I’ve built quite a few sites for authors who have yet to sign book deals and it’s always really exciting working with writers who are so forward-thinking in their ambitions.
What is your author website for?
Excuse the rather glib title to this post - but it occurred to me recently that some authors I work with come to me because they want an author website, but at the same time, they aren’t exactly sure why they want one.
Project spotlight: willrdean.com
It’s been a while since I shared one of my web design projects with you – so today I’m really happy to be taking a more in-depth look at one of my first projects of 2025: a website for award-winning author and forest dweller, Will Dean.
Why Substack is not a substitute for your author website
I’m in quite a few writer Facebook groups (which I love!) and I’ve heard a lot of chatter lately about people ditching their author websites / blogs and moving everything over to Substack.
Some honest thoughts about writing as an identity
Linkedin inspired me to write this blog post! That’s definitely not something I ever thought I’d say.
✨ 30 things I’ve learnt from 5 years being published ✨
September 6 2023 marked 5 years since my first book was released 😲
To celebrate, I shared a new post about what I’ve learnt from being published EVERY DAY throughout the month.
Enjoy!
curious about my books?
click the covers to find out more
pssst! before you go…
Sign up to my newsletter to get access to my studio resource library and all my FREE guides exclusively for authors!
Look at all the great stuff you’ll get…
Essential Guide to SEO for Authors
17 page guide
The Debut Author’s Survival Guide
30 page ebook
Author Website Content Guide
14 page guide
Author Newsletters
- a Beginner’s Guide
30 minute video
Blogging for Authors
- a Beginner’s Guide
18 minute video