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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 books that inspired me to become a writer
I was recently asked in an interview to talk about the top 5 books which most inspired me to become a writer and I found it such an interesting question! As authors, we are often asked if we have favourite books or favourite writers, but this was a different angle and it really got me thinking about my journey towards becoming a published author and the books that influenced my writing the most.
6 great Squarespace features for authors
There’s a reason I’m such a huge fan of using Squarespace to build author websites. I truly believe it’s the perfect solution for authors who are looking for an easy-to-manage, fully customisable and reliable platform on which to build their online presence.
My publication journey (so far!)
It occurred to me recently that I’d never really shared much about my own journey to publication on here. But I think one of the reasons my lovely clients choose to work with me on their websites is because I know EXACTLY what it’s like to be a published author.
3 things to do before you start building your author website
So many authors I speak to about their websites approach the whole thing with a sense of dread.
It’s another one of those tasks that comes along with life as an author, like tax returns and posting on social media, that feels compulsory but very much Not Fun.
2021: my work year in review
I’m not entirely sure how to start this post! Last year, I said I hoped 2021 would be better than 2020, and we all know how that went. So I’ll skip past all that chat and move on to what I achieved this year work-wise!
Project Spotlight: gabriellabraun.co.uk
What better way to finish the year than with a little write-up of my latest website project? I’m so happy to be able to share this with you - one of the few websites I’ve done for non-fiction authors - in this case Gabriella Braun. It was really fascinating getting to learn about Gabriella’s upcoming book and find out more about her interesting career, too.
Squarespace: how to use the accordion block on your author website
Hello! I was SO excited about this new feature that I just had to write a blog post on it - Squarespace has FINALLY introduced an accordion block, which will make having drop-down / Q&A sections on your website super slick and lovely and easy (previously this could only be done with code).
5 things every author website needs
So, you’ve decided to get your author website sorted! Well done! But now you’re wondering what exactly you need to include on it? Let me run you through the basics…
Where to get help with your Squarespace author website
One of the things I love the most about Squarespace is the wealth of support there is out there on offer to people using the platform. And it’s really useful support too!
Project Spotlight: paulagreenlees.com
Oh I’m so excited to be blogging about this website! The perfect design to get us all in the mood for the summer after the long days of winter and lockdown.
3 brilliant Squarespace features you may not know about
Squarespace, let me count the ways I love thee! There are many. I’ve become a proper Squarespace nerd ever since I trained as a Squarespace designer, and what I love the most is that Squarespace are constantly evolving the platform and adding new and exciting functionality.
Is it worth hiring a web designer for your author website?
Let’s be honest. My services are not cheap. They were, when I started out, and I was building my portfolio and experience, but they have increased as my knowledge has increased, and I’m pretty happy with the level that they’re at now.
Project Spotlight: anniegarthwaite.com
It’s been a while since I shared a web design project with you and I’m thrilled to be back with a big, bold, bang with this design, for debut novelist Annie Garthwaite.
Why you don’t want a rotating banner on your author website
Over the time I’ve been working as a web designer, I’ve had lots of clients tell me that they’d like a nice big rotating banner – or header – or carousel (they have a few names!) – on the homepage of their new website.
Writing for the web
You're a writer, so writing the copy for your website should be easy, right? But sometimes it's not. After all, it's a very different skill from writing books.
Phishing scam alert
I’m sorry to have to blog about this one but thought it was worth a post as I get quite a bit of traffic on here - and the more people who are aware the better! I’ve had several clients contact me recently to say they have received an ominous message through the contact form on their website.
What to put in your author website’s footer
The footer is an important bit of ‘real estate’ on any author website, but it often gets overlooked. Which is a wasted opportunity, as this is one of the sections of your website that appears on every single page (along with your header or main navigation)!
2020: my work year in review
Phew! We made it, 2020 is nearly over. First of all please let me wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope that you all have a very well-deserved restful break over the festive season. I am exhausted, as I’m sure you are too.
Project Spotlight: katie-marsh.com
I’m very excited to share with you one of my most recent projects - a one-page website for bestselling author Katie Marsh! I don’t often get to design one-page websites so I really enjoy it when I do - it gives me the chance to trim things right back and create something simple but striking. Less is more!
How to set up your Bookshop.org author page
I am really REALLY excited to be able to shout about this because it’s such an amazingly awesome initiative and I’m kind of stunned that it hasn’t already been done before. But it hasn’t! And it’s great! Hurrah for all new bookish things.
✨ 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?
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Essential Guide to SEO for Authors
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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
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18 minute video