Imagine you just finished writing your book after months of hard work. You’re excited to share it, but then you hit a wall. “How will readers find me online? The answer lies in choosing from the best website builders for authors. This review breaks down the top e-commerce platforms that make creating a professional author site simple.
This is a common problem for many writers. Some skip making a website entirely, while others struggle for weeks with complicated tech stuff. Meanwhile, other authors are already connecting with readers and selling books online.
So, what’s the difference? They found the right website builders for authors. These are simple tools that make creating a professional website as easy as writing an email. No coding or design skills needed.
This guide will show you the best options available. Let’s get started.
Why You Really Need an Author Website
First, let’s talk about why this matters so much. Social media is great for chatting with readers, but here’s the truth: those platforms can change their rules anytime. Your website, however, belongs to you forever.
Think about it this way—when someone searches for your name after reading your book, what will they find? A scattered collection of social media profiles, or one professional website that shows off your work?
Here’s what a good author website does for you:
- Shows all your books in one place
- Collects reader emails so you can stay in touch
- Lets you sell books directly to fans
- Makes you look professional to publishers
- Creates a home base for your writing career
The best part? Modern website builders for authors make this possible in just a few hours. In fact, authors with websites sell more books on average than those without.
Top 7 Website Builders for Authors
After testing many options, here are the best website builders for authors that actually work well for writers.
1. Squarespace – For Beautiful Designs
Best for: Authors who want a gorgeous website easily
Squarespace makes beautiful websites simple. Their templates look professional right from the start.
Why authors love it:
- Stunning templates that make books look great
- Simple drag-and-drop editing
- Built-in email tools
- Works perfectly on phones
- Easy book selling features
Real example: Romance author Jessica Miller used Squarespace and grew her email list from 100 to 3,000 readers in eight months.
Cost: $16-40/month
2. WordPress – Most Powerful Option
Best for: Authors planning big growth
WordPress runs 43% of all websites. It’s powerful but needs some technical comfort.
Great features:
- Thousands of author-specific themes
- Complete control over everything
- Excellent for blogging
- No limits on growth
Just remember: There’s a learning curve with WordPress.
Cost: $5-20/month plus theme costs
3. Wix – Easiest for Beginners
Best for: First-time website makers
Wix makes building websites feel like playing with building blocks. Their editor is truly simple for beginners.
Awesome features:
- AI that builds sites for you
- Over 500 templates
- Book-specific add-ons
- Reliable hosting included
Perfect for: Authors who want control without technical headaches.
Cost: $14-39/month
4. Reedsy – Made for Authors
Best for: Author-specific features
Reedsy gets authors because it’s run by publishing people. They include features others charge extra for.
Special benefits:
- Ready-made book showcase sections
- Connects to Amazon easily
- Author bio templates that work
- Built-in newsletter tools
Cost: Free basic plan, $10/month for premium
5. Weebly – Budget-Friendly Choice
Best for: Saving money
Don’t let the low price fool you—Weebly makes professional sites. Great for new authors testing the waters.
Money-saving perks:
- Starts at just $6/month
- Simple drag-and-drop editor
- Works on phones automatically
- Sell books directly
Cost: $6-26/month
6. Ghost – For Writers Who Blog
Best for: Regular bloggers
Ghost was built by writers, for writers. If you create lots of content, this platform gets you.
Writer-friendly features:
- Clean writing space
- Built-in newsletter
- Good for SEO
- Simple designs
Cost: $9-29/month
7. Hostinger – Fast and Affordable
Best for: Quick starts on a budget
Hostinger offers cheap website builders for authors with modern features.
Quick benefits:
- AI builds sites in minutes
- Author templates included
- Good support
- Fast loading
Cost: $2.99-7.99/month
Prefer working without the internet? Check out our guide on the best offline website builder to see options that let you design your author site anytime, anywhere.
How to Create Your Author Website
Now let’s see how authors can create a website that actually works. It’s simpler than you think!
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
- Want control? → WordPress
- Love beauty? → Squarespace
- Total beginner? → Wix
- Author features? → Reedsy
- Tight budget? → Weebly or Hostinger
Step 2: Get Your Domain Name
Choose YourNameAuthor.com or your book title. This makes finding you easy for readers.
Step 3: Pick a Template
Look for:
- Clean, readable fonts
- Space for book covers
- Newsletter signup spots
- Professional bio sections
Step 4: Create Important Pages
Every site needs:
- Home: Who you are and your latest book
- About: Your story
- Books: All your works with buy links
- Contact: How readers reach you
- Newsletter signup: Everywhere to get emails
Step 5: Help People Find You
- Use words readers search for
- Add social media links
- Update regularly
- Track visitors
Conclusion
Your next reader is searching for you right now. The question isn’t whether you need a website—it’s whether you’ll be ready when they look.
The website builders for authors we’ve covered remove all technical barriers. Whether you choose Squarespace’s beauty, WordPress’s power, or Wix’s simplicity, you’re just hours from a professional website.
Your stories deserve to be found. Your writing needs a professional home. Most importantly, your readers deserve a way to find and follow your journey.
So, which platform fits your vision? More importantly, when will you stop planning and start building?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Social media platforms control your reach. Your website is a permanent, owned asset that builds credibility and serves as a central hub for all your work.
Expect to budget $10-$30 per month for a quality site. This typically includes your domain name (around $12 per year) and your hosting and builder plan ($6-$25 per month). While budget options exist, investing in a professional plan pays off.
Yes. Most builders allow you to sell directly using integrated payment processors, use “Buy Now” buttons that link to retailers like Amazon and B&N, and offer digital downloads for e-books and bonus content.
No, all modern website builders for authors are designed to be completely code-free, using drag-and-drop editors and pre-made templates.