10 Necessary Elements of an Author Website

Here's one of my agenting secrets: If a query catches my interest and a website link is included in the signature, I will click on the link. There are certain things I expect to see on an author website and other things that add to the experience. Whether you're building a website from scratch or are planning to update a current one, here is a quick checklist of ten necessary elements for an author website.

Professional Photo

The photo on your website should be a step above an Instagram selfie. A first impression is still a first impression - even if it's online. If you don't want to pay a photographer to take professional head shots, it's easy to emulate the process at home. (Check out this blog post for some tips.)

Two Bios

A bio is a crucial part of an author website. Two bios is even better than one. Write a short bio with only the most important information. Then, write an even longer bio for those of us who are too curious for our own good and need to know everything.

Book Information

As an agent, this is the section of your website that I'm most interested in. Make sure you include brief descriptions of your completed manuscripts (and maybe even your work-in-progress). This is an easy way for agents to know what you're working on (especially if you write different genres and/or categories). Having book information on your website is also a great idea to entice potential readers early on. If you're already published, then you'll want to include links to where your book(s) can be purchased.

Contact Information

This is so important and often overlooked. Always include an email address that you check on a regular basis. A contact page is also a great place to include the name and contact information of your literary agent (if you already have one).

Publicity Page

This is where you can link to interviews, guest blog posts, or any other type of publicity you've taken part in. It's an excellent catch-all page to promote your smaller work.

Events Calendar

If you're a social butterfly, let people know what events you'll be attending. Listing conferences and other writing events shows that you are dedicated, willing to learn, and eager to network with others in the industry.

Social Media Links

I think it's safe to assume that one of the reasons you have an author website in the first place is because you want to promote your work. Having easy links to your social media accounts encourages potential readers to follow you whichever way is easiest for them.

Simple Design

Don't let yourself get too wrapped up in the design of your website. Clean and simple is best. Let the content shine through.

Recent Blog Posts

If you're going to have a blog attached to your website, make sure it is updated on a regular basis. There's nothing worse than clicking on a blog link only to see that it hasn't been updated in fourteen months. It's best not to blog at all than to only write a post once a year.

Something For Your Readers

Remember that it won't only be industry folks visiting your website. You get digital bonus points for having something special for your readers. It's up to you to be creative and decide what you have to offer.