Answers to common questions about author websites, what is included and how the process works.
The basic website package starts at £399.00 + VAT. Optional add-ons, such as a blog, contact form, photo gallery, events page, press kit or audiobook player, can be added for an additional cost.
The basic website includes the key content most authors need to promote themselves and their books online. This can include book information, author biography, retailer links, social media links, supporting images, a small selection of supplied reviews, Q&A content where suitable, basic SEO, CMS access, first year hosting and ongoing support.
Yes. Your website can include more than one book. If you have multiple books, we can help structure the site so they are presented clearly.
Yes. Images can be included throughout your basic website where they support the content. The Photo Gallery add-on is only needed if you would like a dedicated gallery page or a larger visual showcase with lots of images.
Yes. A small selection of supplied reviews can be included as part of the basic website. The Visitor Review Submissions add-on is only needed if you would like visitors to be able to submit reviews through the website.
Yes. Supplied Q&A content can be included on the basic website where suitable. The Visitor Question Submissions add-on is only needed if you would like visitors to be able to submit questions through the website.
Once we have received most of the content and information needed for the website, the initial design usually takes around 1 to 3 weeks, depending on workload and the complexity of the site. The full process can vary depending on how quickly content, information and feedback are provided.
You will usually need to provide your book cover, synopsis, retailer links, author biography, author photo if available, social media links, and any other text, notes or images you would like included. If you have chosen optional add-ons, such as a blog, photo gallery or events page, you should also provide content or information for those sections.
Yes. It is helpful if you can provide the main content you would like included, such as your biography, book synopsis and any other text you already have. However, if you are not sure what to write, we can help shape the website content using the information available to us, such as your book details, cover, synopsis, author background and any notes you provide. The more information you can share, the easier it is to create content that feels accurate, personal and effective.
No. The service is designed to be as straightforward as possible for authors. We handle the design, build, hosting and technical setup for you.
Yes. Once your website is ready, you will be given access to Netlio CMS, which allows you to update the existing content on your website. You do not need any coding or design knowledge to use it.
The CMS allows you to update existing content, but it does not allow you to add new pages, new sections or change the design of the website. If you would like to add something new after launch, you can get in touch and we can advise on the cost.
Yes. A blog can be added as an optional add-on. This allows you to publish updates, articles, reflections, book news or anything else you would like readers to follow over time.
Yes. If you already own a website address, it can usually be used for your new website. We can advise on the best way to connect it to the site.
Yes. If you do not already have a website address, we can help secure one that suits you and your books. If your preferred address is not available, we can suggest suitable alternatives.
Yes. A website email address can be added as an optional add-on. For example, if your website is www.johnsmith.co.uk, your email address could be [email protected]. If you opt for a website email address, it will need to be renewed at £50.00+VAT per year.
Yes. Newsletter Setup can be added as an optional add-on. This includes adding or setting up a newsletter using a supported mailing list platform, with a signup form added to your website.
Yes. The Monitor Website Traffic add-on can be added so you can see useful information about visits to your website, such as how many people are visiting and which pages are being viewed.
Your website will be set up with basic SEO, including search engine-friendly content and technical setup. However, new websites can take time to appear in search engines, and visibility will depend on search terms, competition and how much the website is promoted elsewhere.
A website gives readers one clear place to learn more about you and your books, and it can link visitors to retailers where your books can be purchased. However, a website works best when it is used alongside other promotion, such as social media, newsletters, events, email signatures and printed marketing materials.
The website will usually link to retailers where your books can be purchased, such as Troubador, Amazon, Waterstones or other booksellers. Direct online payment and order fulfilment are not included as standard.
Videos cannot usually be uploaded directly to the website. They should be uploaded to a video platform such as YouTube or Vimeo, and then embedded on the website.
Yes. The Audiobook Player add-on allows you to include short audio samples on your website, such as audiobook clips, readings or other relevant audio.
The first year of hosting is included in the initial website price. After that, the website will need to be renewed annually to remain live and supported.
Renewals include hosting, website management, bug fixes, security updates, software updates and ongoing support.
You can still ask for changes after the website has launched. Small fixes or support queries may be handled as part of the service, while additional design, content or development work may be charged separately.
If you choose not to renew, the website will eventually be taken offline. If you later wish to renew after the site has been taken down, a late recovery fee of £50.00+VAT will apply. Website data will become irretrievable 90 days after the site has been taken down.
Yes. If you have questions before getting started, you can get in touch and we can advise on what your website might need.