Best Author Websites for 2023 to Boost Book Sales 

What makes her site so unique is the interchangeable grown-up and children’s sections. The grown-up getaway contains everything it should and opens up on a page containing news updates. The children’s entrance leads to an interactive click-and-drag page that caters to playful minds.

The site contains everything that we recommend on of the best author websites should have, but there is no subscription option. In fact, she categorically states that she is unable to respond to mail, and info seekers should visit the website for more information.

Being the wealthiest author in the world and one of the most famous, J.K Rowling does not need to barter email addresses. However, we are still going to deduct points for that.

Sorry, J.K!

Essential elements of the website: 80 (no clear CTA)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 93%

The undisputed King of horror was a best-seller long before the internet was born. Now, we know you are looking for the best websites, and although we have nothing but respect for this legend, we couldn’t help but frown when we saw his website.

Mr. King, doesn’t have to get a 100% score to sell books, but rising authors do. When you think Stephen King, your mind conjures images of haunted homes, whisps of clouds drifting past a cycle moon while a lone wolf howling in the background. It is, therefore, strange to see a white background draped with festive colors. This is a big brand miss.

At least he has a mailing list!

Essential elements of the website:  100

Visual appeal/Branding: 70 (A misrepresentation of the author and his works)

Content: 80 (A list of books, instead of book covers)

Weekend Publisher Score: 96%

A.G Riddle is an inspiration for all indie authors. The very first book he published, The Atlantis Gene, became a huge hit, and the series of three books sold over a million copies. A.G Riddle’s site is excellent in many aspects, but here is a lesson you take home to improve your website.

Don’t bombard readers with a CTA in their faces as soon as they enter the room. It almost feels like a bouncer jumping up, demanding a cover charge. Also, not a fan of big empty white spaces and the Extra page looks like it was made in 1998. He does have an awesome reader magnate, though.

Essential elements of the website:  100

Visual appeal/Branding: 90 (Too much white space, Extras page needs work)

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 96%

Well done, Dan! His website encapsulates everything you would expect of a world-famous mystery thriller author and is certainly one of the best author websites out there.

With a net worth of $160 million, he doesn’t need to have all the bells and whistles on his website, but he certainly has. He included a code-like riddle at the bottom of the page for visitors to play with, typically something that would fascinate his main protagonist, Robert Langdon.

Fans who aspire to write like Dan can also join his Masterclass by following the link below the riddle and watching to video to learn what it is all about. Certainly, not a website that we would recommend for beginner indie authors, but perhaps one day, you can have your own fantastic website like this one.

Essential elements of the website:  100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

Emma Davis pulls off the white spaces because they complement soft pastel colors and welcoming copy. It instills a heartwarming yet tranquil feeling in visitors, a tone that represents her writing.

She gets bonus points from having a chatbot on her site, but we sadly have to deduct some points for hiding her social media links which are only visible on her contact page.

Essential elements of the website: 95 (You need to search for social media links)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 98%

When opening Karen's website, the first thing you see is her upcoming book, with the words New York Times Best Selling Author clearly visible, creating instant credibility. The video background brings the page to life and already sets the scene for what to expect from the book.

The first page is just about the new book. No other distractions such as links, menus, etc. But at the bottom of the page, visitors will find a link to the rest of her website, which perfectly resembles her brand and hosts everything that is required from a good author’s website.

Well done, Karen!

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

Kerry Arthur writes fantasy, horror fiction, and romance novels, but we don’t have to tell you that, as you will immediately get a feel for her work upon entering the website. It radiates her brand but does so in a simplistic fashion.

Before even having to scroll down, everything you will ever need from an author’s website is presented to you. From social media links, subscription options, accolades, and clear navigational links to the rest of the site. Kerry scores additional points for also having another call-to-actions at the bottom of every webpage page.

This website deserves serious consideration if you are searching for inspiration to create your own website or want to upgrade your existing one by replicating another.

This is definitely one of the best author websites out there and we highly recommend taking a closer look. 

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

It pains us to give this website anything less than 100%. Simon's website is a dream come true for thriller fans. Upon entering, eerie music plays while an empty swing floats back and forth through the misty sky. The rest of his website also has a dark, ominous tone and everything we are looking for, even testimonials and an awards section.

But, we could not find an option to join a newsletter anywhere. Perhaps you can? Still, it should not be something you spend time searching for.

Essential elements of the website: 80 (No subscription option)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100 (Beautifully designed website)

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 93%

We wanted to subtract points for the call to action that was a little too fast on the draw, but because she used a perfect reader magnet, we will let this little technicality slide. This type of reader magnet is something beginner indie authors should consider. She offers something for free and makes it look very enticing by using adjectives that elicit emotion and curiosity.

This site nails it from both a branding and content point of view. It was strange to find a section dedicated to yoga, but she explained how it played a role in her life from a balance point of view and inspired some of her work. Still, this could perhaps be included under the bio section.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 98 (No need for a separate yoga section)

Weekend Publisher Score: 99%

Everything you ever need to know about Michael Crichton can be found on this website, and you can’t help but wonder, where does this man get the time to do everything? But I digress. The background of the homepage is somewhat bland compared to what we have seen, but to make up for it, there is a really cool trailer video in the second section of the homepage.

Book trailers have become a popular point of debate in the last couple of years. Do you, as a beginner author, need one? No. Would it help to create one? Sure, but only if it is as intriguing as the simple trailer Michael displays on his website.

Michael Crichton doesn’t need to have a subscriber list. But just like some of the other authors on this list, we’ll have to punish him for not having one so that you can learn from this experience.

Essential elements of the website: 80 (No subscription option)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 93%

What is wrong with the people at Weekend Publisher?

That is probably what you might think when you look at the score and at Joshua’s website. But allow us to explain the method behind our madness.

You have seen 11 stunning websites up to this point, and they might have been overwhelming and perhaps discouraging to non-tech-inclined authors. Some of those websites could cost you an arm and a leg as well. That’s why we threw Joshua’s website in the mix.

He is at the beginning of his career, perhaps just like you. His website is pretty basic, but it has everything you need as a beginner author, starting with a call to action at the end of the book. Don’t ever forget the call to action at the end of your book!

On his website, you will find this message:

Subscribe to Joshua T. Calvert’s mailing list for exclusive epilogues to his books and get in touch with him. Make sure to check your spam folder! Excellent reader magnet, well done!

He exhibited his books using images of the covers, and these will take you straight to Amazon. You can learn more about the writer, his work, and the benefits of subscribing to his newsletter. Everything is there, but he didn’t create links to his social media platforms.

It might not be as elaborate as some of the other websites on this list, but is you are a beginner, this is one of the best author websites you can learn from. 

Essential elements of the website: 90 (No social media links)

Visual appeal/Branding: 95

Content: 90

Weekend Publisher Score: 92%

Here is another example of an author at the beginning of his career, just like Joshua T Calvert.

First, the fantastic backdrop takes you straight into the heart of most of his works. But have a look at the menu. Free eBook! Michael doesn’t bombard you with a massive pop-up prompt; he subtly leaves the title Free eBook on the menu. When you go to that page, you will find a short description of what the eBook entails. Then it takes you through to Bookfunnel (remember this site from earlier in this article?), where you need to enter your email address to get the book.

Unlike Joshua, Michael included a link to his Facebook page and links to various other sites where you could find him.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 95 (Not as good as, say, J.K Rowling, but not bad at all)

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 98%

A backdrop can make the world’s difference to your website, as we have seen many times before. But let’s go beyond and see what else we can learn from Ditter’s brilliant website. The first unique attribute is the live chat function, which we don’t see that often. It is a brilliant offering for those plagued by instant gratification and also another platform to gather email addresses.

Another unique facet is the link to Linktree where you will find access to all the platforms you could contact her, including Amazon and the usual social media sites.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

Here is something a little different that you can consider once your books become popular. Give your character their own website! Jack Reacher is the protagonist in the Jack Reacher series by Lee and Andrew Child. What also impressed us about this website is the way in which they displayed all the books.

It is a carousel display that resembles a bookshelf, and once you select the book, a blurb pops up, a sample to read or an audio sample to listen to, as well as a link to the Penguin Random House, where the book is sold.

We looked hard and wide but couldn’t find it in our hearts to subtract points.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

Purple, considered the color of royalty and noble folk, is suitably used as a backdrop for Julia Quin’s books that also made it to television. Her site offers a lot, seriously, go and have a look. There are even two different subscription options for those addicts that just can’t get enough of her work.

This is an excellent example of how to turn a fan into an addict using your website. Fans of the show, books, and the author could spend a considerable amount of time on this website once without getting bored. Now, don’t try and do the same if you are just starting out, but this is one of the best author websites to keep in mind as you become more popular.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%

Soft pastel colors blend in with the heavenly white background to create an ambiance that perfectly complements the genre of JoJo’s books. Her website ticks all the boxes we require, but we would like to bring your attention to her subscription section (CTA).

‘’Sign up for my newsletter.’’

Now let’s compare it to newcomer Joshua T. Calvert’s CTA discussed earlier.

‘’Subscribe to Joshua T. Calvert’s mailing list for exclusive epilogues to his books and get in touch with him…’’

See the difference?

Essential elements of the website: 95 (Ask nicely for my email and tell me what I get in return, please)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 98%

Danish author Sebastian Fitzek didn’t create a website to promote himself and his work, but rather an experience. Animation greets you upon entering, and then an elevator takes you underground. Once you select a section, you want to go to, rusty elevator doors slam shut, and the screen moves down or up as if you are in an elevator.

Sadly, we couldn’t find a subscription option anywhere on this amazing website.

Essential elements of the website: 90(No mailing list)

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 96%

You may have noticed that we have a tendency to lift a brow when we see an all-white website, but in all fairness, this one is squeaky clean, and well structured, which makes up for its blandness. But the main reason we want you to bring this website to your attention is to look at the section that says Enter our Contest.

Joy offers one lucky winner the opportunity to score a signed copy of her latest book, which will motivate many to eagerly leave their emails behind. Emails that could be used (with permission, of course- there is a tick box) to send newsletters or promote future works.

Also, a big no-no is that Google displays a warning, stating that the connection to the site is not secured. Pay attention to this when you are testing your website for both desktops and mobile.

Essential elements of the website: 90 (Visitors scram away from websites with red security warnings)

Visual appeal/Branding: 98 (More color please)

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 96%

This website is any science fiction fan’s dream come true. Animation galore from first entering the door ties the visitor in and keeps them waiting to see what high-tech cannon or spaceship appears next. Interactive maps of the universe, models of spaceships with information popping up as you click on different parts, an encyclopedia, a timeline, and much more helpful content can keep visitors busy for a long time.

His reader magnet is literally twice as good as the other authors on this list. He offers two eBooks if you subscribe to the mailing list.

This website did not come cheap, especially with all the hours that went into creating the content. We don’t recommend creating a monster like this as a beginner author, but keep it in mind as your author business grows.

Essential elements of the website: 100

Visual appeal/Branding: 100

Content: 100

Weekend Publisher Score: 100%