101 best websites for writers

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Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers 2024

Over the past several weeks, we've shared our 101 Best Writing Websites for 2024. Creating this list is a year-long project that involves an overwhelming number of bookmarked sites on our browsers. There are so many great websites for writers—with more popping up practically daily—it’s no wonder this is still one of our most popular features after 25 years.

This year, as always, you’ll find a blend of sites that are useful to writers of all types, abilities, experience levels, and genres. Some websites have been on this list for more than a few years now, because they consistently produce quality content that never disappoints, alongside other sites that are still fairly new but have already made a name for themselves. Additionally, we’re pleased to include 12 websites that appear on the list for the first time.

As with all of our recommendations, we do our best to ensure the details in the listings are accurate at the time the issue goes to the printer, but inevitably something will change. So, be sure to check the websites themselves for the most up-to-date information.

We hope this list helps you find the resources you need to improve your writing, find a community, and get your work out into the world.

A * means this is the website’s first appearance on the WD list. All listings within each category are alphabetically arranged.

Writer's Digest Best Creativity Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Live Streams, Podcasts, and YouTube Channels 2024

Writer's Digest Best Writing Advice Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Everything Agents Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best General Resources Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Genre/Niche Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Publishing News and Resource Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Job and Market Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Writing Community Websites 2024

Writer's Digest Best Indie Publishing Websites 2024

• Autobiography
• Action Adventure
• Nonfiction Ghostwriting
• Book Editing

Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for Writers 2022

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Each year, Writer’s Digest compiles the 101 Best Websites for Writers. See the complete 2022 list here.

Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared our 101 Best Writing Websites for 2021. Originally featured in our May/June 2021 issue, these websites will help inspire, educate, and connect you to other writers as you start or continue on your writing journey.

Writer’s Digest Best Creativity Websites 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Live Streams, Podcasts, and YouTube Channels 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Writing Advice Websites for Writers 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Everything Agent Websites for Writers 2022

Writer’s Digest Best General Resources Websites for Writers 2022

Writer’s Digest’s Best Genre/Niche Websites 2022

Writer’s Digest’s Best Publishing News and Resource Websites 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Job and Market Websites 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Writing Community Websites 2022

Writer’s Digest Best Self-Publishing Websites 2022

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The 25 Best Writing Websites for Authors in 2024

There are many writing websites that are useful hubs of information for aspiring authors of all types and genres.

Apart from the desire to become an author and a bit of determination, what makes a successful writer? According to veterans of the industry, it’s lots of reading, writing, and a supportive community . 

The writing websites in this blog can provide you with all three. So, without further ado and in no particular order, let me introduce these top book writing websites to learn more about the craft, stay up-to-date with industry news, and find fellow writers in your network.

The blog on the best writing websites will cover:

The 25 best writing websites.

Here are our favorite writing websites that can help you perfect your craft:

1. selfpublishing.com

What kind of writing website would we be if we didn’t include ourselves in this list of writing websites?

At selfpublishing.com , we are proud of our educational blog and are always creating new content to help writers turn their dream of publishing a book into reality.

If you’re looking to improve your writing skills, learn how to self-publish a book , market a book , or even create your own author website – this is the ideal place to learn.

2. Self-Publishing School

Self-Publishing School is the leading educational self-publishing company . It’s our second choice for the best writing websites to keep on your radar.

If you’re interested in learning all about Amazon self-publishing to how to create an online course to build your author brand, Self-Publishing School produces informational articles, videos, and podcast content on a variety of topics.

In addition, there are several author education programs offered, depending on what your goals look like.

3. Self-Publishing Advice

Self-Publishing Advice is a watchdog community organized by the Alliance of Independent Authors. It aims to protect self-publishing writers from untrustworthy publishers. It also reviews other writing websites (mostly in the independent and self-publishing services spaces).

The site has a collection of reviews on various publishers, with rating scores ranging from “excellent” to “watchdog advisory”. The authors themselves report dishonest publishers and regularly update their base. However, the site’s usefulness isn’t restricted to that. 

There is also a blog with loads of advice on self-publishing (obviously!), audiobook creation, inspiration, and everything of interest to an indie author.

4. The Book Designer

Joel Friedlander is a graphic designer with an extensive background in book design and advertising. He has created The Book Designer , which is a treasure trove of articles on book marketing, self-publishing, and, of course, book design (including book covers , typography basics, and text layout).

His series “eBook Cover Design Awards” is particularly instructive, since every nominated book cover is dissected with respect to genre aesthetics, intended audience, and all the minute details that can make a difference between a bestseller and an obscure title no one notices.

Even if you don’t create covers yourself, it’s always good to know what to look for when you outsource the task to a designer, which is what makes this one of the best writing websites.

Apart from valuable advice, Friedlander shares free book cover templates, a book launch toolkit, and a media kit for authors to optimize the marketing of your book.

5. Paper Help

Typos are the worst. I have yet to meet a writer who could be 100 percent sure their text was absolutely typo-free, even after rounds of editing. Because it never is.

Authors are notorious for their typo blindness because by the third draft, they know the text like the back of their hand and familiarization handicaps your ability to pick out mistakes.

That’s why we need editors – or at least editing services that will comb through the text for misspelled words and other pesky oopsies. 

Paper Help is a service that specializes in writing and editing of all sorts of papers. If you need a second pair of eyes to go through your manuscript before its debut, it can be a nice low-cost compromise between a literary editor and doing it yourself, which has earned it a spot on our list of the best writing websites.

6. Grammar Girl

Of course, to make your editing less of a struggle, it’s better to make fewer mistakes in the first place. That’s why one has to have go-to writing websites for all things grammar. Mignon Fogarty’s blog is just the right sort of resource for that. 

Grammar Girl is a section on the Quick and Dirty Tips portal devoted to everything that a writer needs to know about spelling and grammar.

You can read your daily dose of nicely summed-up linguistic wisdom and build your competency bit by bit – and have lots of fun in the process.

7. AutoCrit

Okay, with grammar off the table, you still need to edit your drafts with regard to consistency, adverbs, repetition, readability, useless filler words, etc. Here is where AutoCrit comes in.

This is not so much a book writing website, but a word-processing tool with editing features and guidance based on real-world publishing standards.

AutoCrit makes our list of writing websites because it analyzes your text and gives recommendations on how to improve it. For example, it can flag poor dialogue , misuse of adverbs, or relying on clichés. This tool has subscription plans with more robust professional features, but they also offer a free option with essentials that every author needs. 

Plus, the site has a collection of articles with tips about the craft and the business of writing, from adding depth to your characters to DIY proofreading techniques.

8. Janice Hardy’s Fiction University

Janice Hardy, a teen fantasy novelist, is the founder of Fiction University . With the help of fellow writers and guest contributors, she has amassed more than 2,500 articles on fiction writing. They deal with every stage of penning a novel – from brainstorming ideas and developing a story to self-publishing your finished opus.

Starting soon the creators of the website plan to organize workshops where they will introduce some practice to go with the theory. Still, the scope of the material on the website is impressive as is, making it one of the best writing websites.

Fiction University is comprehensively organized by relevant topics, making it a true writing encyclopedia and a go-to place for anyone who starts their writing career or simply wishes to improve their skills.

9. 750 Words

You know what makes you a better writer? More writing. 750 Words is a simple website for writers that has just one goal – helping you to build a good habit of writing every day. 

You have probably heard about the technique called “morning pages”. Morning pages are three pages of text (or 750 words) that you write, preferably in the morning to get everything distracting out of your head and shift focus on putting thoughts into words.

With gamification devices like badges and competitiveness (via anonymous statistics), 750 Words encourages you to stick to a schedule and write those pages every day. It’s minimalistic and private – no one will see your writing but you.

10. Build Book Buzz

Marketing strategy is often overlooked by self-publishing authors. Too bad, even the best books don’t sell themselves.

This website for writers has some tips on how to prepare the launch and how to promote a book when it’s already out and about. The blog section is full of detailed how-to guides on working with beta readers, coming up with promotion strategy, boosting sales via various social media channels, partnering up with influencers, and more.

Build Book Buzz is one of the best writing websites with just the right ratio of figures and statistics vs. insider tips on how to build an online presence.

11. Language is a Virus

With writing games and exercises galore, Language is a Virus makes a perfect playground for word enthusiasts. It never fails to spark imagination and get your creative juices flowing.

From the prompt of the day greeting you on the homepage, to avant-garde techniques of Jack Kerouac and Salvador Dali, this is one of those writing websites that is truly committed to getting you writing.

Poem visualization, surrealistic word definitions, generating reverse poetry from your text, or adding your line to a never-ending story by thousands of other writers – not one bizarrely mesmerizing activity here will leave you indifferent.

So next time you need a little writer’s block help , don’t waste your time and head here straight away.

12. Six-Words Memoirs

Six-Word Memoirs is a charming little project with a big goal. It aims to inspire the participants to get to the essence of who they are and what matters most. To do that, they have to answer some pretty existential questions in six words – no more, no less.

This can be quite a challenge even for experienced writers, which means it’s a great writing tool to get down to the basics. Sci-fi and fantasy stories in six words, seismic shifts in six words, your personal paradise in six words – a nice exercise in eloquence and one of the best writer’s block remedies I’ve seen. 

13. The Writing Cooperative

The Writing Cooperative is a diverse resource for writers by writers. A piece of advice on any situation under the sun from writer’s block to existential crisis and burnout. Everything is specifically tailored for a fellow writer like yourself, so this is a true hub for diverse topics.

Anyone with something to say can submit a post and the community is quite diverse and supportive. There are also some secrets of the craft shared here, from where it is best to share your writing to why digression can sometimes be a boon for your story. These tips make The Writing Cooperative one of the best writing websites.

14. The Write Life

At first glance, The Write Life seems geared more towards bloggers and freelancers, yet it has much to offer to anyone whose livelihood depends on their writing talent. How to come up with great titles, how to find a critic to improve your text, how to self-publish your book, how to market it, how to hire a freelance editor , how to prevent burnout, and other secrets of the craft.

In the tools section, there are eBooks and courses for writing professionals as well as some handy tools, such as editing apps, invoicing software, marketplaces, and communities for freelance writers.

15. Helping Writers Become Authors

For those of you who have long been creating content for a living but never dipped your toes into long-form prose, Helping Writers Become Authors is a perfect boot camp.

Award-winning author K.M. Weiland tells how to create a compelling character with a story arc, what mistakes authors most often make, how to make readers love every page of your novel, and why even movies falling short of our expectations is always a bad writing problem.

If for some reason blog is not your preferred format, there are instructional eBooks, vlogs, and a podcast.

16. Association of Ghostwriters

If you want to find a ghostwriter or are just curious to know more about this particular specialization, Association of Ghostwriters has answers to your questions. Although it has paid membership plans, lots of valuable information is free for grabs, making it one of the best writing websites.

How to write a memoir , what to do when your work on a big project slows down, and why ghostwriting might be an intermediate step between freelancing and getting a good publishing deal on your own book. If you want to learn how to publish a book traditionally, Association of Ghostwriters has you covered. 

17. NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo (National Novel-Writing Month) is an epic creative writing event where participants work towards writing a 50,000-word novel in the month of November. Although professional writers are ambiguous about this marathon, it can work for some authors who understand how speed drafts fit into the entire writing process.

The NaNoWriMo website was created especially for the event. Here you can track your progress, set milestones, and get pep talks and support from other writers in an ever-growing community. There are online and offline events that help you finish your novel.

Whether you are a seasoned writer or an enthusiastic beginner, NaNoWriMo is one of the best writing websites, with inspirational posts, a company of fellow contestants, tips, tools, resources, and encouragement. Just remember, if your word count is lower and you didn’t get that badge – you are still a writer. It’s only a game!

18. Scribophile

Every writer needs feedback to improve, and it’s always better when this feedback is detailed, informed, and comes from someone who knows what they are talking about.

Better still, if you get this feedback before you publish your work and start receiving bad reviews from underwhelmed readers. (That’s what beta-readers and writing workshops are for.)

At Scribophile , you will find a supportive community of writers like yourself. Here, they are willing to give you feedback to improve your text with their critique instead of tearing you down.

If you are still tentative, there are writing tutorials and publishing tips available without even signing in.

Do clichés and passive voice actually have a place in your prose?

How to start writing poetry if you never had done it before?

Come and have a look at one of the best writing websites.

19. Self-Publishing Formula

Mark Dawson is an author who makes a living by self-publishing . On Self-Publishing Formula , he shares his journey with other writers who want to take this path.

Blog posts with valuable tips, resources, and guides are available for everyone and there are free, paid, or limited-access courses you can subscribe to.

Mark also co-hosts weekly free podcasts with James Blatch where they interview top-selling indie authors, successful debutants from traditional publishing , and industry insiders to shed light on the process of publishing and promoting a book independently.

20. Almost An Author

Almost An Author provides a wealth of resources for writers at various stages of their careers. It has new content every day, from writing tips and craft advice to publishing insights and author interviews. You can get genre-specific advice or emotional support to get you through your publishing journey.

21. Creativity Portal

As the name suggests, Creativity Portal is a treasure trove of inspiration and resources for writers looking to tap into their creativity. It offers writing prompts, exercises, and articles on topics like mindfulness and overcoming creative blocks, making it an invaluable resource for writers and one of the best writing websites around.

22. Writer’s Digest

Writer’s Digest might just have more resources than any of the other writing websites on this list. It’s like an encyclopedia of knowledge for writers, after all, the magazine has been around for almost a century! You’ll discover a plethora of articles, events, competitions, webinars, templates, tutorials, and various other resources neatly organized by genre and vocation.

23. Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Writing can be a solitary and often daunting endeavor, and the Insecure Writer’s Support Group aims to provide a supportive community for writers grappling with self-doubt and insecurity.

Through blog posts, forums, and online events, members of the group can connect with fellow writers, share their experiences, and receive encouragement and advice, creating a nurturing environment for writers to grow and thrive.

24. LitReactor

With its focus on the craft and business of writing, LitReactor offers a range of courses, workshops, and articles designed to help writers hone their skills and navigate the publishing industry. Whether you’re looking to improve your writing craft, learn about the latest trends in publishing, or connect with other writers, LitReactor provides a valuable platform for writers at all levels.

25. Now Novel

Now Novel is a comprehensive platform that helps writers plan, outline, and write their novels. With tools like step-by-step writing courses, personalized feedback from experienced coaches, and a supportive community of fellow writers, Now Novel provides the structure and guidance that writers need to turn their ideas into finished manuscripts.

Make use of the best websites for writers

So there you have it! Those are 25 writing websites that you should absolutely be following.

Of course, in the sea of online blogs, there are plenty of other valuable writing websites to follow. We just had to choose our favorites.

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25 Online Resources and Websites for Writers to Improve Their Skills

Fellow writers, online communities help your skills grow. Writing websites unpack goldmines of expert advice and opportunity, including insights on AI writing tools .

Early drafts can struggle - websites for writers refine my techniques. Their constant support sustains creativity and provides guidance on how to write a blog post .

Stay current through emerging hubs. Join discussions on websites for writers and meet helpful friends for writing sprints.

Online also births marketplaces for websites for writers. Accept freelance gigs without coffee shops and learn about types of content for a blog .

So explore top resources on websites for writers. Digital buffets nourish your craft constantly. Follow communities strategically to continuously develop your skills.

How We Picked the Best Websites for Writers ✍️

• Types of articles/guides: The variety of helpful tutorials, tips, etc. available on websites for writers.
• Member numbers: Sites with lots of active users to get feedback from.
• Covered topics: Resources on different writing areas like style, publishing, and careers.
• Easy navigation: Simple ways to find content and connect with others.
• Regular updates: Frequent new posts so the site stays interesting.
• Beginner to pro support: Options for all experience levels.
• Learn and network: Ways to improve skills and make industry connections through writing websites.
• Writer diversity: Including authors from various backgrounds on writing websites.
• Skills improvement: Contests or challenges to develop your abilities.
• Expertise: Signs they are trusted experts in the writing space.

Why You Should Trust Us 🤝

• Extensive research experience selecting the top sites since 2015. We know what makes a great writing resource.
• Rated a Theme Forest Power Elite Author, joining just the 0.3% of top-performing authors.
• Our highest-rated list of websites for writers has over 600 reviews with a near-perfect rating. Writers love our past recommendations.
• We're published authors ourselves, so we understand what you need to improve your skills.
• Our 25 picks of websites for writers have been rigorously vetted and guaranteed to provide inspiring content for all experience levels.
• Trust our expertise to introduce you to new favorites for enriching your craft via highly engaging material.
• Previous lists have seen over 8,000 sales, showing writers value our guidance on the best online spots.

Writing Resources and Advice

1. querytracker.

QueryTracker

QueryTracker, one of the notable websites for writers, helps writers submit work, including those seeking do my essay services. Users log query and submission details, which are then aggregated. Statistics on acceptance rates, response times, and preferences help writers target submissions strategically. The platform centralizes tracking for ongoing queries. QueryTracker is free, making it a convenient submission management tool websites for writers.

2. Jane Friedman

Jane Friedman

As a 25-year publishing vet, Jane brings invaluable expertise. She's held leadership roles at major brands like Writer's Digest and helped them thrive digitally on the best websites for writers.

Now Jane shares her insights through her popular paid newsletter and social platforms. She offers loads of case studies, stats and practical tips on topics for marketers.

An innovator, Jane is always experimenting with different projects. From satire to teaching courses, she's super well-rounded.

3. 🏅 Our Pick - Writer’s Digest

Writer’s Digest

Writer's Digest has supported writers for over 100 years. They offer resources for all genres like fiction, screenplays and poetry on the best websites for writers. Workshops, tutorials and conferences help writers at every step. Their annual conference is great for learning and networking with editors/publishers.

Writer's Digest hosts writing competitions with prizes and recognition. Winning one is a big career boost on the best websites for writers. Their magazine has been publishing tips since 1920. Online forums and video tutorials add to the learning on the best websites for writers.

Why is Writer’s Digest Our Topic Pick as a Writing Resource?

• The breadth of content: For almost a century, they've supported all types of creators at every stage on the best websites for writers. Valuable info covers many topics and genres.
• Robust community: An engaged space connects users through feedback, collaborations, and contests. helpful for developing skills.
• Complete toolkit: Beyond articles, they offer real-world tools, samples, and marketing guidance. A one-stop shop.
• Constant adaptation: Innovation keeps the most useful resources accessible anywhere, anytime. Leaders in evolving with needs.
• Long-term value: Whether starting or established, their mix of practical and creative resources consistently aids growth over the lifetime of a career.

4. Helping Writers Become Authors

Helping Writers Become Authors

K.M. Weiland has helped many writers over 15 years. She has useful books on outlining stories, structuring novels, and developing characters.

Her books teach techniques in an easy way. Her own experience makes the lessons practical. In addition to books, her blog and guided visualizations offer helpful tips. People clearly find her guidance valuable. Her free e-book is popular. And she has over 1,500 social media followers.

5. Almost an Author

Almost an Author

Check out Almost an Author. Jana Oliver shares 17+ years of publishing expertise through tutorials on craft, character, marketing, and more.

Her engaged social media following shows content truly resonates. Articles break down concepts well - one taught invaluable book branding. Beyond the blog are classes, editing, and even book trailers.

Whether self or traditionally publishing, Almost an Author offers skills to improve your process. After one visit you'll feel inspired again.

6. Daily Writing Tips

Daily Writing Tips

Run by author Jim Azevedo for 15+ years, it provides fresh advice constantly. With thousands of archived tips, it's a huge handbook of writing hacks. Sign up for their email and get pro-level lessons daily. Tips offer specific strategies, like using quotes or starting paragraphs. They evolve skills with frequent, tactical nuggets of wisdom. Daily Writing Tips is perfect for constant writing improvement.

7. The Write Practice

The Write Practice

Run by Brandon Sanderson, they know mastery takes practice like sports legends. Daily prompts and lessons help hone technique. A supportive community improves skills through feedback. Inspiring author interviews show even greats like Shakespeare evolved. Give just 15 minutes weekly for guaranteed growth into a compelling writer’s voice. Whether starting out or stalled, The Write Practice kickstarts a habit that gets you published. It’s a smart investment in your craft.

8. Write to Done

Write to Done

Run by author Omer Redden, they've been helping writers thrive since 2020. As part of Selfpublishing.com, their toolkit and community have grown.

With over a decade of experience, Omer provides pro strategies for plots, publishing, and more. Real-world examples bring tactics to life. We love their community for motivation and accountability. Leave feeling inspired to write!

Whether you're new to writing or going pro, Write to Done has what you need to level up. Invest time to see rewards for your business and future books. Your stories deserve to be told, so start writing!

9. The Creative Penn

The Creative Penn

Run by author Joanna Penn since 2008, the site provides free writing resources. Whether you're starting out or seeking publishing guidance, Joanna distills career knowledge into actionable lessons.

Browse practical advice on plots, drafting, editing and promotions. Learn from real authors' experiences. Struggling with isolation? Engage with the supportive writing community.

From novice to bestseller, The Creative Penn equips creatives at every stage. Discover tools to boost your skills and motivation without signup fees. Exploring could help you finally finish your book. What are you waiting for?

Publishing and Literary News

10. manuscript wish list.

Manuscript Wish List

Manuscript Wish List gives writers unique insight into what publishers seek. Agents and editors specify genres, themes or queries of interest on their profiles.

Beyond wish lists, MSWL provides networking, educational resources and manuscript feedback. Take online classes led by industry professionals. Consult directly with experts to refine your work.

Global MSWL events foster connections with representatives. Ongoing community forums offer support and advice. Periodicals share industry trends and opportunities.

11. 🏅 Our Pick - Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

In 1933, publishers doubted Virginia Kirkus' idea to review galleys for buyers. Undeterred, she launched the Virginia Kirkus Bookshop Service amid the Depression.

Breaking from convention, Kirkus provided honest pre-pub assessments to subscribers, empowering bookstores. Operating modestly, Virginia steadily ramped up coverage of unbound galleys through early promotion and dedication.

Now a publishing powerhouse, Kirkus continues innovating across reviews, formats, and audiences. Where buyers once gambled, its expertise guides industry decisions and reading discoveries.

Why is Kirkus Reviews Our Topic Pick as a Publishing Website?

• Helps with new books: They do early reviews to help authors and publishers share new books.
• Fair reviews: Kirkus looks at all books the same without liking some publishers more.
• Knows about books for a long: Reading lots of books over the years means they know how to help with books.
• More than just reviews: They have news, writer talks, and other tools too for writers and readers.
• Helps authors sell books: Authors can get more people to see their book and sell more books too.

12. Electric Literature

Electric Literature

Electric Literature is a digital publisher empowering diverse voices since 2009. Through platforms like Recommended Reading, they publish short fiction, essays and more from rising talents.

Accessible content explores literature at social/cultural intersections through different genres. Work has won acclaim from prizes like Pushcart and O. Henry. As a nonprofit, Electric Lit relies on reader support. Whether through donations or spreading word, you can fuel their mission of making literature more inclusive and impactful.

13. Literary Hub

Literary Hub

Literary Hub is the online destination for all bookish discourse. Through original writing and major publisher partnerships, it delivers engaging conversation daily. Articles explore new releases alongside cultural analysis, craft essays and more in versatile styles. Interviews and excerpts spotlight authors across genres.

Curated features from top outlets and indie presses offer breadth of voices. Lit Hub unpacks industry shifts while celebrating diverse stories. Whether researching trends or feeding your bookworm habits, start each day here. One visit satisfies cravings while sparking ideas to fuel discussions for hours.

14. LitReactor

LitReactor offers writers a community and resources all in one. Founded by Chuck Palahniuk's team, its features include articles, writing workshops, and classes taught by published authors.

Through their peer workshop, members at any level provide constructive feedback - building skills and camaraderie. Lively discussions explore craft and literature, while contests bring out competition.

Featured in major outlets, LitReactor clearly succeeds in its mission. If nurturing your skills and joining a dedicated group of writers appeals, consider making this inspiring site your online base.

15. LitRejections

LitRejections

We've all felt the sting of rejection in the writing life. LitRejections collects agent and publisher denial letters to remind us we're not alone.

Browse submissions and reasons for passing to gain solidarity and learn from others' experiences. Curated advice also offers guidance straight from industry sources.

Whether seeking solace or wisdom to bolster your spirit, this site says "we've all been there." Next time denial strikes, turn here to lift your spirits and persist in your craft.

Writing Communities and Workshops

16. 🏅 our pick - nanowrimo.

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, supportive community for tackling that book idea. Each November, hundreds of thousands set the goal to write 50,000 words in 30 days.

At 1,667 words daily, achieving this "insane" target is very doable - especially with others all striving for the same. Motivational events and forums keep momentum going when needed.

Past NaNoWriMo novels have seen real success. Their all-year programming and youth offerings are also valuable.

Why is NaNoWriMo Our Topic Pick as a Top Writing Community?

• Lots of people: Over 500,000 join each year. Easy to find help, talk to others, and get ideas.
• Fun goal: Writing 50,000 words in 30 days gives a clear plan. Write something each day.
• Nice environment: NaNo makes it upbeat with online talk, meetups with parties, and fun tips.
• Help for all: Beginners and experts get things like guides, talks, and expert reviews for their writing level.
• Meet locally too: Not just online talks. NaNo has in-person writing groups and meetups near you.

17. Writer Unboxed

Writer Unboxed

As a hub for publishing insights since 2006, Writer Unboxed offers daily discussion on craft and industry from esteemed authors. With 50+ contributors, you'll find guidance to elevate your skills.

Analysis examines creative and business realities with an empowering approach. Comments expand conversations through reader input.

Events and their practical book also allow in-person bonding. Recognized as outstanding by Writing Digest, WU clearly delivers value.

18. Writing.com

Writing.com

Since 2000, one of the best writing websites, Writing.com has welcomed hundreds daily to become one of the web's largest creative hubs. With tools for every level and need, this thriving community awaits your discovery.

Whether starting out or seasoned, find inspiration through portfolio pages, challenges, and a wealth of creativity. Members also generously offer feedback to nourish each other's dreams on one of the best writing websites.

Recognized as the top online resource, Writing.com's warm home has fueled writers for over 20 years. See what makes them beloved - you may find this supportive haven becomes your writing home base.

19. Catapult

This publishing company has become well-known since starting in 2015. Their books and magazine often win awards and praise on various writing sites. Catapult supports new and experienced authors.

They offer writing classes with excellent teachers for students excited to learn. Catapult also provides helpful tools. They try to make writing open to everyone.

Famous authors say good things about Catapult's effect on numerous writing sites. This publisher really helps writers. Whether growing talent or getting better, Catapult encourages your ambitions with writing.

20. Association of Writers and Writing Programs

Association of Writers and Writing Programs

For over 50 years, AWP has promoted creative writing with helpful programs and meetings. Whether just starting out or already published, AWP offers important support. Scholarships, money awards, and mentorship help writing dreams come true.

AWP also speaks up for diverse books and artist freedoms. They help writers be heard in their work. AWP supports writers all around the world. Join this group to feel inspired and empowered in your writing.

21. Live Write Thrive

Live Write Thrive

Whether nurturing your craft or pursuing publication, Jaime of Live Write Thrive has you covered. As a writing conference director and author herself, her expertise spans genres.

Services include full critiques, editing packages and workshops around the US. Feedback goes beyond notes to promote real growth. With bestsellers under her belt, Jaime navigates publishing waters. She freely shares hard-won wisdom.

22. Now Novel

If you want a good website for your book, look at Now Novel, one of the best freelance websites for writers. They connect writers to each other and helpers. Leaders who made it are Bridget, Brendan, and Dagmar. They are also good writers and contributors to the best websites for freelance writers.

Now Novel has useful tools for characters, stories, and worlds. You track your work. Employees help with writing, editing, and making stories better. Their ideas will make your story stronger.

23. She Writes

Seeking a supportive online space? She Writes has been empowering women writers since 2009. Founded by Kamy Wicoff, this global community shares 35,000+ pieces of content. Contributors include bestsellers to bloggers.

Membership has grown to over 32,000, connecting trailblazers at every stage. Network in 350+ groups. She Writes Press also offers hybrid publishing solutions, launching over 200 careers.

24. The Writing Life

The Writing Life

Exploring the path to publication? Since 2005, The Writing Life nurtures writers at every stage. Packed with articles, podcasts and videos, this community spills industry secrets. Bestsellers, agents and editors contribute insights.

Connect with thriving online groups or in-person events. Find your tribe among diverse creators. Resources cover craft, contracts, marketing and more. Empower yourself as the writer you are meant to be!

25. Funds for Writers

Funds for Writers

Seeking resources to sustain your creative career? Since 2000, Funds for Writers guides writers. Whether full or part-time, all are welcome. FFW spotlight funding beyond craft - markets, grants, publishers and more.

Founded by Hope after her own career shift, FFW motivates dreams through a finance focus. Stay tuned via the insightful newsletter. Quality ads and endorsements writing-related.

In closing, online writing communities offer valuable benefits. Across writing websites, supportive fellow authors gather through inspiration, feedback, and collaboration. New opportunities arise too.

We curated 25 top skill-building websites for writers. Guidance and freelance await on these writing websites. Whether advice or ideas call, trusted resources answer. Exploration cultivates exposure and refinement. Upgrade skills through our accessible recommendations. Success starts now through online networking!

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Guides • Book Marketing

Last updated on Oct 25, 2022

13 Author Websites That Get It Right

About the author.

Reedsy's editorial team is a diverse group of industry experts devoted to helping authors write and publish beautiful books.

About Dario Villirilli

Editor-in-Chief of the Reedsy blog, Dario is a graduate of Mälardalen University. As a freelance writer, he has written for many esteemed outlets aimed at writers. A traveler at heart, he can be found roaming the world and working from his laptop.

Most professional authors will have their own website, both as a way to market themselves and connect with their readership . It's the one corner of the internet that the author fully controls — without interference from publishers or social media rules.

In this short guide, we'll show you some examples of effective author websites before giving you a step-by-step process for building your own. By the end, you'll be ready to take on the world (wide web).

Here are 13 examples of excellent author websites: 

1. Austin Kleon

New York Times bestselling author Austin Kleon identifies himself as “an author who draws” and uses his website to talk not only about his own books, but also about art and writing in general, offering creative inspiration to fans and casual visitors alike. 

Simple to navigate, and signposting all the relevant information — from blog posts, to his books, a newsletter mailing list to stay in touch , an author bio, and contact information — one of the main advantages of Kleon’s website is that it’s kept up-to-date with seasonal posts and frequent life updates. 

FREE COURSE

How to Build Your Author Mailing List

Learn how to connect with your audience and sell more books with email.

Takeaway: Keep your website up-to-date

Knock, knock. Who’s there? You should be. Unless you’ve got a ghostwriter on your team or you can uncannily churn out quality books constantly, you probably won’t always have new bookish updates. However, when people visit your site, you don’t want it to seem like it’s been idly collecting dust for years between publication dates. You want it to seem as though someone is home.

Austin Kleon’s website achieves this with fresh blog posts displayed front and center. Straight away, you know that he’s active behind the keyboard. Not only does it feel like he’s talking directly to you, but it also incentivizes you to come back, which can be handy for your next book launch. Studies confirm this: businesses that run blogs have 55% more website visitors than those that don’t.

Something as simple as an up-to-date Twitter feed or a list of upcoming events can keep your website fresh and show that you’re committed to interacting with your readers. If you're able to blog regularly, all the better! If your blog gets popular enough, it could become the foundation for your next book. 

How to Build an Amazing Author Blog

10 lessons to help you start your blog and boost your book sales.

2. Rupi Kaur

You’d expect nothing less than a well-designed website from the queen of Instapoetry herself, Rupi Kaur . Her elegant homepage immediately exudes “Rupi Kaur” and the message she wants her readers to receive. It’s on brand — aesthetically pleasing, with short guiding phrases, and creative with form — and much like her poetry, it sticks to the essentials to deliver a core message in just a few words.

But make no mistake; this is no minimalist, bare-bones version of a website. With customized stickers, an integrated webshop for merchandise, and links to both an Amazon Prime special and a world tour, it’s clear that Kaur has invested some time and dollars on making this a comfortable browsing experience for her readers.

Takeaway: Invest in branding and user experience

Granted, not every author can inject cash into a website like social media sensation Rupi Kaur. However, her online presence features several practices that are good takeaways for any author website. Kaur, for instance, doesn’t send her subscribers “newsletters” like Kleon does. Instead, she sends “love notes”. Readers can also follow the journey of her third book, Home Body , as it travels across the US, “sisterhood of the traveling pants” style. These touches make her website feel authentic and true to her brand. 

Paying a bit extra to get a custom-made website that fits your needs perfectly and appeals to your readers can improve user experience significantly, making it not only pleasing to the eye, but also easy to navigate.

Tell us about your book and we'll match you with a website style!

It'll only take a minute!

You can make your website stand out from the crowd by adding dynamic and interactive elements, and self-published author LJ Ross is no stranger to this strategy. Just like in her bestselling mystery series DCI Ryan, LJ Ross’s website takes inspiration from the atmospheric landscape of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island), located on the northeast coast of England. 

This eye-catching website is brought to life with some well-chosen dynamic elements: a bird flying across the landing page, mist rolling in as you hover your cursor, and a hamburger menu that folds out to direct you where you need to go, to name a few. 

LJ Ross also gets a bonus point for subverting the expectations for what a crime and mystery author’s website should look like, with a sunny background picture and a lighter color scale throughout the site. 

Takeaway: Bring your site to life

If your site is a pretty-but-static thing, you may be missing an opportunity. With some simple dynamic elements that draw the eyes, you can elevate your website and give visitors a reason to extend their session on your site. And the longer they stay, the more likely they are to engage with what your website offers. 

Start by capturing people’s attention with cool visuals, highlighting what you want visitors to see first (in this case: Ross’s different books series and a link to an audio drama production on Audible), and then invite them to engage by linking to your social media.

4. Miquel Reina

Another author who incorporates some movement into their author website to really bring it to life is Miquel Reina . This can be a risky maneuver — more often than not, flashy gifs and scrolling text scream “tacky.” But when it pays off, it creates a beautiful effect that will impress and entrance readers who stumble upon your page.

Upon first glance at the homepage of Miquel Reina's author website, nothing appears out of the ordinary... until the first image begins to change. As you can see, each translation ( and gorgeous new visual ) of Reina's book  Lights on the Sea morphs into the next, providing a beautifully comprehensive sense of his accomplishments.

If you’re not a web designer , this tactic could easily go awry, but Reina ensures that all his images are carefully sized and timed to create a calibrated effect. The transitions are calmly paced to give you enough time with each cover , but not so slow that you risk missing the effect entirely. He also wisely avoids cluttering the rest of his homepage with additional text and images, so the viewer focuses solely on the slow-moving book covers.

Takeaway: Keep it simple (but sophisticated)

Again, it's easy to go overboard with this tactic; you don't want your author website to look like a carnival. To keep things interesting yet professional, bring your site to life with just one or two smoothly transitioning GIFs.

Fun fact: You can find Miquel Reina, who designed his own website (!), right here on Reedsy. Click here to check out his other projects .

💡Pro tip: Keep site speed in mind! On the technical side, a simple setup will help your site load faster. Heavy images will slow a site down and frustrate visitors. They came to find out about your book, not wait around watching their fingernails grow.

5. David Sedaris

Authors sometimes make the mistake of thinking that people visit their websites just to read their bio. Are you, the author, important? Sure, but your books are way more important. Let people know they’re on an author’s website by making your product the star of the show, as David Sedaris does. A minimalist setup makes it impossible not to notice the main event: Sedaris’ newest book.

Takeaway: Put your book front and center

If a reader visits your site and doesn’t immediately realize that you’re an author with a book to sell, you’re probably doing something wrong. Placing your book front and center announces that, whatever else you may be offering through your site, you’re first and foremost an author who wants to share their stories with the world. 

Also important are the buttons that urge people to buy your book and steer folks to their retailer of choice. For the perfect user experience, it’s vital to generate retailer links to your books and make sure people can easily add them to their basket.

6. Brit Bennett

Another author who has embraced the idea of putting their book front and center is Brit Bennett . Her hugely successful novel  The Vanishing Half is clearly the star of the show as you enter her landing page, and unlike David Sedaris’ lengthy book description, Bennett focuses on some strong endorsements in the form of quotes to sell her book — and clearly has no trouble doing so.

Takeaway: Include testimonials and reviews

There’s nothing quite as effective as word-of-mouth marketing when it comes to book sales. With a well-chosen quote from the right person, you may see your book sales soar, so it would be wasteful not to use the prime real estate of your website to let others highlight your writing prowess through testimonials and reviews. 

💡Pro tip: Testimonials and reviews are a great way to market your work and authorship so make sure to leave some space for that on your website.

For more marketing insights, check out our course on the fundamentals of book marketing:

Book Marketing 101

Learn seven tried-and-true strategies for boosting book sales.

7. Lesley M. M. Blume

When you first land on Lesley M.M. Blume’s website , you are met with an old, faded picture of an atomic bomb, held up by tape and a short journalistic description This documentary approach quickly envelopes readers into the topic material that Blume — an award-winning journalist — has written about in her latest book, Fallout: The Hiroshima Cover-up and the Reporter Who Revealed it to the World . 

Within moments of arriving on Lesley’s site, you become aware that she is a writer and journalist. This quick preview of her book grabs your attention and sets the tone.

Takeaway: Give readers a visual taste of your book

As an author, your medium of choice is often the written word, but your website is an excellent opportunity to expand on the imagery you’re trying to capture and make your messaging more vivid. By focusing on the visual aspects of your website rather than the textual, you allow readers to get an idea of what your book is all about straight off the bat — and you can present it in a way that is quicker and easier to consume than a full synopsis. 

Is your book a fluffy romcom, or is it hard facts? Offer a glimpse of what readers can expect of your writing, and don’t fall for the temptation to clutter your website with too much text; instead, use the power of images to elevate your message.

8. Maggie Stiefvater

Your author website should always include a good reason or two for visitors to offer up their email addresses. When you navigate your way to Maggie Stiefvater’s website , you’re immediately presented with the opportunity to sign up for her newsletter. But the opt-in choices on her email list are plenty. For instance, you can sign up for an 8-hour seminar to improve your writing craft, led by Stiefvater herself! 

In marketing, this is known as lead magnets 一 offering something of genuine value in return for an email address — a marketing strategy we highly encourage authors to use..

Takeaway: Use a lead magnet

In publishing, a lead magnet usually means offering free content in exchange for an email address, such as downloadable PDF prints, exclusive interviews, or bonus chapters of your upcoming release. This helps you build your mailing list so that when you publish another book, you already have a group of people to advertise it to. 

💡Pro tip: A free sample does more than just incentivize people to offer their contact info. If you’ve read our Reedsy Learning course on how to run a price promotion , you’ll know that offering a free book is also a great way to hook readers and create a loyal fanbase for future publications. A free preview can work similarly, giving readers a commitment-free chance to get drawn into your book, leaving them more likely to pay to read the rest.

9. Megan McDonald and Peter H. Reynolds (Judy Moody)

Using images is perhaps even more essential when you’re writing a children’s book. The illustrative style on the Judy Moody website gets the brand across almost immediately: fun children’s books! And if there were ever any doubts, it cements the message that the best author websites are extensions of the author’s novels and wider brand. 

The creators of the website know the Judy Moody audience, with nudges and winks in the direction of teachers and parents, as well as younger readers with playful phrasing such as “Way-Not-Boring Stuff,” which links to several fun lead magnets, in the shape of games and downloadable PDFs, perfect for kids’ birthday parties. 

Takeaway: Speak to your target audience

When designing your own website, some of the questions you should ask yourself, like Judy Moody’s publicist clearly has, are all about personal branding: 

• Are you branding yourself or a series? 
• What’s the voice and tone of your book?
• Who is your target audience; and 
• Would your site resonate with them? 

Judy Moody's authors have chosen to highlight the eponymous character of the series rather than themselvces, but whichever way you lean, there should always be a recognizable red thread that runs between your books and your website. Keep the voice and tone of your website distinctive and consistent, so people immediately recognize the relation to your work. 

🎨 If you’re thinking about how you can develop your own author brand, check out this article about how Lara Coates enlisted a Reedsy designer to help establish hers.

10. Fonda Lee

One way to ensure that you’re speaking to your target audience is to match your website to the genre you’re writing in. Fonda Lee leaves no room for doubt with her Y2K style logo and dark color pallet. But just in case you missed it, she makes sure to signpost herself as a “science fiction and fantasy author,” and uses a gallery of pictures to highlight her catalog of published works. 

Takeaway: Signpost your genre

While many visitors to your website may already know what genre you’re working in, it’s always a good idea to make sure you match your website to the content you’re publishing. This goes hand in hand with author branding, but the visual elements of your website can also add another dimension to the worlds you’re building in your books. 

11. Neon Yang

Whether you’re a maximalist or a minimalist when it comes to design, the use of bold or contrasting colors is another way to make your website pop and highlight something particularly important you want to draw attention to. And you don’t have to have a name like Neon Yang in order to do so. But choose your colors wisely, and stick to one or two for the best effect.

Takeaway: Be selective in your use of colors

The psychology of color can have a big impact on how people perceive something, but don’t make the mistake of trying to catch ‘em all; using all of the colors of the rainbow together at once is unlikely to have the desired effect of drawing the eye to one thing. Instead, too many colors can be distracting and more confusing than helpful, making the message you want to communicate murky and sometimes even hard to read. 

When using bold colors, one or two is enough to draw visitors’ focus toward the most important things. Neon Yang fittingly uses neon lime green to contrast against a darker background, which effectively highlights key information, fits their unique brand, and adds a tongue-in-cheek touch to the whole website.

💡Pro tip: When using accent colors, choose them carefully, and avoid writing huge chunks of texts in colors that are hard to read to make your website more accessible to all visitors.

12. Brené Brown

Speaking of accessibility, no matter how beautiful and well-crafted your homepage is, or how nicely your logo fits on the corner of that picture you’ve chosen, here’s your official reminder to make your website compatible with all types of devices. Brené Brown has made sure her website will meet everyone’s needs, regardless of their browsing weapon of choice.

Takeaway: Optimize for mobile navigation

Nothing is as frustrating as a clunky website that you can’t read, especially when you’re on the go. Today mobile traffic accounts for almost 60% of all web traffic , so your website should be made to fit all devices to make it as easy as possible for visitors to explore.

13. Angie Thomas

Finally, one of the biggest reasons people visit author websites is to get a better sense of who the person behind the words on the page is, so don’t be afraid to show your face. Angie Thomas goes straight for the kill with a beautiful, professional headshot that is both inviting and confident. This, paired with some hand-picked words to the left, is a strong introduction to Thomas both as a person and as an author. 

Takeaway: Show your face

Whether you want your brand to focus on you as an author or on your books, it’s a good rule of thumb to use your website to introduce yourself to the world. Unless, of course you’re a ghostwriter or writing under a pen name and prefer to work in anonymity . But even then, your website should include an avatar at the very least.

You don’t have to place your author photo front and center, but your site should contain some indication that your work was written by an actual human and not an AI. Your ‘About’ section is a good place to start, but sprinkling a few photos that show who you are throughout your different sections is a good way to make your readers feel connected to you. 

In the next part of this guide, we'll show you how to create your very own website using some of the most popular tools in the internet.

11 responses

Brent Jones says:

02/06/2017 – 12:29

Well, never did I ever think I'd appear on the same list of authors as JK Rowling for something. Wow! You guys over at Reedsy made my day. Thanks!

Kristen Steele says:

21/06/2017 – 15:29

Great examples! Branding is a powerful element, but works best if all of your books follow a specific theme.

arushi says:

30/08/2018 – 05:47

Nice Article www.booksoul.in

Zain Khan says:

06/12/2018 – 09:28

Thanks for the awesome blog post. keep it up. Recycling Media

Michael Barrett says:

05/03/2019 – 15:00

mbbarrett.com

christopher sparacino says:

08/05/2019 – 12:28

I wrote a book i'm trying to get out there, feel free to read it! it's free, about 70 pages... http://bit.ly/evolveordiebook enjoy

Oohgirlbybk says:

Good info! Thank you! My website is live, but I will be contacting my web designer :)

Sayli@digitalmarketing says:

22/05/2019 – 10:25

This the list every digital marketer and web designer should have! Thanks for this amazing list!

Paul Nieto says:

23/05/2019 – 17:00

Thank you for the ideas and examples. I signed up for the checklist also.

amber says:

05/09/2019 – 09:50

wow, what a great example. branding is the most powerful tool. I am also an author

David Evans says:

17/11/2019 – 10:05

The Lesley M. M. Blume site and the Austin Kleon site are pretty good , i often find that alot of sites go for design over typography which mostly doesnt work , your right about having blog posts front and centre , problem is most authors ive encountered never want that ( customer is always right etc ) .. which is a shame

Comments are currently closed.

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101 Best Websites for Writers

We are pleased to announce that our site has again been named as one of the “101 Best Websites for Writers” in the newest issue of Writer’s Digest (May/June 2020) .

This annual list, now in its 22nd year, is a great resource. This year’s collection has 40 new additions (which makes it even nicer to continue to be included). It’s organized into ten categories with our site in the category of “Genre/Niche” under the subheading of “Spiritual.”

I scour many of the sites in this list already, most by using an RSS reader. It is truly remarkable how much great material is available with the click of a few keys.

Included in this year’s list are a few of our friends!

• Fight Write by Carla Hoch. (She is a client and her book Fight Write came out from Writers Digest recently. If you write fiction that has fight scenes, you need this book!
• Go Teen Writers hosted by Jill Williamson, Stephanie Morrill, and Shannon Dittemore (Jill is one of the authors for Enclave Publishing).
• The Kill Zone hosted by 11 top writers, including James Scott Bell who posts once a week.
• The Write Conversation hosted by Edie Melson, author and co-director of the Blue Ridge Christian Writers conference. Many wonderful writers from our industry contribute every day.
• Author Media by Thomas Umstattd, Jr. who hosts our Christian Publishing Show podcast every Tuesday.

Other great sites include those from Jane Friedman, Joanna Penn, Writer Unboxed, and many more. Writers Digest does not post the list online for free. You have to subscribe to the magazine or buy the individual issue, which you can do at this link for $6.99 (price is current as of this writing). But it may be worth the investment to create your own catalog of must-read blogs, sites, and resources.

About Steve Laube

Steve Laube, president and founder of The Steve Laube Agency, a veteran of the bookselling industry with 40 years of experience. View all posts by Steve Laube →

Reader Interactions

May 23, 2020 at 7:46 am

I am so happy that Writer’s Digest has included Thomas Umstattd and Joanna Penn. I listen to them regularly. The information they provide through their podcasts has helped me tremendously as an indie writer and publisher. And Steve, thanks for keeping me abreast of the bookselling industry because your blogs, are insightful.

May 23, 2020 at 11:47 am

Congratulations! I’m glad to see the good news.

May 24, 2020 at 8:45 pm

is it pointless to sent now since you said on the podcast you were knee deep in manuscripts?

May 25, 2020 at 5:18 pm

Leanrogers,

I’ve been knee-deep in proposals and mansucripts for nearly 30 years.

Nothing has changed or is any different today.

As of this afternoon there are over 300 proposals in the queue, a combination of physical and email submissions.

And that does not include any of my client’s submissions. I don’t count those as unsolicited.

December 12, 2021 at 7:16 pm

Glad i found your site from a link posted on Christian Book Store site. Im Tanya Wilson, published author of “Living The Mango-licious Life: Sips & Tips on Surving & Thriving Beyond Seasons of Adversity” Im a new author still learning the book industry and would love to explore methods to get my book in Christian book stores. Thanks for any tips you can offer. Tanya

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Writing Forward: One of the Best Websites for Writers

by Melissa Donovan | Apr 21, 2009 | News | 27 comments

One of the best websites for writers!

Writer’s Digest is the premiere magazine for writers. And by premiere, I mean it’s sort of a big deal (aff link).

So, when I found out that Writing Forward had been chosen as one of the “101 Best Websites for Writers,” I was perfectly speechless.

When I regained my vocabulary, it was just jumbled. What does one say to something like this?

Best Websites for Writers

Every year, Writer’s Digest accepts suggestions for websites to be included on this prestigious list. This year, over 2700 entries were received and then narrowed down to just 101 of the very best.

The list is organized by category: challenges/creativity, general resources, agent blogs, publishing resources, jobs and markets, writing communities, genres/niches, and fun for writers.

Writing Forward is listed under “Writing Communities,” which sweetens the honor, since the writing community is what drives this blog and keeps me going week after week.

If you’re looking for some great websites for writers, then you’ll find plenty of treasures on this list. And if you’re any kind of writer, you’ll find Writer’s Digest packed with valuable and useful information from creative writing tips to insight on landing an agent and getting published.

Welcome, Writer’s Digest Readers!

It’s truly a privilege to welcome the readers of Writer’s Digest to this humble little creative writing blog. I hope you will find the articles here beneficial to your writing endeavors, and I encourage you to participate by sharing your thoughts in the comments. Feedback and suggestions are always welcome!

Get on Board

For less than $20, you’ll get eight issues packed with insightful writing tips, advice for finding an agent, tips for getting published, and even guidance for working as a freelance writer. This magazine covers everything from the writing process to marketing your work.

Some of the best-loved and most respected authors in the world have been featured in Writer’s Digest . Plus, the magazine accepts submissions and pays writers quite well for any work they accept for publication. Yes, it’s the real deal people.

Subscribe to Writer’s Digest today  (aff link). You won’t be sorry.

I want to give special thanks to Karen Swim over at Words for Hire – not only for being the first to congratulate me (thereby alerting me to the news) — but also for being so encouraging and supportive as a writing and blogging friend.

Of course, this never wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for all of you writers out there who have subscribed, commented, and emailed. Your participation, feedback, and suggestions keep this blog going, so without you, it wouldn’t even exist. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I adore you all!

Now, let’s get back to writing.

27 Comments

This is truly a fantastic achievement Melissa, congratulations!

Make sure you put that logo in *all* your marketing material, heck put it anywhere your name or Writing Forward appears.

That’s a fantastic achievement Melissa, well done

Congratulations Melissa, you totally deserve it. You are a writing ROCK STAR!

Melissa, that’s AMAZING. Congratulations!!

Congratulations! Writer’s Digest was the first writing magazine I read as a kid. You’ve got lots in common, especially your encouragement to newbies. Keep up the good work!

Congrats! That’s a huge feather in your virtual cap, but from what I’ve seen (and I recently subscribed because of “what I’ve seen” here!) it’s well deserved. Keep up the amazing work.

Awesome achievement! I agree with Marc – mention it everywhere! And I don’t get this magazine but I’ll check it out and see if it’s USA only. Thank you!

Major congrats to you!

Hi Melissa: What an honor, to be one of the top 101 from 2700 entries, that’s awesome. Well deserved 🙂

I congratulated you on Facebook already but YAY again!

Congratulations! this is an amazing effort and definately helps you build your reputation in the writing world 😀

DAnngggg. Nicely done! That’s a great achievement, to be recognized by the mainstream press. Congrats!

Well I’m just tickled no end for you, Melissa! Congratulations on such a fine honor! We always knew you were terrific. :))

Congrats – it’s well deserved.

I think you blend insights and experience and share it in a way that’s pragmatic and actionable.

Congrats! Truly happy for your achievement, whoa! 😉

Congratualtions1 You really do deserve it 😀

I want a Writer’s Digest subscription, but I’m pressed for even $20.

Congratulations! You deserve it. I love this site and it has helped me tremendously. I know that it will help many others as well.

Thanks everyone for all of your kind words and congratulations. Your support makes me want to work even harder, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. Thanks again!

Fantastic achievement. Congratulations!

This is my first time on your website and have really enjoyed reading your articles. Keep up the good work!

Wow, that’s awesome! Congratulations.

Congratulations Melissa! I cannot honestly think of anyone more deserving. Ever since I first read your work, I really appreciated your diplomatic approach to writing. Some sites like yours about the same things offer too much conceited opinion, but yours doesn’t. You’re always positive and above all, treat your readers like gold. I love your site and you of course! You’re the best 🙂

Melissa – this is so great! Many congrats. You most definitely belong on that list. I love your stuff. Well done!

Congratulations. I just found your blog via Marc and I’m already a subscriber. I’m looking forward to learning a lot here……………:)

That’s a magnificent achievement, Melissa. Congratulations! “,)

Hi Melissa .. congratulations – well done: it looks like you absolutely deserve it. Your blog title, the information contained on the page etc .. are well set out, so it’s attractive on the eye, easy to read and with clarity.

Thanks – I’ll be around!

All the best – Hilary Melton-Butcher Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

Congratulations! I hope someday have that honour with my website. Great articles with excellent tips. Keep up the excellent work.

Melissa, being selected by Writer’s Digest” is quite an honor, and I join the others in congradulating you. I look forward to being a better writer with your insightful “Writing Tips and Ideas”.

Although I am a late-blooming aspiring author at 82, I am hopeful I still have time to make my mark. So far, I have POD published “Whispering Pines, a 795 page family saga from the Civil War to the present. While my book, published in November 2009, remains a “sleeper”, I am still encouraged by the feed-back from several prolific readers; so much so, that I am now writing a sequel to be followed by a memoir to tie the two novels with my real life. Unlike young aspiring authors, my objective is to live longer, motivated by my noble mission to succeed as a writer. Perhaps too lofty of a goal; nevertheless, I shall have fun trying even if I only succeed in living longer. (LOL)

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7 Best Website Builders for Authors and Writers

Nowadays, having a modern and attractive website is crucial for authors and writers. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned author, or a freelance creator, you need a well-crafted online space. It can serve as your portfolio, a platform to engage with your readers, and a means to sell your books directly. However, creating it from scratch can be difficult. That’s where website builders come in. They offer user-friendly tools and templates that make it easy to create a professional-looking website without much effort. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 author website builders, highlighting their key features to help you choose the right one for your literary needs. Some are for creating a blog to share your thoughts, and others are comprehensive platforms for launching an online store.

Comparison table of the best website builders for authors

The best website builders for authors

Interface & templates

Weblium is ideal for building an author website for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a lot of pre-made templates that are mobile-friendly and tailored for specific needs. They all are well-thought-out designs, with structures and sections that will attract visitors and are easy to navigate. You only need to choose the one and add your content. Of course, if needed, you can create your own website from scratch. Weblium’s intuitive editor helps you to make it effortlessly.

The templates are divided into various categories , so it’s easy to choose the right one. It can be a CV, an online portfolio, a book landing page, or many other options. You can choose the design and then customize it, adding blocks and elements such as galleries, feedback, a timer, etc. The website can be optimized with built-in SEO tools, such as meta tags and alt text for images, helping you engage more visitors.

Third-party services & other features

Weblium offers various opportunities to show your talent to the world. You can start a blog to publish posts and share your updates with the audience. If you want to sell books , it’s easy to launch an online store. You can customize every element of the product pages to match the overall style. All orders can be found in the site setting to get full control from one place.

Need to collect inquiries? Add contact forms, customize them as you wish, and manage them easily. Weblium also has a built-in CRM, so you can get requests and access them when you have time. You can also connect your email to receive notifications and never lose important deals. Your visitors will have an excellent user experience and the opportunity to contact you through the website, and you will have full control over their inquiries.

Weblium provides users with many helpful resources. The Knowledge Base contains articles and guides, allowing users to learn its features. Videos with overviews and step-by-step instructions on how to design an author website are also available. You will never feel overwhelmed, but if you still have questions, reach our support team 24/7 via email or chat.

Weblium is the best website builder for authors looking for a quick, straightforward setup with modern templates. It offers a free plan , so you can try it first and then purchase a Pro plan, which is also the most affordable among other builders.

With more than 900 templates, Artificial Intelligence tools, and its App market, Wix can serve as an advanced solution for those ready to create a business website to grow and scale. All templates are sorted by categories and are ready to be used for different types of websites. Designs can be customized for selling online, starting a blog, or building a community.

AI website builder can help writers set up everything quickly. They can use this tool for design, text, and layouts and get a ready website. It also suits personalizing details and generating content. Authors may not be interested in creating copies with technology, but what about images? They just need to write their ideas and get high-quality pictures.

Wix offers various integrations, apps, and other advanced features that can be useful for authors. It has templates made specifically for blogs, a rich text editor, and video and audio add-ons. Users can create unique posts, promote them on social media, and translate content into other languages, which helps them reach a wider audience. Followers can become members if creators use full opportunities for Wix marketing.

Users can transform their websites into e-commerce platforms, monetize content, and sell products. Online store creation also starts with choosing a design or using AI. There are different options on how to sell and what to sell, including digital products and subscriptions. With the help of Wix Multilingual, it’s possible to reach an international market, so if authors are looking for people from different countries, they can try this feature. Users can go to the Help Center, Wix Encyclopedia, and Wix Blog to discover Wix opportunities.

Wix is the best website builder for authors who want creative freedom. It offers a wide range of templates and apps.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a builder with beautiful designs and e-commerce opportunities. Once users tell what kind of website they want — professional portfolio, online store, or personal — they can choose design, fonts, and colors. Writers can use flexible templates by selecting the category and type. They are mobile-friendly and well-thought-out, enabling creators to present books, display projects, and tell about themselves. 

The builder offers a more straightforward way to make a creative website with its new drag-and-drop editor, Fluid Engine. It allows users to make any changes and place content as they want. Those who don’t need such customization can use the classic editor. There is another feature for building called Squarespace Blueprint AI. Users can use it to make a website based on their preferences.

Authors can create and manage a blog with Squarespace’s built-in blog page. It has features such as blog posts and excerpts, tags, categories, and comments. Users can also share posts on social media and schedule them. Updating the blog on the computer is easy, and the Squarespace app is convenient on mobile. To promote the website, there is built-in SEO, email campaigns, and analytic tools. 

Squarespace is also an all-in-one solution for e-commerce, handling shipping, fulfillment, taxes, and payments. It’s suitable not only for selling physical products but also for selling services. Users can use Acuity Scheduling for booking and client invoicing tools. Writers can also sell subscriptions and digital content. Users can share private work with clients by adding password-protected pages. Squarespace community includes a Help Center, a forum, and webinars, which allow users to select the needed topic and learn about it.

Squarespace is the best website builder for authors looking for a professional online presence with advanced e-commerce features.

Writers can create a professional website with Jimdo by answering questions, adding their information, and customizing the chosen template. They can use Artificial Intelligence to make the process easier and an Image Library to find perfect images for their needs. The builder provides tools for independent small businesses with quick setups. Whatever authors have in mind, they can implement their ideas.

Jimdo offers various templates for different professions, such as journalist, editor, and copywriter. A template can also be a portfolio or resume for self-presentation online. Styles, fonts, and colors can be changed. Users can find inspiration by browsing website examples built with Jimdo, proudly placed on the starter page.

As mentioned before, Jimdo is the solution for writers who want to grow their businesses online. And here is why. It has many features that can help, such as automated business listings and SEO tools, which help grow the audience and engage visitors. Users can manage all their bookings in one place. It suits any event and enables automatic notifications about confirmations and cancellations.

If book authors want to create an online store, they should consider features such as 100% revenue without commission, local pickup, flexible payment methods, and different integrations. If they want to sell a book, they can upload an image, add a description, and promote it. To learn more about Jimdo, users can go to the Blog, Inspiration, and Help Center. There, they can find a lot of advice about self-employment, starting a business, website tips, and more.

Jimdo is the best website builder for writers who need a basic, no-fuss website quickly with an AI-powered builder.

WordPress is a platform that combines many different features for self-published authors. Firstly, of course, they can use hundreds of themes to create a website and publish posts. Then, it’s about the block editor, which users can use to organize content and media. Pre-built block patterns allow them to create different layouts by inserting them into pages and posts. 

Another option is patterns, which allow authors to display media, highlight the latest posts, take bookings, sell things, and keep the audience engaged. The designs are responsive and professional, especially preassembled ones. This builder gives the tools to share, host, and curate galleries and stories. Built-in integrations and plugins help find the perfect image. 

Starting a blog with WordPress and publishing the first post is easy. Then, authors have the tools to expand their websites as their audience grows. The dashboard makes it easy to track blog stats, while Jetpack gives all the details with charts, graphs, and deep-dive data. The Jetpack mobile app for iOS and Android allows users to control their blog anytime. The post-scheduling feature enables them to write a post, set a publish date, and then ‘leave it to the blog to hit publish’.

Writers can be found faster with built-in SEO tools, such as URLs, automatic sitemaps, and custom titles and descriptions. There is also a built-in Reader with millions of people, so users can easily find their readers and followers. WordPress offers built-in monetization tools for shipping out merch, selling downloadable content, taking donations, and offering subscriptions and memberships. If interested, more information about the WordPress features can be found in Support, Forums, News, and Building tips. There are also video tutorials and online courses on how to create a website with this builder.

WordPress is the best website builder for writers who want full control over their website’s functionality and design. It offers thousands of themes and plugins.

Weebly allows authors to create websites using straightforward tools. They can start by building with step-by-step guides, then customize the website and use advanced features. The editor enables users to move elements and add content easily. Weebly’s free video library can be used as a background and an option for dynamic content to keep the audience engaged. It offers an image editor and site search to create a unique user experience.

The builder provides responsive themes for websites, blogs, or online stores. The collection of templates includes various designs, each of which can be customized by changing the font, header, color scheme, and other elements. Users can add custom forms and manage submissions. Weebly’s form builder is drag and drop and has integrations for better engagement.

Writers can store and access the form responses. After submission, the data is sent via email and stored on the site’s dashboard. Weebly offers all-in-one e-commerce features to simplify order management, shipping, and payments. Integrated marketing tools help to reach more visitors. Writers can use apps from the market, for example, to boost traffic or get social.

Authors can start a blog and create writing quickly. The builder offers blog templates and SEO. The advanced tools include blog management — users can customize moderation and approval settings. Really Simple Syndication (RSS) and social sharing features enable messages to be shared across various channels. To stay connected, it’s possible to publish with the Blog Post Editor, respond to blog comments, and form entries from mobile. Weebly provides resources to get to know it better, such as a blog, success stories, and developer docs.

Weebly is the best website builder for writers searching for ease of use with blogging and simple e-commerce.

GoDaddy is a platform that offers various opportunities for different needs. It starts as a provider and builder, but there are also tools for marketing, blogs, and selling. It allows users to build websites quickly with ready-to-launch templates. They can choose colors, fonts, and layouts, and then add text and photos. GoDaddy has AI tools for domains, logos, and more.

The templates are divided into groups, and users can create a website after choosing the most suitable one. They can edit and customize it on the go by clicking and dragging to reorder. Promo banners, contact forms, calls to action — adding any necessary elements to engage visitors is easy.

GoDaddy is known for its WordPress plans, which include access to themes and plugins, integrations, and building tools. Users can also easily add a blog to their website and publish posts using basic image editing, categories, and BYOB (Bring Your Own Blog). Synchronization with social media includes Facebook and Instagram so writers can manage posts from the GoDaddy dashboard. Marketing Planner notifies users of upcoming events to engage more customers. 

GoDaddy offers e-commerce features that allow authors to sell what they want, whether products, services, or digital content. Everything is managed from one place, and it’s convenient to monitor. Main features include tracking Google search ranking, orders, and email campaigns. The platform also offers GoDaddy InSight Score. There are many resources with detailed descriptions of features and plans, such as the Help Center and videos.

GoDaddy is the best website builder for writers who need a platform offering quick web design creation and marketing tools.

How to choose the best website builder for authors?

Before diving into specific website builders, you need to clearly understand what you need from your author’s website . Consider the following aspects:

Step 1: Determine your goals

• If your primary goal is to showcase and sell your books, you’ll need e-commerce features (online store, SEO, analytics).
• If you want to build your personal brand and engage with your audience, focus on design flexibility, blogging options, and social media integration.

Step 2: Estimate your budget

• If you’re on a tight budget, look for platforms that offer free plans or affordable pricing.
• If you have a budget for professional design, you might prefer a premium platform or even hire a developer for customization.

Step 3: Investigate and get inspired

• Find websites you like and try to analyze what exactly catches your eye – memorable logo and styles, colors, or engaging elements.
• Discover builders’ main features, such as templates and business tools, and look for websites made with this platform.

Step 4: Make your decision and sign up

• Many builders offer trials, so you can try the main features and understand if they fully suit you.
• Builders like Weblium offer a free plan, so you can use basic functionality for free and then buy a subscription to access more tools and benefits.

Conclusion about website builder for authors

Choosing the right author website builder depends on your specific needs, such as ease of use, customization options, SEO features, and budget. Here’s a conclusion on the options listed.

• If you value creative freedom and advanced features, Wix or WordPress would be ideal. Squarespace and Weebly is a solid choice for a polished, professional look with less effort. 
• If simplicity and speed are your priorities, Weblium, Jimdo, or GoDaddy could be the way to go.

Want to create an author website for free? Try Weblium right now and have your own online space!

FAQ about author website builders

What website builder do authors use.

Different builders have their own benefits. Squarespace is popular for its sleek, professional design templates. Wix is known for its number of templates and apps. Weblium is an excellent choice for its intuitive editor and ease of use.

Where is the best place to make an author website?

WordPress and GoDaddy are favored for their flexibility and the wide range of plans available. Weebly and Jimdo are suitable for those who want to launch a site and connect third-party services quickly.

Do I really need an author website?

Yes, an author website serves as your digital business card, providing a central hub for readers, publishers, and media to learn more about you and your work. It is also an essential marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your projects, share updates, and sell books.

How should an author website look?

The main steps you can take are to ensure the site is easy to navigate and looks great on mobile devices, prioritize readability with simple fonts and a clean layout, and reflect on your genre and personal brand. It’s also better for the website to include your bio, work, and contact information.

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