Do you have a one-liner yet?

A while back, a middle school student came to job shadow me as an author. We met at my kitchen table, and at one point I remember explaining that being an author is way more than just writing. It’s websites, videos, analytics, contracts, meetings, finances, and all the little professional pieces that make the writing life actually function.

That moment has stuck with me because I think a lot of aspiring authors still imagine the writing life in a much fuzzier way. They picture the manuscript / book deal / a finished book on a table. What they don’t picture is the part where someone Googles their name and needs to find a real home for their work.

And that’s where the website comes in.

Your author website is not there to make you look fancy, it’s there to make you easy to understand for someone looking at the page. It helps an agent, editor, event host, school, podcast producer, or reader quickly figure out who you are, what you write, and what to do next.

I also know this is one of those places that makes us serial—I’ve see it again and again—the writer realizes they need an author website and immediately feels overwhelmed by domains, Squarespace vs. Showit, branding, and email capture. I get it!

So let me make this simple. Here’s what you need:

Your homepage should answer the question: Who are you and what do you write?

I call it a “one-liner” Consider this your elevator speech. When people ask what you write about or what you do, what do you say? For me, because I do so many different things (writing, publishing, consulting and biz owner/founder) I say, “I create resources that serve you, your family, and the church.” It’s a nice umbrella statement that helps people know immediately what I’m about.

You could say something like this:
[Your Name] is a children’s book writer creating stories for young readers.

Or:
[Your Name] writes faith-filled picture books for children and the grown-ups who love them.

Commonly called the “about” - just share a short bio:

• your name

• credentials

• what you write

• a photo

• one or two details that make you memorable

If you have books out, give them a clean place to live. Cover image, short description, age range if helpful, and links to purchase.

If you are not published yet, just list what you write about and are working on. If you have somewhere people and preview your work (a Substack, blog, or other online articles), include links!

If someone likes your work, where do they go next? I always tell clients, that even if you’re not consistently putting out a newsletter, start collecting those emails! Even on a free Google Form. That way, when you’re ready to start, 10 subscribers is better than 0.

Readers, event organizers, schools, podcasts, media, what if they want to talk to you? If someone wants to invite you, feature you, or ask about your work, make. it. easy.

Depending on your goals, you may also want:

• school visits

• speaking/events

• press kit

• testimonials

You’re not vain to have a writer/author site, your smart. If you’re serious about writing and publishing in the book space, this is a necessity.

Writing together,
Laura

ps. If you want the world’s easiest website, check out Parlor! I made it just for writers like you.