How can authors add a reader magnet to their website?

Author-specific platforms like Tertulia let you add a built-in reader magnet module to your site, automating the signup and delivery process so you can grow your email list and audience without extra tools.

What should an author do if they have no professional book reviews?

Don't wait for press coverage. A handful of specific, genuine reader reviews (pulled from Goodreads or elsewhere) can build just as much social proof and credibility, especially when they speak to what makes your book worth reading.

How much more money can I make selling directly vs. through retailers?

You typically keep a significantly larger share of each sale since there's no retailer cut. Using Tertulia, for example, you keep all the earnings from book sales after the minor credit card transaction fees.

Author success story

How can an indie author sell directly and through retailers in one place?

Multi-genre indie author Chuck Watson needed a platform where he could both sell directly and link to retailers. He set up a premium-looking website and offered hardcover, paperback and ebook formats of his book directly, while linking off to Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.

Author at a glance

Chuck Watson

History
Historical Fiction
Thriller
Short Stories

chuckwatsonauthor.com

The Situation

Chuck's current project — a series of true stories about spies and covert operatives throughout history — has a distinct look and feel to match. He built a website with a custom logo, style, and color palette that complements the series and reinforces the promise of the books to readers. His blog extends that storytelling further, surfacing fascinating untold stories from history that keep readers coming back between releases.

Why This Strategy Works

Chuck was able to solve a mismatch between a niche fiction area (espionage history) and a generic-looking site — the customization makes the site itself signal the tone and quality readers can expect from the books but it isn't too over the top. It also solves reader retention between releases: the blog gives him a reason for readers to keep returning even when he's not launching a new book.

How They Use Tertulia

Website
Blog
Direct Sales
Email Marketing
Reader Magnet
Reviews

In Their Own Words

“I love my Tertulia website! Setting up to sell my books right from my website was straightforward, and payments, downloads, and subscriber management all run in the background without me having to think about it. For an author who'd rather be writing than wrestling with technology, that's exactly what I need. Thank you, Tertulia!”

Chuck Watson

History, Historical Fiction, Thriller, Short Stories

Key Takeaways for Authors

Select a platform to make your website that makes it easy for you to sell books directly.
Create a website with the design and content that reflects your author brand.
Offer a reader magnet to give prospective readers a sample of your work.

Chuck Watson's author website, built with Tertulia

Frequently Asked Questions

How can authors add a reader magnet to their website?
Author-specific platforms like Tertulia let you add a built-in reader magnet module to your site, automating the signup and delivery process so you can grow your email list and audience without extra tools.
What should an author do if they have no professional book reviews?
Don't wait for press coverage. A handful of specific, genuine reader reviews (pulled from Goodreads or elsewhere) can build just as much social proof and credibility, especially when they speak to what makes your book worth reading.
How much more money can I make selling directly vs. through retailers?
You typically keep a significantly larger share of each sale since there's no retailer cut. Using Tertulia, for example, you keep all the earnings from book sales after the minor credit card transaction fees.

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