Do I need a website if I only have one book out?

Absolutely. The sooner you start to engage with readers with a professional platform that gives you credibility, the easier it will be to discover your book.

What's the best platform for a debut author to create a website?

Look for a platform built for authors, not just generic templates: something that lets you launch a polished, professional site quickly, includes reader-friendly components like reviews and a built-in blog, and supports flexible ways to sell your book (direct sales, retailer links, or both).

What should a debut author put on their website?

Start with the essentials: a clear author bio, your book(s) with purchase links, and a way for readers to contact or follow you. Beyond that, build credibility and connection by sharing ARC reader reviews as social proof, keeping a consistent blog, and offering a free sample chapter so readers can get a feel for your writing before they buy.

Author success story

What's a wide publishing strategy and how can authors create a website that supports "going wide"?

Will Hoffman released his debut supernatural thriller in nearly every format — including selling signed copies and audiobooks directly from his own site. He's a great example of an indie author choosing to go "Wide for the Win," offering every format possible for the sale of his books.

Author at a glance

Will Hoffman

Supernatural
Romance
Thriller

willhoffmanbooks.com

The Situation

Will created a full-fledged showcase for his debut book with a blog, sample excerpt and reviews gathered from advance readers. He took the strategy of publishing "wide" making his books available across many formats and retailers. On the first birthday of his book, he re-released it in a new edition with a beautiful vibrant rainbow cover, affording him a whole new promotion opportunity.

Why This Strategy Works

Will's strategy works because making his debut available in every format and retailer removes friction for readers who each have their own buying preference. Instead of relying on a single retailer, he reaches readers through his own website, indie bookstores, and major retailers while building direct relationships through his site and email list. Over time, this diversified approach gives him greater control over his audience, marketing, and revenue.

How They Use Tertulia

Website
Blog
Events Calendar
Reader Magnet

In Their Own Words

“Tertulia enabled me to quickly establish a professional web presence that beautifully reflects my author brand and the aesthetic of my novel. They continue to improve the platform based on author feedback, and their customer service has been incredibly responsive at every turn.”

Will Hoffman

Supernatural, Romance, Thriller

Key Takeaways for Authors

Go "Wide for the Win" and promote your book across a wide variety of formats and vendors, including your own website
Give readers a chance to "try before you buy" with sample excerpts
Reviews matter as social proof. Invest in advance review copies to acquire genuine reader reviews

Will Hoffman's author website, built with Tertulia

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a website if I only have one book out?
Absolutely. The sooner you start to engage with readers with a professional platform that gives you credibility, the easier it will be to discover your book.
What's the best platform for a debut author to create a website?
Look for a platform built for authors, not just generic templates: something that lets you launch a polished, professional site quickly, includes reader-friendly components like reviews and a built-in blog, and supports flexible ways to sell your book (direct sales, retailer links, or both).
What should a debut author put on their website?
Start with the essentials: a clear author bio, your book(s) with purchase links, and a way for readers to contact or follow you. Beyond that, build credibility and connection by sharing ARC reader reviews as social proof, keeping a consistent blog, and offering a free sample chapter so readers can get a feel for your writing before they buy.

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