FAQs
Why do I need a website?
Unlike a social media page or a profile on book retailers, a website is an online space that you own. It’s a powerful marketing tool at every stage of an author’s career. If you’re pitching your book to agents, a website establishes your professionalism and commitment to your writing. If you’re published, a website is a central hub for readers to discover your books and learn more about you. Most importantly, a website can help you grow your relationship with readers and collect email addresses from your biggest fans, which gives you direct access to your audience. Learn more about why authors need websites.
Do I need to own a domain name already to set up a website?
No — we offer free personalized subdomains with Free plans, or you can register a new custom domain through your dashboard for $15 per year. Get a free custom domain for your first year when you subscribe to an annual Pro plan.
Can I use a domain I already own?
Yes! If you already own a domain name, we'll work with you to get your existing domain connected to your website at no additional cost.
How much does it cost?
We offer a Free plan with basic website and newsletter features and a Pro plan with upgraded customizations and tools. Pro plans cost $7.99/month billed annually or $9.99/month billed monthly. Compare plans.
When you sign up, you’ll get free access to Pro features for 14 days, no credit card required. If you choose not to subscribe to Pro, you’ll be downgraded to a free plan at the end of the trial.
What security features do you offer?
We’ve custom-built the software powering Author Websites to be secure, and we automatically handle all security and software updates and upgrades for you. All Author Websites use TSL (SSL) to protect data transfer, and the forms on your website use reCAPTCHA and CSRF protection.
Do I need a BookBub Author Profile to use Author Websites?
No, you don’t need to claim an Author Profile on Bookbub.com in order to use Author Websites. Author Websites and Author Profiles are both excellent tools for building your author platform, but you don’t need to use one to use the other. If you have yet to publish your first book, Author Websites may be a better fit for you at this time. Learn more about BookBub Author Profiles.
How does Author Websites compare to WordPress?
WordPress is a powerful platform with millions of users and endless flexibility, but it often takes significant time and money for authors to set up, customize, and maintain a WordPress author website. Author Websites by BookBub is a website builder and email tool designed specifically for authors. Reader magnets, book importing, email sending, and author-focused templates are all built in. You can sign up, get your site live, and start sending email in less than 30 minutes.
