welcome…
…to all my secrets on life as a published author
(I’m 7 traditionally published books in and I’ve learnt some stuff 😉)
I blog weekly about author websites, newsletters and life as a writer…
New posts published every Monday 😊
Want to learn more about me and my own publishing journey first?
(includes info on how I landed one of those mythical six-figure book deals!)
Read all about my own journey to publication →
Or scroll down to read all my other posts!
most popular posts
most recent posts
Introducing: Squarespace Fridays
I’m super excited today to be introducing a brand new service at the studio: Squarespace Fridays!
Managing your feelings as debut author
It’s an experience unlike any other, finally being told that your novel is going to be published. And because of that, it’s quite hard to work out how you should feel.
My #1 author website design secret
I speak to many authors about their websites and one of the things that often crops up is their lack of confidence when it comes to making design decisions, especially when it comes to colour.
Some honest thoughts on author publicity
I haven’t done an ‘honest thoughts’ post in a while, but this topic has been niggling at me lately, so today’s the day! Let’s talk about publicity.
Project Spotlight: clareharlow.co.uk
I realised recently that I haven’t worked on that many children’s author websites, and it’s actually a real shame because it’s honestly so much fun (especially as a mum myself)! I absolutely loved working on Clare’s website recently, and so I’m really excited to be sharing a little more about it for my latest project spotlight.
My current favourite podcasts for authors
Ah podcasts! What did we do without them? How did I ever motivate myself to clean the house before they existed? It feels as though they came out of nowhere and now there are tons of them and not enough time in the day (or cleaning chores) to get me through them all. I love them, and so I thought it might be interesting to share my current favourites today.
How to transform your author website in just one day
You know that moment when you look at your author website and think… ugh? Maybe your last book cover is missing, your newsletter sign-up is buried three clicks deep, and your bio still says you live with “two small children” who are now in secondary school. You keep meaning to fix it, but life (and, let’s be honest, writing deadlines) keep getting in the way.
10 romance author websites to inspire you
Oh to be able to write proper romance (my attempts were way too dark and provoked many an angry Goodreads review 😆)! There’s something so uplifting about the genre… And don’t we all need something uplifting and hopeful in these uncertain times!?
Instagram for authors: interview with Nicola Washington
I first discovered today’s interview guest, Nicola Washington, on Substack - and found her posts so inspiring and interesting. So I’m really excited that she’s here on my blog to talk about her work with authors and share her insights into using Instagram as an author…
Behind the scenes: a mid-year update 2025
Hello! We are already more than half way through the year, so I thought I’d do a little behind-the-scenes update this week (also, it’s the summer holidays, and nobody really wants to read another post about SEO - right?!)
Squarespace tips for authors: how to write SEO-friendly blog posts
If you're using Squarespace for your author website, then that makes my heart happy for many reasons! Not only is it easy to use and beautiful right out of the box, it’s also packed with brilliant features for authors.
5 expert tips for your DIY author website
I’ve been building author websites for nearly six years now (WHAT?!!!) and I have definitely learnt a few tricks in that time. While I did complete a comprehensive web design course before launching my studio, there are always things to learn, and I pick up different ideas and tricks with each website I build.
My top tips for attending writing festivals
I can’t believe it’s been a year since my post about Harrogate went kind of viral (as viral as anything in the crime-writing-book-festival-niche can go, anyway! 😆).
How to set up a blog on your Squarespace author website
Blogging may feel a bit old school in the age of TikTok trends and lightning-fast Reels, but here’s a little secret: for authors, it’s STILL one of the most powerful tools out there - especially when it comes to building a long-term, loyal readership and boosting your visibility online.
Some honest thoughts on social media for authors
I came across the following post on Instagram this week and it brought out a very wry smile in me.
Expert support for authors: interview with The Author Clinic
Today, I’m excited to be sharing an interview about a brand new service that I WISH I had had when I first started writing: The Author Clinic. I’ve known the ladies who set this up for a while now, and when I first heard about their new venture, I found it hard to believe no one had thought of doing something like this before…
Project Spotlight: kitconway.com
Oh my goodness I love this website! And I know that sounds a bit boastful of me, but WOULD YOU LOOK AT IT!? It’s such a fab experience when an author has a book with a really distinctive hook, theme and cover that just all come together so perfectly.
Why you need a custom email address for your author career
Email addresses! When was the last time you thought much about yours? Or more pertinently – when was the last time you changed yours? I suspect not for a long time. Email addresses are a bit like bank accounts – you set one up when you’re young and then stick with it for life.
How to use Squarespace’s new AI alt text tool
If you're anything like most of the authors I work with, adding alt text to your images is either a) one of those website tasks you know you should do… but never quite get round to; or b) something you have never heard of.
Some honest thoughts on success as an author
For the past few days I’ve been feeling pretty good about my writing. I’ve just finished my eleventh novel, and for once, I’m really, really pleased with it.
✨ 30 things I’ve learnt from 5 years being published ✨
September 6 2023 marked 5 years since my first book was released 😲
To celebrate, I shared a new post about what I’ve learnt from being published EVERY DAY throughout the month.
Enjoy!
curious about my books?
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pssst! before you go…
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Look at all the great stuff you’ll get…
Essential Guide to SEO for Authors
17 page guide
The Debut Author’s Survival Guide
30 page ebook
Author Website Content Guide
14 page guide
Author Newsletters
- a Beginner’s Guide
30 minute video
Blogging for Authors
- a Beginner’s Guide
18 minute video