Project Spotlight: geraldineroberts.com
I LOVE working with historical non-fiction authors - I have so much admiration for the amount of work and research that these writers have to put in.
So it was a true joy to be able to work with bestselling author Geraldine Roberts on the creation of a new website to support her upcoming book.
The Brief
Geraldine is a bestselling historical non-fiction author, whose forthcoming book, The Rebel and the Peacemaker, is being released by Penguin Random House in June.
While Geraldine already had a website, she had built it herself on Wordpress and wasn’t happy with how difficult it was to manage. She also felt it looked quite amateur.
Geraldine wanted a colourful, professional-looking website that was slick but most importantly of all - easy for her to update herself. Low maintenance was the order of the day (and of course, Squarespace ticks all the boxes here!)
Geraldine had a really eye-catching cover for her new book and was keen to incorporate some of the colours from the cover in the website’s design. She also had a wealth of photography from her research that she wanted to include, in order to give the website a flavour of the period.
Most importantly of all though, she didn’t want the website to look too old-fashioned or fussy, as the themes in her books are still resonant today. So I kept the fonts clean and classic, with just a nod to the past, and made use of the amazing artwork and photography in banners throughout the site to add character and delineate different sections.
I really love the finished look - it’s warm, inviting, and reflects the artwork from Geraldine’s book without overpowering it.
Scroll down to see more of Geraldine’s website and find out more about how she found our project…
The Details
Version: Squarespace 7.1
Fonts used: Cormorant Garamond, Lato
View the site: geraldineroberts.com
Geraldine’s Verdict
“I LOVE the website - it is so slick! I’m glad I took the plunge, as I was wasting so much time and energy trying to create a website myself. And I could never have even come close to what Charlotte has produced.”
The Post-launch Q&A
How do you feel about your completed website?
I LOVE the website - it is so slick! I am really happy with the feel and functionality, particularly with how good it looks and works on every type of browser – big or small. It has personality and captures the essence of my work as an historian.
Before working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, when it came to my website I felt …
… uninspired by my bland, homemade site. I tried to revamp it myself, but made little progress due to my limited technical and design skills. Then I came across Charlotte Duckworth Studio, and browsed the portfolio thinking – this is exactly what I need!
What fears or hesitations did you have before deciding to work with Charlotte Duckworth Studio?
Looking through Charlotte’s portfolio, I felt confident that she would do an excellent job. My only hesitation was the expense, and whether it was really necessary. I’m glad I took the plunge, as I was wasting so much time and energy trying to create a website myself. And I could never have even come close to what Charlotte has produced.
How do you expect your new site to change things for you?
I am happy to finally have a professional presence online, where I can direct enquiries, and journalists can gather information about me. The website gives me a platform to write my own bio and blurbs and provide updates through my Instagram feed. This is timely, with the release of my new book, The Rebel and the Peacemaker, which is out in June.
For someone on the fence about working with Charlotte Duckworth Studio, what would you say to them?
I would say do it, it is worth it. It is a one-off expense, that will pay dividends for many years to come. I am not into social media or posting online. I like the fact that the website is complete, and can stay up indefinitely as a means to representing me.
Is there anything you were really hoping would be included in your website design package?
It was perfect for my requirements.
Would you recommend Charlotte Duckworth Studio to a friend who also needed to build an author website?
Yes, absolutely.
Want me to build you a website?
My streamlined yet personal approach, perfected over the past 6 years of building websites for ambitious authors just like you, means I can create your dream author website without overwhelming you with tech jargon or confusing decisions, supporting you throughout the whole process and gently guiding you with my expertise.
Find out more, then get in touch. I would love to hear from you!
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