The Perfect Website Template for Authors Without a Book (Yet!)
Think you don’t need a website until your book is published? Think again!
Successful authors start marketing their books long before they hit the bookshelves—and that starts with a website or website template for authors designed specifically for writers who don’t have a finished book.
Your website is a great place to start building your audience, growing your email list, and establishing your brand as an author before you even type “The End.”
If you’ve been putting off your website because you’re “not ready,” this is your sign to get started now—and I’ve got the perfect author website template to make it as simple as possible!
Before we get started, take a look at these free resources for authors!
1. The Power of Pre-Launch Book Marketing
Your book isn’t the only thing that needs a solid foundation—your author brand does too.
The sooner you start showing up as a writer, the easier it is to attract readers who’ll be waiting for your book when it’s finally published. A website lets you own your space online, grow your audience, and build connections before your book even exists.
Just look at Colleen Hoover—she didn’t wait for a publishing deal to start sharing her work. She built a loyal fanbase online, and when her books hit the shelves, they flew off. Andy Weir did the same with The Martian, posting chapters online and turning engaged readers into a built-in audience before the book ever became a bestseller.
The takeaway? You don’t need a finished book to start marketing. You just need a place to show up, share your journey, and start turning casual visitors into future readers. And the easiest way to do that? With a website template that positions you as an impactful author from day one!
Related: 10 Creative Newsletter Incentives to Grow Your Author Email List
Introducing ‘The Manuscript" Website Template for Authors Without a Book
Your website should actively work for you, helping you build your audience and establish your brand while your book is still in the works. That’s why this template is built around two key pages designed to make the biggest impact:
✨ A Homepage That Captures Attention – No book cover? No problem. Your homepage is strategically designed to introduce you as the author, spark interest in your upcoming book, and encourage visitors to stick around—whether that means following your journey, signing up for updates, or joining your email list.
✨ A High-Converting Newsletter Page – Ask any bestselling author, and they’ll tell you: their email list is their most valuable marketing tool. This page makes it effortless to collect emails and grow a reader community—whether you’re sharing updates on your writing process, teasing future releases, or preparing for launch day.
The best part? This author website template is built to grow with you, including essential pages that make marketing easier now and in the future:
✔️ About Page – Tell your story and connect with readers.
✔️ Book Page – Ready when your book is, so you can start promoting as soon as you’re ready.
✔️ Contact Page – A direct line for readers, media, and publishers to reach you.
✔️ Shop Page – Perfect for selling signed books, merch, or future releases.
✔️ Link in Bio Page – An easy way to direct traffic from Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.
Not using all these pages yet? No worries—you can hide them from your site’s navigation until you're ready to go live!
This template takes the stress out of launching an author website, giving you everything you need to start marketing now—without wasting time on complicated tech or expensive custom design!
How to Get Started with the Template in Minutes
Getting your author website up and running doesn’t have to be overwhelming—this template is designed to make the process quick, easy, and completely customizable to fit your unique brand. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a professional author website ready to go in no time.
Step 1: Access Your Template
Once you’ve purchased the template, it will be transferred to you within two business days. You’ll receive an email with everything you need to log in and start editing. No complicated setup—just instant access to your new website template.
Step 2: Customize It to Fit Your Brand
Your website should feel uniquely you. Here’s how to make it stand out:
Update your homepage with your name, writing niche, and a compelling bio that draws readers in.
Choose your colors and fonts to match your aesthetic (or stick with the beautifully pre-designed setup).
Swap in your own images or use the included ones to create a polished, professional look.
Tweak the copy—even if you don’t have a book yet, you can add a tagline or a short “coming soon” message to build excitement.
Step 3: Add Your Key Marketing Tools
To make sure your website template works for you, integrate these must-have features:
✅ Email Signup Form – Add your newsletter opt-in to the homepage and dedicated newsletter page so visitors can join your list.
✅ Social Media Links – Make it easy for readers to follow you by linking your Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Facebook.
✅ Blog or Writing Portfolio – If you plan to share updates, short stories, or behind-the-scenes content, this is where you can start posting.
✅ Future Book Page – Even if your book isn’t finished, set up a “Coming Soon” page to start generating interest now.
Step 4: Preview, Test & Launch
Before making your site live, do a quick check-through:
Click through all your pages to make sure everything looks and functions perfectly.
Test your email signup to ensure it’s capturing leads properly.
View your site on desktop and mobile to make sure it looks great everywhere.
Once you're happy with everything, hit publish and start sharing your new website with your audience!
Other Pre-Launch Book Marketing Strategies
Your website is the foundation of your author brand, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. To build real momentum before your book is even finished, you need to start getting visible, building relationships with future readers, and creating excitement around your work. Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Social Media Marketing: Show Up and Share the Journey
You don’t need a finished book to start talking about it. Social media is your chance to bring readers along for the ride—share your writing process, inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and even those frustrating editing days.
What to Post:
Snippets of your work-in-progress
Writing struggles and wins (because people love the real stuff!)
Book mood boards or aesthetic reels
“Ask Me Anything” sessions about your book
Polls and Q&As to involve your audience in decisions (cover concepts, character names, etc.)
Pro Tip: Start using a hashtag or phrase related to your book early on—so when it launches, people already associate it with you.
2. Email Marketing: Build a List of Future Book Buyers
Your email list is your most valuable marketing asset. Unlike social media (where posts get lost in the algorithm abyss), emails land directly in your readers’ inboxes—making it the best way to keep them engaged and ready to buy when the time comes.
How to Grow Your List:
Offer a freebie (like a short story, bonus chapter, or exclusive writing tips).
Add a signup form to your website, especially on your homepage and blog posts.
Promote your list on social media with sneak peeks or exclusive content for subscribers.
What to Send:
Personal updates about your writing progress
Exclusive first looks at book covers, character art, or blurbs
Behind-the-scenes content that makes readers feel like insiders
Early access to preorder links or special launch bonuses
Pro Tip: Your email list doesn’t need to be huge—it just needs to be full of the right people. A small, engaged list of readers who love your work is better than a big list of people who don’t care.
Get my free guide: How to Get More Newsletter Signups on Your Author Website
3. Collaborations & Networking: Get in Front of New Readers
You don’t have to market your book alone. The book world is full of communities, fellow authors, and industry pros who can help amplify your reach.
Ways to Collaborate:
Guest blog or podcast appearances – Share writing tips or talk about your book journey.
Cross-promotions with other authors – Team up for giveaways or social media shoutouts.
Engage in writing communities – Join Facebook groups, Twitter chats, or Discord servers where your ideal readers hang out.
Partner with bookstagrammers & booktokers – Start building relationships with influencers who might help promote your book later.
Pro Tip: Marketing is about relationships. The more you genuinely connect with other writers, readers, and influencers, the more doors will open for your book.
4. Beta Readers & ARC Teams: Build a Buzz Before Your Book Drops
Even before your book is published, you can start gathering beta readers (who give feedback) and Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) teams (who help spread the word).
How to Find Beta & ARC Readers:
Post a call for signups on your website and social media.
Ask engaged email subscribers if they’d like early access.
Connect with writing groups or author communities where readers love discovering new books.
Why This Works:
Beta readers help you fine-tune your book before it’s published.
ARC readers leave early reviews and build excitement leading up to launch
Get Started with Your Author Website Today
There’s no better time to start your author website than… well, right now! If you want readers ready and waiting when your book drops, you need to start showing up before it’s finished.
This plug-and-play pre-book launch website template for authors makes it ridiculously easy to create a polished, professional site in minutes—no tech stress, no second-guessing. Just a simple way to grow your audience, build anticipation, and set yourself up for success.
