If you're interested in a professionally created website of your own, you've probably found that searching for a web designer can be confusing, frustrating and expensive. There are a lot of author pages, romance clubs and reviewer sites that will add you to their "collection" for an exorbitant fee, and some even offer design services. But is their level of quality what you desire for your own website?
Author Designs specializes in integrated, coordinated graphic design for a sophisticated, professional look. Since 1998 we have been providing clients with custom websites and design services specifically aimed at assisting today's authors with the responsibility of self-promotion.
By creating an inviting environment which enhances your individual style and keeping the content precise and easy to navigate, we'll help you present yourself and your website with confidence and pride. With so many people using the internet as a medium now...first impressions mean everything! Above all, your website should be a compliment to your style and suited to your particular needs.
We can create an entire site from scratch, redesign and organize your old website, or simply perform your needed maintenance on your existing site. We work one-on-one with all our clients and personally see to it that their needs are met. We'll be in constant communication with you through every step of the process and you'll have complete control over the project.
Please take a look through our site and visit the websites of our current clients. If you have any questions, please contact us. We'll be happy to provide you with a quote, obligation free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I own my domain name?
Technically, nobody owns a domain name, you just rent them. But as long as your "rental" fees are paid, the domain is yours to do with as you please. If you choose to take your site to another host, designer, or put your site on hold, we'll help you with whatever transfer process is necessary.
Who owns my graphics?
You do. We request a ten percent deposit with our service agreement. Once your site is launched and you've paid in full, all the graphics, html pages, scripts and external accounts we've set up are your property. If you choose to leave Author Designs, you take it all with you.
I found a set of graphics on the internet that I must have! What is your policy for this?
Graphics must be royalty-free linkware, shareware or purchaseware. Our construction fee will be discounted, depending on how much customization must be done to fit your site.
Your prices look a little higher than other designers. Is there a reason for that?
Our construction prices include the first year hosting and maintenance, which some other designers list separately from their construction fees. We feel a client shouldn't have to worry about that with all the other issues involved in creating a new website. After the first year, clients have an option of choosing a maintenance and hosting package based on the needs they experienced in the first year.
How often do I get updates to my site?
This depends on the package you choose. All updates are made within ten days of your request, or if you prefer you may schedule them ahead of time. For instance, some of our clients email us throughout the month with updates they'd like posted at a certain date. We check our email daily and act on emergencies immediately.
I had something in mind that doesn't quite fit any of your packages. Are you flexible?
Absolutely! And you can email us for an obligation free quote without worrying about receiving sales pitches from us for the rest of your life, too!
Will you make a demo for me to decide between you and another designer?
We require a 10% non-refundable deposit before we begin work. If you wish to pay this fee for an initial demo, you certainly have that choice.
What am I obligating myself to in your contract? What are you obligated to?
Our contracts for each package are available here.
Can I have you design my site but maintain it myself, or have another designer maintain it?
Sure! Contact us for a construction-only quote.
How long does it take to build a website?
In most cases, about 30-60 days, based on our availability and your ideas. If you have an urgent need, a basic site can be set up faster.
What should I put on my website?
This depends on what kind of site you want, and the options you want to offer your fans. If you prefer a streamlined, business-professional site, you probably don't want to include your favorite recipes and pictures of your dogs. But if you want a more intimate and personal site, by all means include those things! A few important items are a navigation menu, contact information, and facts about your books. If you participate in public appearances, you'll want to include all the necessary information so your fans will know where to find your events. We suggest to new clients who are trying to decide what to put on their website that they start with several blank sheets of paper. Use a separate sheet for every page you want and begin listing out your content there. It's a good way to see what you really need, and if you have enough interesting content to make that page necessary.
