No one likes to throw money around—I know I don’t, and I bet you don’t either. That’s probably why you’re here looking for free author website templates.
You want the best usability and performance that is, from free templates and not lose an iota of quality, particularly for your author website.
And if that means investing a little time to hand-pick free templates that look expensive and upgrade your author website, then it’s a go.
Now, as the bearer of good news—I’ve done the hard work for you.
So here’s the jam: you don’t even need money to get expensive-looking templates.
There are free author website templates around that look as good as premium ones.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 11 amazing options that can help you create a stunning, functional website—without spending a dime.
Let’s get straight to that!
Free Author Website Templates That Look Expensive
1. Astra
For authors looking for speed, customizability, and lightness, this is ideal.
Astra is one of those topics that seem to fight scales such as yours.
If you want a website that loads fast, works on any device, and is super easy to tweak, Astra is a great place to start.
The key to it is, a simplicity and a flexibility that make it ideal for authors just wishing to write without a lot of pain.
Why it’s great for authors:
SEO-Optimized: Helps your site to get a better position in search engines—critical for you to be discovered!
Customizable: Change up the design until it fits your brand, no tech skills required.
Responsive: No matter where a person is, on a phone, a tablet, or a desktop, your site will look fantastic.
Next steps: Want to check it out for yourself? Start building with Astra now!
2. Writee
Writee is the ideal template for writers who appreciate a minimal style that allows their text to speak for itself.
If you’re the type of author who just wants to get down to the business of writing, Writee is for you.
This clean, no-frills theme is all about putting your words in the spotlight.
It’s the ideal choice if you want a simple, content-driven website that doesn’t distract from your work.
Why it’s great for authors:
Simple and Clean: It’s all about your writing, no flashy distractions.
One-Click Setup: You don’t have to waste time setting things up—just click and go.
Reader-Friendly: The typography is very good and therefore it’s very easy to print your work.
Next steps: Want to focus purely on your writing? Download Writee and start sharing your stories!
3. Hestia
If you are looking for a stylish, one-page website that looks modern and is easy to use, Hestia is your jam.
Hestia is a theme that combines beauty and brains.
Because it is so clean and simple, the layout is modern, it requires no excessive navigation system.
If you’re looking for something fresh that doesn’t overwhelm visitors, Hestia is a winner.
Why it’s great for authors:
Built for Conversions: No matter whether you aim for people reading your blog or to purchase the newest one, Hestia makes it easy.
Customizable: Personalize the layout, fonts, colors—whatever fits your author brand.
Real-Time Previews: See how your changes look as you make them. No surprises!
Next steps: Want to give your site a modern look? Start with Hestia here!
4. Zerif Lite
This is for a straightforward, easy-to-use, professional-looking one-page website—currently Zelle Lite.
If you’re looking for a website that looks polished without needing a ton of pages, Zerif Lite is your go-to.
It’s a one-page theme (i.e., all of the content your readers will be looking at will be on one page).
Quick to load, easy to navigate—this template is all about keeping things simple and efficient.
Why it’s great for authors:
Single-Page Setup: No need to juggle between pages—everything’s right there.
Responsive: Looks great on every device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or laptop.
Fast: Nobody likes a slow website—Zerif Lite ensures your pages load in a flash.
Next steps: Want something that’s easy and effective? Check out Zerif Lite here!
5. OceanWP
OceanWP is free to use if you are looking for a site that can scale with you.
This is if you’re planning on expanding your website in the future.
This theme allows for a huge variety of customization so you can grow your site with the progress of your author career.
Whether you’re adding an online book store or a blog, OceanWP has you covered.
Why it’s great for authors:
Multiple Demo Sites: Pick a demo, which is easy to import and configure.
WooCommerce Ready: There is the possibility of opening a store to sell your books and merchandise.
Global Reach: OceanWP is translation-ready, making it possible to reach out to a global audience.
Next steps: Ready to build a website that grows with you? Download OceanWP today!
6. Hemingway
You certainly need to select Hemingway if you are looking for a clean, distraction free reading experience for your readers.
If you’re all about giving your readers the best experience possible, Hemingway is a perfect match.
The layout is clean and simple, making it easy for your audience to focus on what matters—your writing.
Why it’s great for authors:
Two-Column Layout: Great for keeping your content organized without feeling cluttered.
Typography Focused: Your words will shine with beautifully designed fonts.
Next steps: Want to create a distraction-free zone for your writing? Try Hemingway now!
7. Shapely
This is for authors who want a sophisticated, striking website that catches the eye.
Shapely is a single-page theme, with a striking, professional design.
It is ideal for writers who desire their website to shine.
Design, modern with large images and lots of room for displaying your books or sharing your story.
Why it’s great for authors:
Eye-Catching Design: Your website will be unique due to its striking layout and unique imagery.
Custom Widgets: Add features like testimonials, portfolios, or a gallery to showcase your work.
SEO-Optimized: Helps boost your visibility online.
Next steps: Want a website that makes a statement? Start with Shapely here!
8. Astra Starter Sites
Perfect for authors looking for ready-to-use, stylish demo sites, without any development.
If you want a quick way to get started, Astra Starter Sites are perfect for you.
These template schemes are designed as a take-and-make for writers, meaning you can just choose a template and begin customizing it immediately.
No design experience needed!
Why it’s great for authors:
Ready-to-Go Templates: Select from a variety of pre-existing designs, so you don’t have to design everything from the beginning.
Easy Customization: Adapt the design to your liking even without coding.
Super Fast: Astra ensures your site loads quickly.
Next steps: Want to start building today? Explore Astra Starter Sites here!
9. Rishi Theme
This is perfect for authors who want a fast, responsive site with a modern design.
Rishi Theme is all about performance.
It’s fast, lightweight, and looks amazing on all devices.
Ideal too if you want your readers to experience a seamless, pleasurable experience of browsing wherever it is that they are accessing your site.
Why it’s great for authors:
Speed Optimized: Fast loading times keep your readers happy.
SEO-Friendly: On-board SEO tools guarantee it will be indeed easy to be found via the Web.
Mobile-Friendly: The look of your website will be no different in a pocket device as in a desktop.
Next steps: Want a fast, reliable website? Get started with Rishi Theme today!
10. Zakra
Zakra is a lightweight, flexible theme that’s easy to customize.
It can deliver whatever you need–from a basic blog to a complex website.
Why it’s great for authors:
Customizable: Color, font, and layout can be easily customized based on individual preferences.
Regular Updates: Keep your site fresh with new features and designs.
Next steps: Want a flexible, easy-to-use theme? Download Zakra today!
11. Neve
Neve is stylish, speedy, and ideal for those authors whose simple is great, rather than complicated.
But if you need a minimalist site and do not have to compromise on the features, Neve is ideal.
Why it’s great for authors:
Super Fast: Your site won’t take long to load, which will help keep your readers entertained.
Drag-and-Drop Builder: Customize with ease—no coding required.
Demo Import: Choose from ready-made demo sites to jumpstart your site.
Next steps: Want a fast, professional-looking website? Get started with Neve today!
Why Choose Free Author Website Templates?
Let’s be honest—building a professional website can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget.
But here’s the hack: you don’t need to spend a dime to get a website that looks like you paid a fortune for it.
So what are the benefits of free author website templates?
1. Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
Why do you have to pay huge amounts when you can have a site that looks just as professional for nothing?
These templates are built to wow, modern, layouts, and responsive designs so you can look like a pro without spending a dime.
2. Easy to Make It Your Own
You needn’t be a tech whiz to use these templates in a way beneficial to you.
Using drag- and-drop- tools you can adjust the design, add your bio, highlight your books, and customize it all in just a few clicks.
3. Loaded with Must-Have Features
The best part?
These templates are built with authors in mind.
You’ll get spaces for your book covers, blogs to share updates, and contact forms so readers can connect with you—all the essentials, ready to go.
4. Boost Your Reach for Free
Even better, many of these templates are SEO-ready, meaning they help your site show up on search engines.
That’s free advertising, allowing the readers to find you, without cost.
5. Quick Setup = Instant Presence
Not necessary to spend weeks constructing a site from the ground up.
These templates can have you online in hours, letting you focus on what you do best—writing.
Conclusion
Building a professional author website doesn’t have to cost a dime—if you choose the right free template.
On your website, identify such essential features as responsive design, SEO tools, and sections for books, blog and bio so that your website is not only functional but also visually appealing.
Want it to look even more premium?
Customize!
Use colours, fonts, and layouts to match the brand.
Integrate high-quality imagery and personal elements to personalize the design in a uniquely individual way.
The real illusion is not to spend more; it is to “cook” what is accessible.
Using these 11 free templates you can build a site that is clean, sharp and just right to highlight your talent!