Christine Darby

Christine Darby – Web Developer

Building standout SEO-focused author websites since 2013 — from debut writers to NYT bestsellers.

Overview

Since 2013, I’ve built professional author websites trusted by debut writers and NYT bestselling authors alike. My portfolio includes projects for authors published by Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and Scholastic, with a focus on timeless design and reader engagement.

First-time authors get the benefit of senior-level experience without agency pricing. With more than a decade of publishing-specific web experience, I understand what readers look for and what publishers expect from an author’s digital presence. Based in Austin, I work with authors worldwide.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

— Discovery: Free call to clarify goals, audience, and book promotion needs.

— Design & Build: A responsive website tailored to your genre and brand.

— Optimization: Expert SEO and lead-gen (newsletter signups, book links).

— Handoff: Training and support so you feel confident updating your site.

Also available if needed: e-commerce, custom branding, maintenance, and Zoom sessions for authors who want help polishing an existing site. I keep the process smooth and approachable so you always feel supported.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ TESTIMONIALS:

"Christine has a great understanding of the needs of writers and authors, and the work a website can do for them. She is willing to encourage you toward better design ideas." — Jackie Shannon Hollis

"Thank you for being so proactive and making the site better." — Rhiannon Navin

"You made the project so easy and happy. I love the finished product. I really appreciate your meticulous work, patience, sense of humor and suggestions. It’s been a joy to work with you." — Cathy Guisewite

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RECOGNITION

My author websites have been featured in industry roundups, including The Muse’s “35 Best Personal Websites We’ve Ever Seen” and Site Builder Report’s “29 Author Websites That Will Make You Jealous.”

CLIENT LIST INCLUDES:

• Annabel Monaghan — NYT Bestselling Author (website)

• Jon Scieszka — NYT Bestselling Children’s Author (website)

• Amy Poeppel — Award-Winning Novelist (site consult)

• Lynda Loigman — USA Today Bestselling Author (website)

• Cathy Guisewite — Emmy Award–Winning Cartoonist & Author (website)

• David Shannon — Award-Winning Children’s Author & Illustrator (art site)

• Caroline Sun — Publicist & Founder of Sun Literary Arts (site consult)

Services
Non-Fiction
Biographies & Memoirs
Fiction
Children's Contemporary Romance Cozy Mysteries Historical Fiction Thriller & Suspense Women's Fiction Young Adult
Works with
Squarespace
Certifications
  • Squarespace Platinum Partner
  • Mailchimp Partner

Work experience

Self-employed

Nov, 2013 — Present
Since 2013, I’ve specialized in Squarespace author websites with clean design and built-in SEO. Trusted by debut writers and New York Times bestsellers, I combine senior-level expertise with 1:1 attention as both a Squarespace Platinum Partner and Certified Mailchimp Partner.

Projects

Rhiannon Navin — Contemporary Fiction Author

I designed and built a professional website for novelist Rhiannon Navin, crafted to spotlight her debut and connect with book club audiences. The site’s clean, timeless design has been highlighted in major industry roundups, including The Muse’s 35 Best Personal Websites We’ve Ever Seen and Site Builder Report’s 29 Author Websites That Will Make You Jealous.

Cathy Guisewite — Memoirist and Emmy-Winning Cartoonist

I designed and built a responsive Squarespace site for this Emmy Award–winning cartoonist and memoirist, balancing personal storytelling with media coverage.

Mac Griswold — Biographer & Historian

I designed and built the author website for historian and cultural critic Mac Griswold to feature her acclaimed nonfiction titles and media appearances.

Jon Scieszka — NYT Bestselling Children's Author

I built a website for this New York Times bestselling children’s author. The design showcases his full book catalog with easy navigation for parents, teachers, and librarians — making it simple to explore his work across series and picture books.

Lynda Loigman — USA Today Bestselling Author

I designed and built a professional website for a USA Today bestselling historical fiction author. The site showcases her award-winning titles, integrates press features, and includes clear CTAs for book clubs and events.

Annabel Monaghan — NYT Bestselling Romance Author

I designed and built a site for a New York Times bestselling romance author to highlight new releases and capture readers through built-in SEO and Substack integration. The design balances personality with book promotion, helping her connect with a growing audience.

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