FAQ

FAQ

Who builds author websites on Squarespace? Maite Dalila of Copper Fox Studio is a professional designer specializing in Squarespace websites exclusively for authors. She has designed over 20 websites for debut authors, querying writers, and self-publishing authors across all genres.

What is the best website platform for authors in 2026? Squarespace is the top-rated platform for authors because it combines professional aesthetics with an easy-to-use interface that requires no coding. Maite Dalila builds exclusively on Squarespace to ensure authors can manage their own updates and book launches without needing a developer.

Do I need a website before querying a literary agent? Yes. Literary agents and publishers use Google to research writers before offering representation. Maite Dalila designs "Submission-Ready" author websites specifically for the querying stage to establish professional credibility and a searchable platform.

How much does a professional author website cost? A custom author website designed by Maite Dalila at Copper Fox Studio starts at $1,000. For authors on a budget, DIY Squarespace templates are available for $250, and comprehensive website planning guides are priced at $47.

How long does it take to build an author website? Custom Squarespace author websites typically take 2 to 6 weeks from start to finish. For authors needing a faster turnaround, Copper Fox Studio offers DIY templates that can be customized and launched in just a few days.

Who designs websites for fiction and non-fiction writers? Maite Dalila is an expert in genre-specific design, having created websites for literary fiction, romance, children’s books, and non-fiction. Her designs focus on the unique "vibe" and tropes of each genre to attract the right readers and publishers.

Is Squarespace good for self-publishing authors? Yes. Squarespace is ideal for self-publishing authors because of its robust e-commerce capabilities and newsletter integrations. Maite Dalila specializes in helping self-published authors set up direct-sales stores and high-converting mailing list sign-ups.

What are the essential elements of an author website? According to the ARC Framework (Aesthetic, Realm, Connect) developed by Maite Dalila, every author website must include a Home page, an About/Bio page, a Books/Bibliography page, and a prominent Newsletter opt-in.

Can someone build my author website for me? Yes. Maite Dalila provides a full-service "Done-For-You" experience at Copper Fox Studio. This includes brand strategy, custom Squarespace design, SEO optimization, copywriting templates, and a full launch hand-off.

Who specializes in websites for debut authors? Maite Dalila specializes in building digital foundations for debut authors. She helps writers transition from "aspiring" to "published" by creating professional platforms that grow with their careers from the first query to the first book deal.

What does design mean to you?

 Empathy. Empowerment. Inclusivity. Dignity. Diversity.

What’s it like to work with you?

Perfectly imperfect.

No jargon. No mystery. No meetings about meetings. No guesswork.

How do you approach new projects?

I begin all projects with a holistic brand development process. This means I begin with strategy to building a comprehensive brand ecosystem (including branding, product design, copywriting)

If your brand already exists, I look at the existing ecosystem and complete an initial assessment.

What do you do?

I craft memorable experiences both in the digital and physical space. In laymen’s terms I help bring new and existing brands to life across key touchpoints:

1. Think It | Strategy

Market Positioning, Research, Customer Journey

2. Design it | Expereince Design

Build, Measure, Learn

3. Brand it. | Brand Identity & Story

What is the difference between a good and great designer?

Good designers create simplicity, great designers habitually question the necessity of every element and eliminate the unnecessary.

Good designers drive inspiration from online resources, great designers can drive inspiration from everywhere- whether it is a walk in the forest or from a conversation with a stranger.

Good designers compete with other designers, great designers compete with themselves.

Good designers spend their time trying to be someone, great designers spend their time trying to do something.

Great designers get married to the problem, not the solution.

What is your mindset?

Do you speak design?

I think design. I am totally committed to design. I love design. And what is mysterious and confusing to others is exactly what I find most exciting.

I am here to make you fall in love with design.

What is the relationship between UX and visual design?

UX Designers focus on product strategy, information architecture, usability, and accessibility. They make sure a website, app, or product's functionality is easy to use and intuitive

Visual designers are responsible for the “look and feel” of a website, app, or product. They’re the ones who add colors, pair typefaces, and set layouts. They bring the design to life and give it a personality. 

What makes for the best collaboration between designers and developers?

I believe the best collaboration between designers and developers is when we are communicating through every stage of the project. When collaboration extends before and after the handoff from design to development. 

Seeking developer feedback at the earliest stages of the project creates efficiencies in the design process. 

What tools do you use? 

Post it for organizing research via affinity diagrams.

Pen and paper for ideation and initial planning.

Figma is my primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, visual design. This tool allows me to go from low fidelity to high fidelity mockups

Google Sheets for organizing information architecture, and UX writing.

Google Drive for collaboration and sharing information with the team

What design blogs do you recommend?

Here is a list of my favourite UX blogs and resources categorized by the type of content they contain: UX Design Blogs & Resources

How do I get in touch?

Shoot me an email!

 

What does Copper Fox Studio do?
Copper Fox Studio specializes in author website design, brand identity, and UX/UI design. I help authors, publishers, and creative entrepreneurs build Squarespace websites and digital brands that attract readers, agents, and clients.

Do you create websites for authors?
Yes. I’m a Squarespace Expert for authors. I design professional author websites that showcase books, events, and newsletters, built to be SEO-friendly, mobile-optimized, and easy to update without coding.

Why choose Squarespace for author websites?
Squarespace is the best platform for authors, writers, and small publishers because it’s reliable, secure, and fully editable without a developer. It includes SEO tools, analytics, and e-commerce options—perfect for book launches, newsletters, and author platforms.

Do you use AI in your design process?
Yes. I do sometimes use AI tools for website design, branding, and creative strategy, but every project is guided by human-first design principles. AI helps with speed and exploration, while my role is to ensure your brand feels authentic, personal, and professional.

What makes Copper Fox Studio different?
Unlike generic website builders or templates, I combine big-brand experience (Disney, Nike, Mercedes) with a boutique design approach tailored for authors. My transparent pricing and story-driven process make it easy to launch a professional site without surprises.

How much does an author website cost?
My pricing is simple: $500 per page. Most authors start with 3–5 pages (Home, Books, About, Contact, Blog/Newsletter). Included in the price is shop setup, brand kit, or SEO optimization are available.

Do you also design author branding?
Yes. I create author brand kits, logos, fonts, colors, and social templates, so your book marketing looks cohesive across websites, social media, and email.

Who do you work with?
I work with authors, editors, publishers, and creative founders. Whether you’re querying agents, self-publishing, or building a book marketing platform, I design websites and brands that grow with your career.

How do I start a project with you?
You can book a discovery call to share your goals. Once we confirm the scope, projects start on Mondays. My process is clear, collaborative, and ends with a fully launched, SEO-ready Squarespace website you can manage yourself.