Original interview on KeepWritingKidlit.com published September 23, 2026

Why pre-published writers and illustrators need websites

I never had a web presence before, and I never wanted one. I figured one day I’d have an author website, but in the interim, social media was enough. Then, Twitter imploded. I deleted my account. I reconnected with most people on Bluesky, but it was a lesson that not all platforms are forever. And so, I wanted to discuss websites! Do writers need them? Do illustrators need them?

I’m the first to admit I’m not tech-savvy, eyes glazing over when I hear the term “hosting.” If that happens to you – 1) You’re not alone, and 2) I’m encouraging you to push past it. You don’t have to create a website tomorrow, but if you start familiarizing yourself with the subject, you’ll be ready in the future. To help us learn the basics, I’m speaking to Sondra Eby! Sondra is a kidlit writer and website designer, who’s previously taught workshops on this topic for creatives. I’m so thrilled they agreed to an interview.

Q: WHAT ARE A FEW REASONS KIDLIT CREATIVES, ESPECIALLY PRE-PUBLISHED CREATIVES, MIGHT CONSIDER HAVING A WEBSITE?

A website is a place to showcase yourself and your work. It’s a way to build an audience. And it’s a platform you control as opposed to social media where you could build a following only to see the platform tank in one way or another.

As agent Janna Morishima says, “If you create a well-curated, attractive website, and then share your work via a blog, social media, TikTok videos, webcomics, or whatever form of outreach works for you, you may eventually have agents, editors, and art directors reaching out to YOU, instead of you sending query letters that sit unread in their overstuffed inboxes.”

You could also use your website to sell services, like manuscript critiques. And, if you have the time, it’s never too early to start building a following for yourself and your work with a newsletter subscription, blog with craft tips, interviews, or curating writing events.

Q:  WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO GET STARTED MAKING AN AUTHOR OR ILLUSTRATOR WEBSITE?