Recommended Tools for Authors
Below is a list of products and tools I use and/or can confidently recommend. This post includes affiliate links.
Your Author Website
SiteGround
SiteGround is the hosting provider I use for all my websites. I've tried many web hosts, and SiteGround is by far the best. Their SG Optimizer WordPress plugin is an absolute gamechanger when it comes to site speed and security, and my Google ranking has improved so much since I switched to SiteGround. If you want to reach readers with your author website, you need a reliable, affordable host like SiteGround!
Namecheap
Namecheap is where I purchase all my domain names. It's easy to point your domains to your web host of choice, or you can purchase hosting from Namecheap itself, along with a variety of other services. Their website is well designed, so it's easy and fun to search for your perfect domain name at the perfect price.
Elementor
Elementor Pro is a WordPress plugin that allows you to build a beautiful custom website without code. The drag-and-drop theme builder is robust and constantly improving with more ways to place, organize, and style your author website. I use Elementor on every site I run and will continue to be a customer for many years to come. Simplify the website part of your author marketing with Elementor!
Publishing and Distribution
Draft2Digital
Self-publish with support at Draft2Digital. D2D offers a variety of tools and services to help you quickly and easily publish your books. Save time and distribute your work to Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Scribd, Overdrive, Hoopla, and more from one easy interface.
Kindlepreneur
Kindlepreneur is a great resource for anyone in the self-publishing space. The site is packed full of information to help you market your books. Check out tons of free articles and guides and an informative podcast, and if you want to take your publishing to the next level, try their premium resource, Publisher Rocket, which is an invaluable tool for validating your book ideas and finding keywords to market them.
Book Cover Design
MiblArt
Use code LYSS5 for $5 off your order!
MiblArt provides high-quality custom book cover design for a variety of genres, including romance. You can even get an illustrated book cover from scratch! MiblArt also helps with other author design needs, such as logos, e-book and print book formatting, and marketing materials.