Building a website as an independent author can quickly feel overwhelming when faced with countless book details to organize. But what if your ISBN could do the heavy lifting for you? At The Digital Fair, we built our Instant Website Builder specifically to turn your ISBN into a professional author website in under five minutes, complete with your comprehensive book metadata including book catalog, author bio, and everything readers need to discover your work.
Here’s exactly how it works, step by step.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Key InsightExplanation1. Your ISBN Does the WorkEnter your ISBN and The Digital Fair automatically pulls your title, cover, description, publication details, and more — no manual data entry needed.2. Get a Complete Site in MinutesYour Instant site comes with a homepage, books page, about section, blog, links page, built-in analytics, and full CMS access from day one.3. Personalize Without Any CodingCustomize your layout, colors, and content using our drag-and-drop CMS. Your site should feel like you, not a cookie-cutter template.4. Test Before You Go LivePreview your site across devices, check every link and form, and make sure your book details are accurate before publishing.5. Keep It Fresh After LaunchUse your built-in analytics to see how readers engage with your site, and update your content anytime through the CMS.
Step 1: Have Your ISBN Ready
Your ISBN is the key that unlocks everything. Think of it as a fingerprint for your book — a unique identifier that connects to trusted book databases containing your title, cover image, description, publication date, and more.
Before you start building, locate your ISBNs. You should have one for each format of your book (hardcover, paperback, eBook). You’ll find your ISBN on your book’s back cover, inside the copyright page, or in your publishing platform’s dashboard if you self-published.
A few things to keep in mind:
ISBN-13 is preferred. This is the 13-digit format that’s become the standard. If you only have an ISBN-10, that works too — our system handles both.
Each format has its own ISBN. Your paperback and eBook are separate ISBNs. Have all of them handy if you want every edition listed on your site.
Self-published through Amazon KDP? Your book may have a 979-8 prefix ISBN. Our system uses the Google Books API as a primary lookup, supplemented by additional searches across Amazon, Goodreads, and other sources, so we can find your book details even when one database comes up short.
With your ISBN in hand, you can leverage comprehensive book databases to pull detailed metadata automatically. These databases contain information like publication dates, binding types, and pricing across different formats. Instead of manually typing everything, you can query the database using your ISBN and populate much of your site instantly.
Consider creating a simple spreadsheet with columns for ISBN, title, format, publication date, and any notes specific to your books. This keeps everything organized and easy to reference as you build your site.
Remember that having accurate, complete book information makes a real difference. Readers trust sites with detailed, professional-looking book details. It shows you care about how your work is presented.
Here’s a quick reference guide to the types of book metadata you can automate with ISBN integration:
Metadata TypeDescriptionWhy It MattersTitle & SubtitleOfficial book title and any subtitleEnsures accurate catalog displayAuthor InformationAuthor name and biographyBuilds trust and recognitionCover ImageHigh-quality book cover fileAttracts attention visuallyPublication DetailsDate, publisher, edition infoAssures credibility and historyFormat & BindingHardcover, paperback, or eBook dataHelps readers select versionDescription/BlurbBook summary or blurbEntices and informs visitorsKeywords/GenreThematic and genre tagsImproves search discoverability
Accurate ISBNs and complete book metadata are the foundation for a professional author website that attracts readers.
Pro tip: Don’t have your ISBNs memorized? Check your Amazon KDP dashboard, IngramSpark account, or your publisher’s portal. They’re always listed alongside your book details.
Step 2: Start Your Instant Site on The Digital Fair
Head to The Digital Fair and choose the Instant Website option. This is our purpose-built website builder designed specifically for independent creators — authors, musicians, artists — who need a professional online presence without the complexity or cost of a custom build.
Here’s what happens when you get started:
Create your account with an email and password.
Enter your ISBN into our book import tool.
Let the system work. Our platform queries the Google Books API and other book databases to pull your metadata automatically.
That’s it for the initial setup. No coding. No dragging content between a dozen tabs. No copying and pasting from spreadsheets.
Your Instant site comes loaded with everything you need right out of the gate:
Beautiful, responsive design tailored for authors
Built-in analytics so you can see who’s visiting and what they’re reading
Full CMS access to update your content whenever you want
A links page for sharing across social media — one link, all your stuff
Hosting, security, and SSL all included
Email support when you need a hand
All of this for $10/month or $100/year (save two months with annual billing). No hidden fees, no surprise charges. The platform is designed with authors in mind, so you’ll find drag-and-drop website builders that make customization intuitive even if you’ve never built a website before. You don’t need any coding knowledge to create something professional.
Pro tip: Save your login credentials in a password manager — you’ll want quick access to your dashboard as you continue building out your site.
Step 3: Watch Your Book Data Populate Automatically
This is where the magic happens. When you enter your ISBN, The Digital Fair’s system does the work that used to take authors hours of tedious data entry.
Here’s what gets pulled in automatically:
Book title and subtitle
Cover image
Author name(s)
Publication date
Publisher
Description or synopsis
Genre and category tags
Page count and format details
Our system starts with the Google Books API for its comprehensive metadata. If your book isn’t found there — which can happen with newer indie releases — we search additional sources including Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble listings to track down your details.
Once the data imports, you’ll review everything on screen. Check that your cover image looks right, your description is accurate, and your publication details are correct. If anything needs tweaking, you can edit every field directly in the CMS.
Have multiple books? No worries - we’ll search for your entire catalogue automatically after you provide the first ISBN. The system pulls data for each one, and your books page populates automatically with covers, descriptions, and details organized in a clean, browsable layout.
When you submit your ISBN, the system connects to bibliographic databases and retrieves standardized metadata. Using automated ISBN data import pulls book titles, publication dates, author information, and cover images directly into your site. This happens in seconds instead of minutes.
Below is a comparison of manual vs. automated ISBN data import for author websites:
ApproachEfficiencyRisk of ErrorsScalabilityManual EntrySlow — typing every field by handProne to typos and inconsistenciesPainful with a large catalogThe Digital Fair’s ISBN ImportSeconds per bookHighly accurate from verified databasesAdd your whole catalog effortlessly
Pro tip: Start with one ISBN to see how the import works and verify the data quality before adding your entire catalog.
Step 4: Customize Your Site to Match Your Brand
Your book data is in. Now it’s time to make this site feel like you.
The Digital Fair’s CMS gives you full control over your site’s look and content without touching a line of code. Here’s where to focus your energy:
Start with your homepage. This is your first impression. Arrange your book covers, author photo, and tagline so visitors immediately understand who you are and what you write. Our drag-and-drop tools make rearranging elements intuitive.
Build out your core pages:
About / Author Bio — Tell your story. Readers connect with the person behind the books.
Books — Already populated from your ISBNs. Organize by series, genre, or publication date.
Blog — Share writing updates, behind-the-scenes insights, or articles that matter to your readers.
Contact — A simple form or email link so readers, bookstores, and media can reach you.
Links Page — Your one-stop link for social media bios. Share it on Instagram, TikTok, BookTok — anywhere you connect with readers.
Choose your visual identity. Pick a color scheme and fonts that match your writing style. Dark and moody for thrillers. Warm and inviting for romance. Clean and whimsical for fantasy. Consistency across your site builds trust and professionalism. Your responsive design approach ensures your site looks great on phones, tablets, and computers.
Set up reader engagement features. Add a newsletter signup to start building your email list. Connect your social media profiles. If you’re selling books directly, configure your purchase links.
Keep it focused. Readers visit author websites to discover books and learn about the person who wrote them. Every element on your site should serve one of those two goals.
A well-customized website reflects your voice and makes readers want to explore your books.
Pro tip: Start simple. Launch with the essentials and add features over time based on what your readers actually engage with. Your analytics dashboard will show you what’s working.
Step 5: Review, Launch, and Grow Your Readership
Before you go live, give your site a thorough check. A few minutes of testing now saves you from embarrassing issues once real readers start visiting.
Run through this checklist:
All book covers display correctly with proper images
Book descriptions and publication details are accurate
Links to purchase pages (Amazon, Bookshop, your store) work correctly
Your contact form captures messages and sends confirmations
Newsletter signup works and delivers a welcome email
Navigation menu works on phones, tablets, and desktop
Pages load quickly and look good across different screen sizes
No spelling or grammar errors in your bio, descriptions, or blog posts
Pay special attention to your conversion points — the newsletter signup, book purchase links, and contact form. These are how casual visitors become loyal readers. Test each one yourself to make sure the experience is smooth.
When you’re satisfied, hit publish. Your site is live.
After launch, put your tools to work:
Check your built-in analytics to see which pages readers visit most, where they come from, and how long they stay.
Update your content through the CMS whenever you have a new release, blog post, or event to share.
Share your links page across all your social platforms to drive traffic to your site.
Monitor for issues by bookmarking your site and visiting it regularly from different devices.
Check website publishing workflows that move your content from draft to live. The Digital Fair has a preview mode where you can see exactly what your site looks like before publishing. Use this to catch any final issues.
Once you’re satisfied, hit publish. Your site is now live and readers can find you. Some authors do a soft launch first, sharing the link only with friends to gather feedback before promoting widely.
After publishing, check your site one more time from a browser on a different device. Sometimes things look different in other environments.
Some authors prefer a soft launch — sharing the link with a small group of trusted readers or fellow authors for feedback before promoting widely. There’s no wrong way to do it.
Testing thoroughly before launch saves you from fixing embarrassing mistakes in front of real readers.
Pro tip: Set a recurring reminder to check your site monthly. Update your book catalog when new titles release, refresh your bio as your career evolves, and keep your blog active to give readers a reason to come back.
Ready to Build Your Author Website?
If you’ve been putting off building a website because the process felt too complicated, too expensive, or too time-consuming, this is your moment. The Digital Fair’s Instant Website Builder was designed for authors like you — creators who want a professional online presence without the headaches of DIY builders or the cost of custom development.
Enter your ISBN. Watch your site come together. Customize it to match your voice. Launch it for your readers.
It really is that simple.
Build your Instant author website today at The Digital Fair →
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it actually take to build an Instant site?
Most authors have a working site within five minutes of entering their first ISBN. Customization — tweaking colors, writing your bio, organizing your books — might take another 20-30 minutes depending on how much you want to personalize.
What if my book doesn’t show up when I enter the ISBN?
Our system searches multiple databases including Google Books, Amazon, and Goodreads. If your book is very new or hasn’t been indexed yet, you can manually enter your book details through the CMS. It’s quick and straightforward.
Can I add books that don’t have ISBNs?
Yes. While ISBN import is the fastest way to populate your catalog, you can always add books manually through the CMS — including titles that only have ASINs from Amazon KDP.
What should I focus on when customizing my website layout?
Focus on creating a user-friendly homepage that clearly communicates who you are and what you write. Arrange elements like book covers, your author photo, and a tagline to reflect your brand effectively.
How can I verify the functionality of my website before publishing?
Thoroughly test all links and forms on your site to ensure they work correctly. Navigate through each page and check for issues like dead links or incorrect information before going live.
What key features should I include on my author website?
Include an About or Author Bio section, a Books page showcasing your titles, and a Contact page. Adding a Blog for updates and a Newsletter signup can also enhance reader engagement and connection.
How can I ensure my website looks good on all devices?
Use a responsive design approach that adapts your layout for phones, tablets, and computers. Test your site on different devices after making changes to ensure a consistent user experience.
What’s included in the $10/month plan?
Everything: responsive design, full CMS access, built-in analytics, links page, hosting, SSL security, and email support. No hidden fees.
Can I upgrade to a custom site later?
Absolutely. If your needs grow beyond what the Instant site offers — maybe you want third-party integrations, a custom design, or content migration from another platform — The Digital Fair also builds fully custom websites for creators. Learn more about custom sites here.
Do I need any technical skills?
None. If you can type an email, you can manage your site. The CMS is designed to be intuitive for creators, not developers.