AuthorPage vs Tertulia: Which Author Website Builder is Right for You in 2025?AuthorPage vs Tertulia: Which Author Website Builder is Right for You in 2025?

You're an indie author who needs a professional website. You've written the books. Now you need a place where readers can discover your work.

You've heard about Tertulia—an author website builder with blog features and events calendars. And AuthorPage—a platform that promises your website builds itself in five minutes from your Amazon profile.

Full disclosure: I'm Sekar, and I built AuthorPage. That means I have obvious bias. But I've also genuinely tested Tertulia in November 2025 because authors keep asking me how we compare. I created test accounts, went through the full setup process, and explored every feature. This comparison reflects what I actually found—not assumptions from marketing materials.

Both platforms work with Amazon authors—and both allow manual entry too. But they take completely different approaches.

The real difference? Tertulia offers more features (blog, events, custom pages) but very limited design options. AuthorPage offers fewer features currently but complete automation for Amazon authors, plus manual onboarding for everyone else.

Let's compare them honestly, based on real testing. I'll tell you where Tertulia wins, where AuthorPage wins, and where neither platform serves your needs well.

Quick Comparison: AuthorPage vs Tertulia at a Glance

Here's what matters most to indie authors:

The choice isn't about which platform is "better." It's about which approach fits your publishing model, design expectations, and time availability.

Understanding Tertulia: Content-Focused Platform with Design Constraints

Tertulia emerged from a bookish community foundation—a co-op bookstore and book discovery platform. Their website builder focuses on helping authors create content-rich sites quickly.

That heritage shapes Tertulia's philosophy: prioritize content (blog, events, books) over design flexibility.

What Tertulia Does Well

Works with Amazon Authors: Despite common misconceptions, Tertulia accepts Amazon ASINs—not just ISBNs. Tested November 2025 with an Amazon-only book using ASIN, and it worked perfectly.

This means Amazon KDP authors can use Tertulia, even if you only publish on Amazon.

Quick Data Import: Enter your ASIN or ISBN, and Tertulia pulls book data—title, description, cover image. You verify via email, then start building.

Saves you from typing everything manually.

Complete Feature Set: Blog functionality, events calendar (up to 3 events), newsletter integration (Mailchimp/MailerLite), contact forms, analytics, custom pages—Tertulia includes tools many authors need.

You're not cobbling together separate services.

Content-First Approach: Tertulia focuses on helping you create content. The platform assumes you want to blog regularly, host events, and engage readers through written updates.

If content creation is central to your author platform, Tertulia provides the tools.

Reasonable Learning Curve: Simpler than WordPress. Most authors can navigate the interface within 20-30 minutes. The setup flow is straightforward: ASIN entry → email verification → choose theme → preview → launch.

Where Tertulia Has Significant Limitations

Very Limited Design Options: Testing revealed only 13 templates available. Once you select a template, customization is extremely restricted:

• Limited color palette choices
• Limited font selections
• Cannot rearrange sections or move elements
• Layout is largely fixed

If you have specific design vision for your author website, Tertulia's constraints will frustrate you. The platform prioritizes content over visual customization.

Manual Book Updates: When you update your book description on Amazon, change your cover, or modify details—you must manually update Tertulia separately.

With AuthorPage, you just hit refresh to pull your latest Amazon data—no manual data entry. Tertulia requires you to maintain information in two places. This becomes tedious over time, especially with multiple books.

Events Calendar Limits: The events calendar caps at 3 events. For authors doing frequent signings, virtual events, or book club appearances, this limitation feels constraining.

Similar Pricing: At $7.99/month billed annually ($95.88/year) or $9.99/month, Tertulia's pricing is comparable to AuthorPage's $99/year Pro plan. The key difference isn't cost—it's what you get for that investment and how much time you'll spend maintaining your site.

Plus domain costs $15/year after the first year free.

Setup Time: While faster than WordPress, the 10-30 minute setup still requires decisions: which template? which colors? how to organize pages?

For authors who want "just give me a professional site," these decisions create friction.

No Amazon Refresh: You're responsible for keeping content current. New bio? New author photo? Update it manually. This ongoing maintenance adds up over months and years.

The Design Limitation Nobody Mentions

Here's what surprised me most during testing: Tertulia's design inflexibility.

With only 13 templates and limited customization, you get less design control than you'd expect from a modern website builder. You can't move sections around. You can't significantly change layouts. You pick from preset options and work within tight constraints.

This isn't necessarily bad—constraints can be helpful. But if you expected design flexibility to match the feature richness, you'll be disappointed.

Tertulia chose to prioritize content tools over design tools. That's a valid choice, but it means the platform serves content-focused authors better than design-focused authors.

Understanding AuthorPage: Automation-First with Manual Flexibility

AuthorPage launched in 2025 with one radical idea: if you're an author on Amazon, your website should build itself in five minutes. But if you're not on Amazon, you can still create a professional site through manual onboarding.

The platform offers two paths:

• Amazon import: Paste your Amazon Author Central URL, and everything imports instantly—refresh anytime to pull updates
• Manual onboarding: Add your books, bio, and details yourself—works for any author

That flexibility means AuthorPage serves both Amazon-heavy authors who want zero effort AND authors publishing elsewhere who want a simple, professional site.

What AuthorPage Does Well

True 5-Minute Setup (Amazon path): Paste your Amazon Author Central URL. Confirm your information looks correct. Click "Create Site." Done.

No template selection. No color choices. No layout decisions. Just instant professional website.

Manual Onboarding (Non-Amazon path): Don't have Amazon? No problem. Add your books manually, write your bio, upload covers. Takes longer than the auto-import but still simpler than most website builders.

Easy Amazon Refresh (for Amazon authors): AuthorPage imports directly from Amazon Author Central—the system most indie authors already maintain.

Your bio, books, covers, descriptions—they all import with one click. Change your book description on Amazon? Just refresh your AuthorPage to pull the update. Publish a new book? Refresh and it appears.

You maintain information in one place (Amazon), and updating your website takes seconds.

Minimal Maintenance: AuthorPage handles hosting, security, performance, backups—everything technical disappears.

You rarely think about your website because updates are just a refresh away. This simplicity is transformative for authors who find website tasks draining.

Free Forever Plan: During launch period, AuthorPage offers a genuinely free forever plan. Not a trial. Not a limited-time offer. Actually free, permanently.

Removes financial barriers for debut authors, struggling writers, or anyone testing whether they need a website.

Competitive Pro Plan: Want a custom domain? AuthorPage's Pro plan costs $99/year—competitively priced with Tertulia but with a crucial advantage: zero ongoing maintenance. Domain included.

That's about $8/month for a professional author website that updates itself when you refresh from Amazon—no manual data entry, no separate updates.

Lightning-Fast Performance: Built with Next.js, deployed on Cloudflare's global edge network. Loads in under 1 second worldwide.

Fast websites rank better in search engines and convert better with readers. You get this automatically without optimization work.

Standardized Professional Design: AuthorPage sites share consistent, clean, modern design. Mobile-first, optimized for conversion, focused on showcasing books.

No customization means no design decisions. The site just looks professional—always.

Purpose-Built for Amazon Authors: Every feature exists because Amazon authors need it. No bloated feature lists. No functionality you'll never use.

Where AuthorPage Has Real Limitations

I want to be genuinely honest here—not just list "coming soon" features as limitations.

Amazon Dependency Risk (for import users): If you use the Amazon import path, AuthorPage depends on Amazon Author Central. If Amazon changes their data access, restricts API usage, or modifies how Author Central works—the import feature could be affected.

This is a real risk for the import feature. Manual onboarding users aren't affected since they don't depend on Amazon's data. If Amazon independence matters to you, use the manual onboarding path instead.

Manual Path Requires More Work: While AuthorPage works without Amazon, the manual onboarding path requires you to add books, bio, and details yourself. You lose the "5 minutes and done" magic of auto-import.

No Design Customization at All: AuthorPage offers zero visual customization. No template choices. No colors. No fonts. No layout options.

All AuthorPage sites look essentially identical—professional, but uniform. If your brand has specific visual identity (colors, aesthetic, style), AuthorPage won't express it. Some authors find this sameness limiting, especially YA authors, fantasy writers, or anyone with strong visual branding.

Missing Features You Might Need: Blog is now available (10 posts on free plan, unlimited on Pro), but no events calendar. No custom pages. Limited ability to add content beyond what imports from Amazon and your blog posts.

If you're a content creator who blogs, does events, or needs pages for book clubs/extras—AuthorPage genuinely doesn't serve you today.

Newer Platform = Less Proven: AuthorPage launched in 2025. Less track record. Less community knowledge. Less certainty about long-term viability.

I'm bootstrapped and committed, but I can't promise the future like an established company can.

Smaller Community: Fewer examples to learn from. Fewer "how I use AuthorPage" stories. Less community support beyond direct founder access.

The Real Differentiator: Automation vs Features

Both platforms work with Amazon authors. That misconception about Tertulia requiring ISBNs? Wrong. Tertulia accepts Amazon ASINs just fine.

So what actually separates these platforms?

Automation vs Features. That's the fundamental trade-off.

AuthorPage chooses automation:

• Fewer features but they maintain themselves
• Standardized design but zero decisions required
• Limited current capabilities but zero ongoing effort
• Lower cost and zero time investment

Tertulia chooses features:

• Blog, events, custom pages available now
• More content tools but manual maintenance required
• More initial options but very limited design flexibility
• Higher cost and ongoing time investment

Neither approach is wrong. They serve different author needs.

If You Value Automation

You want minimal website work. You'd rather write books than update websites. You prefer "paste URL and refresh when needed" over "configure and customize."

AuthorPage's simple approach means you paste your Amazon URL once, then refresh whenever you publish new books. New book? Refresh and it appears. Updated bio? Refresh and it's there. Changed cover? Refresh and it updates.

Your website becomes simple infrastructure you control with one click.

If You Value Features

You blog regularly and need that functionality now. You do events that readers track via calendar. You want custom pages for specific content.

Tertulia provides these features immediately. Yes, you'll maintain content manually. Yes, you'll update books separately from Amazon. But you get tools you need today, not eventually.

For content-focused authors, having features now matters more than automation.

Pricing Comparison: Real Costs Over Time

Let's examine actual costs over one year and three years—including domains and realistic time investment.

Cost Over Time: Real Numbers

First Year:

• AuthorPage Free: $0
• AuthorPage Pro: $99 (domain included)
• Tertulia Monthly: $119.88 ($9.99 × 12)
• Tertulia Annual: $95.88

Year Two (domain costs begin for Tertulia):

• AuthorPage Free: $0
• AuthorPage Pro: $99 (domain included)
• Tertulia Monthly: $134.88 ($119.88 + $15 domain)
• Tertulia Annual: $110.88 ($95.88 + $15 domain)

Three-Year Total:

• AuthorPage Free: $0
• AuthorPage Pro: $297 (domain included, minimal maintenance)
• Tertulia Monthly: $389.64
• Tertulia Annual: $317.64 (plus ongoing manual updates)

At the Pro level, both platforms cost around $100/year—the real difference is what you get for that investment.

Real Author Scenarios: Which Platform Fits Your Situation?

Let's examine specific situations indie authors face and which platform serves each need better.

Scenario 1: The Amazon KDP Author Who Wants Simplicity

Maria published three romance novels through Amazon KDP. She updates her Amazon Author Central page regularly. Her budget is tight, and she'd rather spend money on advertising than website costs. She finds technical tasks draining and just wants a professional site without complications.

Best Choice: AuthorPage

Why? Maria's books are on Amazon, and she already maintains Author Central. AuthorPage pulls her books with one refresh—no manual data entry needed. The free forever plan fits her tight budget perfectly. Five-minute setup means she can focus on writing her next romance novel instead of learning website tools.

AuthorPage's minimal maintenance matches Maria's desire for simplicity. She'll rarely think about her website after initial setup.

Scenario 2: The Blogger Who Needs Features Now

David writes literary fiction and blogs weekly about writing craft, books he's reading, and the literary community. His readers follow his content closely. He does monthly virtual events that readers track. Blog and events aren't optional for David—they're central to his platform.

Best Choice: Tertulia

Why? David needs blog functionality immediately, not eventually. He needs an events calendar for his regular virtual appearances. Tertulia provides both features now.

Yes, he'll update content manually. Yes, he'll pay $95.88/year plus eventual domain costs. But he gets tools he needs today. For content-focused authors like David, having features now justifies the cost and effort.

Scenario 3: The Debut Author Testing Waters

Sofia just published her first novel. She's unsure if she'll continue writing or if this was a one-time project. She knows she needs some online presence but doesn't want to invest much time or money before seeing if writing becomes long-term.

Best Choice: AuthorPage

Why? AuthorPage's free forever plan removes financial risk. Sofia can create a professional website in five minutes, then forget about it while she markets her first book and decides about her author future.

If she abandons writing, she hasn't invested money. If she continues, she can upgrade to Pro for $99/year when she's ready for a custom domain.

Both platforms cost around $100/year at the Pro level, but AuthorPage's generous free tier removes all financial risk during the uncertain early phase.

Scenario 4: The Author Who Values Design Flexibility

Jessica writes fantasy and has strong visual identity for her brand. She has specific color schemes, fonts, and aesthetic preferences. She wants her website to reflect her unique creative vision visually.

Best Choice: Neither platform—consider WordPress or hire a designer

Honest answer? Neither AuthorPage nor Tertulia serves Jessica's needs well.

AuthorPage offers no customization. Tertulia offers very limited customization (13 templates, restricted color/font options). For authors with specific design vision, both platforms feel constraining.

Jessica should consider WordPress with a premium theme, or hiring a designer for custom work. These cost more time and money, but deliver the design control she values.

Scenario 5: The Wide-Distribution Author Who Blogs

James publishes wide—Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play. He has ISBNs through Bowker. He blogs monthly about thriller writing and shares book recommendations. He does 4-5 events annually.

Best Choice: Depends on automation vs features priority

James could use either platform:

• AuthorPage if his Amazon Author Central includes all books (even those published elsewhere) and he prioritizes automation over blog features. He'd wait for blog functionality.

• Tertulia if immediate blog and events features matter more than automation. He'd accept manual updates as trade-off for complete feature set now.

This scenario illustrates why there's no universally "best" platform. James's specific priorities determine the right choice.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison: What Actually Matters

Let's examine how each platform handles features authors care about most.

Setup and Initial Launch

AuthorPage:

1. Paste Amazon Author Central URL
2. Confirm information looks correct
3. Click "Create Site"
4. Done—5 minutes total

No template decisions. No color choices. No layout configuration. Just paste, confirm, launch.

Tertulia:

1. Enter Amazon ASIN or ISBN
2. Verify email address
3. Review imported book data
4. Choose from 13 templates
5. Preview design
6. Launch site

Takes 10-30 minutes depending on how quickly you make template and theme decisions.

Both platforms are simpler than WordPress. AuthorPage eliminates even Tertulia's relatively simple process.

Book Management and Updates

AuthorPage:

Publish new book on Amazon → Update Author Central profile → Refresh your AuthorPage to pull the changes.

Change description? Update cover? Modify series? Just hit refresh to pull updates. You maintain information in one place (Amazon), and updating your website takes seconds.

Tertulia:

Add new book by entering ASIN or ISBN → Import data → Manually update when you change descriptions, covers, or details on Amazon.

Initial import helps with data entry, but ongoing updates require manual work. You maintain information in multiple places: Amazon and Tertulia.

Design and Visual Customization

AuthorPage:

No customization options. Standardized, professional, conversion-optimized design. Clean, modern, mobile-friendly.

You can't change it. Perfect if you want zero decisions. Limiting if visual expression matters deeply.

Tertulia:

13 templates to choose from. Limited color palette options. Limited font selections. Cannot rearrange sections or move page elements.

More flexibility than AuthorPage, but surprisingly restrictive compared to expectations. The platform prioritizes content over design.

For authors expecting significant design control, Tertulia disappoints. For authors who want some choice without complexity, 13 templates might suffice.

Blog Capabilities

AuthorPage:

Not available currently. Coming soon on roadmap.

If blogging is central to your platform today, this limitation matters.

Tertulia:

Full blog functionality included. Publish posts, organize categories, enable comments if desired.

For prolific bloggers, Tertulia provides this immediately.

Events Calendar

AuthorPage:

Not available. Focus remains on core book showcase and bio features.

Tertulia:

Events calendar included but limited to 3 events maximum.

For authors doing occasional events, 3 slots might work. For authors with frequent appearances (signings, virtual events, book clubs), this limitation feels constraining.

Performance and Speed

AuthorPage:

Deployed on Cloudflare edge network. Loads under 1 second globally. Automatically optimized. No configuration needed.

Fast websites rank better in search engines and convert better with readers.

Tertulia:

Good performance on their infrastructure. Typical author websites load well, though exact times depend on content and customization.

Both platforms deliver solid performance. AuthorPage's edge deployment provides slight global advantages.

Newsletter Integration

AuthorPage:

Built-in signup forms. Connect to your email service provider. Collect emails directly.

Simple, functional, minimal setup required.

Tertulia:

Integration with Mailchimp and MailerLite. Newsletter forms embedded in site. Similar functionality with more configuration options.

Both handle this author need well.

When to Choose Each Platform: Clear Decision Criteria

Still uncertain which platform fits your needs? Here's a clear decision framework.

Choose AuthorPage If:

You publish on Amazon and want simplicity: AuthorPage's Amazon import gives you 5-minute setup and easy updates with a refresh. This is the magic path.

You're not on Amazon but want simplicity: AuthorPage's manual onboarding works for any author. It takes more time than auto-import, but it's still simpler than most website builders.

You want absolute minimum effort: 5-minute setup (Amazon path) or straightforward manual entry, plus minimal maintenance. Just refresh when you publish new books.

You want to start free with no risk: AuthorPage's generous free forever plan (250 subscribers, 100 messages) lets you build your platform with zero financial commitment. Both platforms cost ~$100/year at the Pro level, but AuthorPage removes the barrier to getting started.

You value simplicity over features: You'd rather hit refresh to update your site than configure every element manually.

You want simple blogging: AuthorPage now includes blog functionality (10 posts on free plan, unlimited on Pro)—perfect for occasional updates.

You're focused on book sales: Website showcases books and collects newsletter signups—core functions AuthorPage handles perfectly.

Technical tasks drain you: Website maintenance makes you anxious. AuthorPage's minimal-maintenance approach removes that stress entirely.

Design customization doesn't matter: You're fine with professional, standardized design. You don't need visual uniqueness.

Choose Tertulia If:

You need advanced blog features: While AuthorPage now has basic blogging, Tertulia offers more robust blogging tools. If content creation with advanced features is central to your platform, this matters.

Events matter to your marketing: You do regular appearances that readers track via calendar. (But note the 3-event limit.)

You want some design choice: 13 templates provide options. Limited customization still offers more than AuthorPage's none.

You're comfortable with manual updates: Updating books and content separately from Amazon feels manageable.

You value feature completeness: Having blog, events, custom pages now justifies the higher cost and maintenance.

You're willing to invest setup time: 10-30 minutes and ongoing manual updates seem reasonable.

You prefer established platforms: Tertulia's longer history provides reassurance versus AuthorPage's newness.

Decision Framework: Questions to Guide Your Choice

Answer these questions honestly. Your responses reveal which platform fits your current situation.

1. Where do you publish your books?

• Exclusively or primarily on Amazon → AuthorPage's auto-import is perfect
• Amazon plus other platforms → Either works (both accept Amazon data)
• Not on Amazon at all → AuthorPage's manual onboarding or Tertulia both work

2. How important is blogging to your platform?

• Essential right now → Tertulia offers this immediately
• Nice to have eventually → AuthorPage plans to add this
• Not important at all → Both platforms work fine

3. What's your honest tolerance for website tasks?

• Want absolute zero involvement → AuthorPage's automation fits
• Comfortable with occasional updates → Tertulia's maintenance works
• Enjoy customization projects → Both platforms might feel limiting

4. What's your annual website budget?

• Want to start free, then upgrade later → AuthorPage ($0 free tier, $99/year Pro)
• Ready to invest ~$100/year from day one → Either platform works (both ~$100/year)
• Budget isn't a constraint → Consider features over cost

5. How important is design customization?

• Don't care about visual uniqueness → AuthorPage's standardization works
• Want some template choice → Tertulia's 13 options help
• Need significant design control → Neither platform—consider WordPress

6. What matters more: simplicity or features?

• Simple updates → AuthorPage's strength
• Feature availability → Tertulia's advantage
• Both equally → Harder choice—prioritize based on other factors

7. Do you do regular author events?

• Yes, frequently (more than 3) → Tertulia's 3-event limit might frustrate
• Occasionally (3 or fewer) → Tertulia's calendar works
• Rarely or never → Not a deciding factor

8. How do you feel about setup time?

• Want it done in 5 minutes → AuthorPage delivers
• Can invest 10-30 minutes → Tertulia's timeframe works
• Willing to spend hours → More complex platforms available

Your pattern of answers reveals your best choice. Trust your honest responses—they show what you actually need, not what you think you should want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AuthorPage work without Amazon?

Yes. AuthorPage offers two paths:

• Amazon import: Paste your Amazon URL for 5-minute setup, then refresh to pull updates anytime
• Manual onboarding: Add books, bio, and details yourself—works for any author

The import path is the "magic" path for Amazon authors, but manual onboarding means AuthorPage serves all indie authors, not just Amazon-present ones.

Does Tertulia work with Amazon-only authors?

Yes. Despite misconceptions, Tertulia accepts Amazon ASINs—not just ISBNs. Tested November 2025 with Amazon-only books, and ASIN import worked perfectly.

Amazon KDP authors can use Tertulia without purchasing separate ISBNs.

Can I get automatic book updates with Tertulia?

No. Tertulia requires manual updates when you change book descriptions, covers, or other details on Amazon.

AuthorPage lets you refresh to pull from Amazon Author Central, so changes appear on your website instantly when you hit refresh—no manual data entry.

How limited is Tertulia's design customization really?

Very limited. Real testing revealed:

• Only 13 templates available
• Restricted color palette choices
• Limited font selections
• Cannot rearrange sections or move elements

If you expected significant design flexibility, Tertulia will disappoint. The platform prioritizes content features over design customization.

What if I publish on Amazon and other platforms?

If your Amazon Author Central profile includes all your books (even those published elsewhere), AuthorPage syncs them all. Amazon Author Central can include books not sold on Amazon.

If some books aren't in your Amazon profile, both platforms work—AuthorPage for automated Amazon books, Tertulia for manual entry of others.

Will my website look different from other authors?

AuthorPage: Sites share consistent professional design. They look similar—like "author websites" rather than unique artistic expressions.

Tertulia: 13 templates provide some differentiation, but limited customization means sites still feel somewhat similar within template constraints.

If standing out visually is crucial, neither platform offers significant uniqueness.

Can I switch platforms later?

Yes, both platforms allow migration. Your books and content can be rebuilt on either platform.

However, switching takes work—reconfiguring, rebuilding pages, updating links. Choose thoughtfully now rather than switching later.

AuthorPage's free plan lets you test without financial commitment. Tertulia offers 14-day free trial.

What about SEO and search rankings?

Both platforms provide solid technical SEO fundamentals: fast loading, mobile responsiveness, clean URLs, proper heading structure.

AuthorPage's Cloudflare deployment offers slight performance advantages. Tertulia's blog functionality offers more content creation opportunities.

For most indie authors, SEO differences matter less than having any professional website at all.

How does the free AuthorPage plan work?

During launch period, AuthorPage offers genuinely free forever plan—not a trial, not limited-time.

Your site lives on authorpage.me/yourname subdomain. Includes all features except custom domain and removes branding.

Upgrade to Pro ($99/year) anytime for custom domain (yourname.com).

What happens if AuthorPage shuts down since it's newer?

Valid concern for new platforms. AuthorPage addresses this:

• Free forever plan = low financial risk
• Domain portability in Pro plan
• Simple architecture makes migration straightforward

Tertulia's longer history provides more established track record. New vs. established is legitimate consideration.

Can I export my data from AuthorPage if I want to leave?

Your domain is yours—it transfers anywhere. Your content lives on Amazon Author Central, which you control. AuthorPage doesn't hold your data hostage.

Migration means rebuilding on a new platform, but you're not locked in with proprietary formats.

What happens to my AuthorPage site if I stop paying the $99/year Pro plan?

Your site reverts to the free plan on the authorpage.me/yourname subdomain. It doesn't disappear—it just loses the custom domain and AuthorPage branding removal.

You keep everything; you just return to free tier.

How does AuthorPage handle pen names or multiple author identities?

You can create separate AuthorPage sites for each pen name. If you use Amazon auto-import, each Amazon Author Central profile gets its own site. If you use manual onboarding, simply create separate accounts for each pen name.

How do I update my AuthorPage after publishing a new book?

Just hit refresh in your AuthorPage dashboard to pull your latest Amazon data. Changes appear instantly when you refresh—no waiting, no manual data entry.

Can I see what AuthorPage sites actually look like?

You can view example sites on AuthorPage's showcase page, or simply create a free account and see your own site in five minutes. No commitment required.

What if my Amazon Author Central page is incomplete or has wrong information?

AuthorPage shows what Amazon has. If your Author Central is incomplete, your AuthorPage will be too. Fix it on Amazon, then refresh your AuthorPage to pull the changes.

Can I add books manually that aren't on my Amazon profile?

Yes. AuthorPage supports manual book entry through its manual onboarding path. You can add any book—whether it's on Amazon, other platforms, or not published yet.

If you use Amazon auto-import, you can also add additional books manually that aren't in your Amazon Author Central profile.

What if Amazon changes their data access and breaks AuthorPage?

Since AuthorPage has manual onboarding, this would only affect the import feature—not the entire platform. Users could continue with manual entry.

That said, if you specifically want Amazon import and Amazon restricts access, that feature could be affected. The manual path provides a backup regardless.

The Bottom Line: Making Your Decision

After examining features, costs, automation, and specific author needs honestly, here's the clearest guidance:

Choose AuthorPage if:

You want the simplest possible solution—whether through Amazon auto-import (5 minutes) or manual onboarding. You value automation and ease of use over feature richness. At similar price points (~$100/year), you'd rather invest in a platform that maintains itself automatically than one requiring ongoing manual updates. Your website's job is showcasing books and collecting newsletter signups—tasks AuthorPage handles perfectly with minimal effort.

AuthorPage gives you: Simplicity (auto-import or manual), zero maintenance, peace of mind, more time for writing—all at a competitive price.

Choose Tertulia if:

You need blog functionality immediately. You do events (up to 3) that readers track. You want some design choice (though limited to 13 templates). You're comfortable investing 10-30 minutes setup and ongoing manual updates. At similar annual costs (~$100/year), you prioritize having features now over automation.

Tertulia gives you: Blog and events tools, some customization options, custom pages, established platform, feature availability today.

For Authors Who Value Simplicity

If you want simplicity above all else, AuthorPage's combination of easy setup (auto-import or manual), minimal cost, and clean design makes it the logical choice.

Amazon authors get the magic 5-minute auto-import path. Non-Amazon authors get straightforward manual onboarding. Either way, you end up with a professional site without the complexity.

The time and energy you save goes directly to writing better books and connecting with readers—activities that actually matter for your author career.

When Tertulia Makes Sense

If you blog weekly and need that functionality today. If you do regular events (within the 3-event limit) and need a calendar immediately. If you're comfortable with manual updates and value having features now rather than eventually.

Then Tertulia's feature availability justifies the higher cost and maintenance investment.

Remember What Actually Matters

Your website exists to serve readers and support your books. It should be a helpful tool, not a burdensome project.

The best platform is the one you'll actually maintain—or better yet, the one that maintains itself.

A simple AuthorPage site with easy refresh beats an elaborate Tertulia site you update sporadically, which beats an abandoned website you've been meaning to fix for months.

Choose the platform that removes barriers between you and your readers, not one that creates new work.

Because you already did the hard part—you wrote your books.

Your website should make sharing them effortless.

Ready to Create Your Author Website?

You have two solid paths forward, both designed specifically for indie authors:

Try AuthorPage

If simplicity appeals to you, start with AuthorPage's free forever plan. Amazon authors can paste their Author Central URL and see a professional website in five minutes. Non-Amazon authors can use manual onboarding to build their site. Either way, risk nothing financially.

You can always add complexity later if needed. Starting simple rarely leads to regret.

Try Tertulia

If feature completeness matters more than automation, explore Tertulia's 14-day free trial. Test their templates, set up a blog, configure events calendar. See if their approach fits your workflow.

No credit card required for trial, so you risk nothing except time investment.

The Most Important Decision

The most important decision isn't which platform you choose—it's that you actually create your author website instead of endlessly researching and never launching.

Both AuthorPage and Tertulia serve indie authors well. Both are infinitely better than having no website at all.

Pick the one that feels right based on this honest comparison. Set it up. Then get back to what actually matters: writing your next book and connecting with readers.

Because your books deserve a professional home on the web.

And you deserve a website that doesn't consume your creative energy.

Choose the tool that serves those priorities—then move forward.

Your readers are waiting to discover your work.

Ready to get started with AuthorPage? Learn more about how AuthorPage works and why I built it specifically for Amazon authors who want websites that maintain themselves.

Comparing other platforms? Read my detailed comparison of AuthorPage vs BookBub to see how AuthorPage compares to BookBub's author website builder.

Want to understand what makes an effective author website? Read my guide on essential elements every author website needs to ensure your platform—whichever you choose—serves your readers effectively.