Thank you so much for all the helpful information, June! I have an IT guy who will help me build the website and also my publishing company has plug-ins to add to it, but I wasn't sure where to start. I appreciate all of your useful information!

Jill,
It depends on a lot of factors: the look you want, the level of functionality you want, and your level of experience and comfort in customizing. I was previously in love it the "Nirvana" theme, but since many mandatory updates to make it compatible with the latest WP releases, it's not as versatile as it once was. The main thing to look for is that it is "responsive". Also, much of the functionality of ANY theme is done with plugins. I HEARTILY recommend the SiteOrigin Page Builder. It will allow you to use widgets to build appealing and functional pages. Also, the WordPress Jet Pack plugin is a MUST! It has many features that are essential, all packed into one plugin.

Hurry and write that one, June - I need to know!

Analyzing your favorite bigger name authors is the PERFECT way to start figuring out what you want for yourself. 🙂

Are we're glad you're here, Celia, adding to the discussion!

Liz, I just had a similar conversation with a client. She hates scrolling sites, she wants everything to be clickable and above the fold. That's not necessarily a good thing. I've tried to explain that she needs both. (I'll actually be doing a further assessment of Laura's page at a later date on the ABE blog, because you are right, she does need more information on the front page.)

You're right! Mobile does matter, quite a bit. That is one of the things I look at for authors when assessing their websites. That is a part of the "updated" and clean look!