Project overview
The Authors Network needed a central platform where authors could present their work, list books, connect with readers and participate in an author community.
Working with Nicole Reyes Sime, I developed the WordPress website, configured its platform tools, set up author and member functionality, and provided registration forms and client guidance.
The challenge
Bring authors, readers, members and administrators into one manageable website. Authors needed storefronts and book listings, readers needed a public catalogue, and members needed access to different community spaces.
Book sales and membership/promotional offerings required separate configurations within the same platform.
Website foundation & responsive pages
Connected the domain, installed WordPress and configured the initial tools and theme. Built the core pages using Elementor, including the homepage, About page, author directory, bookstore and community areas.
Set up domain email accounts and refined layouts, navigation and calls to action through client feedback.
Author directory & storefronts
Implemented author/vendor functionality using Dokan Lite. Authors could maintain their storefronts and manage book or product listings. Public author pages brought together author information, listed work and contact options.
WooCommerce book catalogue
Configured the public bookstore with book listings, product pages and customer account functionality. Supported direct-purchase product listings and external links to Amazon and author websites, accommodating different distribution arrangements.
Community & membership roles
Implemented the community using wpForo, supporting posts, replies, questions and author collaboration. The structure included an open Author Lounge and separate spaces for Basic members, Premium members, the 499 Book Club and editors.
Configured and adjusted member roles as the client onboarded participants.
Membership & promotional offerings
Set up membership and promotional products using SureCart, separately from the WooCommerce/Dokan bookstore. Created a dedicated Membership & Promotions page for the different offerings.
Prepared the payment setup and supplied connection guidance. Final live activation depended on completion of the client’s Stripe authentication; successful live transactions were not confirmed in the project record.
Registration & speaker submissions
Created a membership application and an Authors Unscripted guest-speaker form. The speaker form collected author and book information, discussion topics and availability, with headshot/book-cover uploads, consent fields and a signature.
Added a homepage registration section with a downloadable PDF and supplied a video walkthrough of the online submission process.
Client management & handover
Provided instructions for adding members, assigning roles and updating weekly homepage flyers through Elementor. Supported content changes, author-profile setup and registration troubleshooting.
Results & delivered value
Built the connected website structure and configured author storefronts, a book catalogue, community areas, membership offerings and registration tools.
Provided the client with practical guidance for member management and routine content updates. These are implementation deliverables; a fully tested commercial launch and live payment processing were not confirmed.