Website Development from Existing Mock-up -- Build & Handoff

## Project Overview I am a first-time novelist preparing for the launch of my debut novel and am seeking an experienced web developer to build my author website, **MJTunney.com**. This is **not a website design-from-scratch project**. I already own the domain and have an established creative direction, site concept/mockup, branding, author photography, book assets, and much of the content direction in place. I am looking for a developer who can take that existing direction, professionally build the site, make sure the necessary functionality and integrations work properly, and then **hand me the keys**. I am not looking for ongoing website management. I want a site that I own and can comfortably maintain and update myself after launch. ## Project Timeline **The completed website must be fully built, tested, and live at MJTunney.com no later than September 30, 2026.** This is a firm deadline tied to an October 15 book launch. Please only submit a proposal if you are confident you can meet this timeline. The project can begin immediately, and I will be available for timely reviews, feedback, approvals, and delivery of required assets throughout the development process. ## Initial Site Structure The website is expected to include: * **Home** — Primary author/book landing page * **Books** — Initially featuring one novel, but designed so future titles can easily be added * **About** — Author biography, photography, and related content * **Journal** — Blog/journal functionality that I can update myself * **Events** — Author appearances, signings, launch events, etc., editable by me * **Contact** — Reader/media/general contact functionality * **Newsletter** — Email signup and integration with an appropriate email platform * **Preorder/Retailer Links** — Ability to link readers to Amazon and other appropriate retailers, with easy updating as preorder and purchasing options change The site should be fully responsive and work cleanly across desktop, tablet, and mobile. ## Functionality / Technical Requirements The project should include: * CMS/admin access that allows me to make routine updates without developer assistance * Basic on-page SEO setup and search-engine readiness * Google Analytics or comparable analytics integration * Newsletter/email-list integration * Contact form setup * Social-media links/integration * Appropriate security and backup configuration * SSL/HTTPS * Reasonable page-load/performance optimization * Ability to add future books without redesigning the website * Easy updating of retailer links, events, journal posts, photography, and copy ## Ownership & Handoff This is important to me. I want this structured as a **build, launch, and handoff project**, rather than an ongoing website-management arrangement. I will retain ownership/control of: * MJTunney.com and its DNS * Hosting account * Website/CMS administrator credentials * Analytics account * Newsletter/email-list account * Website content and assets * Any other third-party accounts established specifically for the site Any themes, plugins, subscriptions, licenses, or other services that require recurring fees should be identified in advance, including their expected ongoing cost. At completion, I would like a brief walkthrough/training session showing me how to perform the routine updates I am likely to make myself. ## What I Am Looking For I am looking for someone with strong website-development skills and a good design eye who is comfortable **executing an established creative direction rather than replacing it with an entirely new concept**. Experience with author, book, publishing, creative-professional, or similarly content-focused websites is a plus. I am open to your recommendation regarding the most appropriate platform/CMS, provided it supports straightforward self-management and does not unnecessarily lock me into a proprietary system or ongoing developer relationship. ## Proposal Requirements Please include: * Your recommended platform/CMS and why you recommend it for this project * A **fixed-price quote** for the complete build, launch, and handoff * Your proposed project schedule and **confirmation that the website can be fully tested and live by September 30, 2026** * Examples of 2–4 comparable websites you have personally built * What is and is not included in your quoted price * Any anticipated recurring costs for hosting, plugins, themes, subscriptions, or other services * What post-launch support, if any, is included in the initial project price * A brief explanation of how you would approach taking an existing mockup/creative direction and translating it into the completed website **The goal is straightforward: take an already-developed author-site concept, build it professionally, make it scalable for future books, launch it at MJTunney.com by September 30, and hand me the keys.**