HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide — Quick Setup

Connect your book landing page to a professional domain with step-by-step DNS, SSL, and verification instructions for indie authors.

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Hosted domains made simple: HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide

This HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide walks self-published and indie authors through every step to connect a domain, update DNS records, and publish a secure, professional book website.

Authors trust HostingAuthors: 12,000+ sites published, 4.8/5 average satisfaction. “I set up my author site and went live in under an hour,” says Emma R., indie novelist.

Signing up is fast — visit https://www.hostingauthors.com/ to choose a plan. Custom domains are available on paid plans ($9–$29/mo), while the free tier lets you test features and build your site before connecting a domain.

Step-by-step: HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide

1

Pick a domain and plan

Buy a domain from any registrar (Namecheap, GoDaddy, Google Domains). Upgrade to a HostingAuthors paid plan to unlock custom domain support.

2

Add your domain in HostingAuthors

In your HostingAuthors dashboard go to Site Settings → Domains, enter your domain or subdomain (e.g., www.yourname.com) and choose whether it will be primary.

3

Update DNS records at your registrar

Point a CNAME for subdomains (www) to domains.hostingauthors.com, or add the A records we provide for root domains. Save changes and set TTL to 300–3600 seconds for faster propagation.

4

Verify and enable SSL

Return to HostingAuthors to verify ownership. SSL is issued automatically (Let's Encrypt). Wait for verification and SSL issuance — usually minutes to a few hours.

What you get when you follow the HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide

Professional domain mapping

Use your own domain or subdomain so readers find your book site at a memorable address.

Automatic SSL certificates

Free HTTPS is provisioned automatically after verification to keep your site secure and search-friendly.

Simple DNS instructions

Clear, registrar-specific guidance and sample records for GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, and others.

Fast propagation tips

Recommendations for TTL settings and troubleshooting so your site goes live as quickly as possible.

Support for subdomains and root domains

Use www.yoursite.com or the root domain; we provide A record values and CNAME targets based on your setup.

Before you connect your HostingAuthors custom domain

Confirm you have access to your domain registrar account and can edit DNS records. If you plan to use email on that domain, note any existing MX or SPF records before changing A or CNAME entries.

Prepare a primary domain (recommended: www.yourname.com) and optional redirects from the root domain so both URLs serve your book landing page.

Quick checklist

  • Purchase domain or confirm existing ownership
  • Upgrade to a HostingAuthors paid plan to enable custom domains
  • Add domain in HostingAuthors dashboard and copy DNS records
  • Update DNS at your registrar and verify in HostingAuthors

Frequently Asked Questions about HostingAuthors custom domain setup guide

Yes. Custom domains are available on HostingAuthors paid tiers ($9–$29/mo). The free tier allows you to build and preview your site on a HostingAuthors subdomain before upgrading.

Use a CNAME for subdomains (e.g., www). For root domains (example.com) use the A records provided in your HostingAuthors dashboard or an ALIAS/ANAME record if your DNS provider supports it.

DNS propagation can take 5 minutes to 48 hours. In many cases verification and SSL issuance complete within minutes if TTL is low; otherwise allow up to 24–48 hours.

Yes. HostingAuthors automatically requests and installs a free HTTPS certificate (Let's Encrypt) once domain verification completes. No manual SSL setup is required.

No, if you only add or change A and CNAME records for the web host and leave MX records intact. Back up existing DNS settings before changes and contact support if you rely on email hosted at the same domain.

Common issues: incorrect record values, TTL not updated, or DNS propagation delays. Double-check the exact records in your registrar, lower TTL, and retry verification. Contact HostingAuthors support for step-by-step help.

Ready to connect your custom domain with HostingAuthors?

Sign up at https://www.hostingauthors.com/ to unlock custom domains, SSL, and publish a professional book website that grows your readership.

Connect your custom domain