Author Website & Book Launch — 2026
David F. Hyatt
The official website for The Paper Microphone - a memoir by author, journalist and broadcaster David F. Hyatt - built for the book's launch.
Role
Web & Visual Designer
Duration
1 month
Team
Designer and client
Responsibilities
UX&UI design, visual direction, content structure, website build, newsletter setup
Tools
Squarespace, Lovable
Overview
The Paper Microphone is David F. Hyatt's memoir: the story of a boy who learned at twelve that his father had only just died, built a microphone out of paper to host imaginary radio shows, and went on to report from the White House and across Europe, Africa and Asia. I designed and built thepapermicrophone.com to launch the book, introduce the author and turn visitors into readers.
The Challenge
The site had to carry the warmth and nostalgia of the memoir while working as a clear launch page - presenting the story, building credibility with Kirkus Reviews praise, introducing the author, and guiding visitors to buy the print edition or download a free first chapter.
The Solution
Book-first hero
The full cover spread sits beside the story's hook, with a single clear Buy Print call to action.
Advance praise
Kirkus Reviews quotes on a dark band give early readers an immediate reason to trust the book.
Meet the author
A portrait and short bio connect the memoir to David's career as a White House and foreign correspondent.
Free first chapter
An email signup offering Chapter One builds a reader list ahead of launch.
Warm editorial identity
A soft paper-beige palette, mustard accents and a classic serif echo the book cover and its nostalgic tone.
Desktop walkthrough
Site tour
Selected Screens
Lessons Learned
This project was a reminder that typography and pacing can carry a whole brand - the quieter the design, the stronger the voice of the content.