For the past week, the Muggle world has been furiously guessing about the details of JK Rowling’s new website, hinted at with a mysterious splash page that pointed to a countdown video on YouTube. Today, Rowling released the details at press conference held at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. “Pottermore has been a really great way to give back to the Harry Potter readership, who made the books such a big success,” she announced. In a video screened at the conference, and now posted on the Pottermore home page, the author thanked her readers. “No author could have asked for a more wonderful, diverse and loyal readership.” Rowling then went on to explain the particulars of the site.

“Digital generations will be able to enjoy a safe, unique online reading experience built around the Harry Potter books,” stated Rowling. “Pottermore will be the place where fans of any age can share, participate in and rediscover the stories. It will also be the exclusive place to purchase digital audio books and for the first time e-books in the Harry Potter series. I’ll be joining in too because I will be sharing additional information I’ve been hoarding for years about the world of Harry Potter.”

“Fans are really excited,” explained Andrews Sims, the editor of Harry Potter fan site MuggleNet.com in an interview with USAToday. “Fans have wanted Harry Potter e-books for a long time. I’m glad they’re finally doing it because this is obviously one of the greatest book series of all time, and now it’s available for a lot of people who want to experience it through an e-reader.” MuggleNet.com released a first look at several Pottermore screen shots earlier today.

The Guardian reports that the Pottermore universe will be restricted to the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone at launch, though it will eventually expand to encompass all seven books. The site will officially launch in October, but starting today, Muggles and wizards alike can submit their e-mail addresses on the site to be notified of early registration on Harry’s birthday, July 31. The first million people to complete the registration process will be allowed to enter the site early. At the time of this writing the e-mail submission button was not working, so fans may have to try again later in the day.