For newer authors just starting out, we may get so caught up in the whirlwind moments of writing that we neglect the one thing that will set us apart from other writers–our brand.
Recently, I was privileged to hear Shannon Vannatter speak at a branding and marketing workshop while at the 2011 ACFW conference. Shannon is a talented inspirational romance author whose tagline is “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Romance.” Her stories are set in Romance and Rose Bud, Arkansas.
As I listened to Shannon speak, I was impressed by her down-to-earth attitude and genuine warmth. She smiled often and shared openly about tips, tools, and approaches that had worked for her in her writing career (regarding branding/marketing). These tips could be applicable within all genres, not necessarily romantic fiction only.
As usual, I took several notes and I came away from Shannon’s workshop mentally exhausted, but in a good way. Here are some things I learned:
- People have to care about YOU before they care about your book. You must sell yourself before you sell books. Readers want to feel a connection with you.
- Think of your favorite authors. What is it that draws you in? Of course, it has something to do with what it is they write, but it probably also has to do with who they are as people, too.
- When creating your brand, think of unique things about you. Shannon suggests making a list of certain traits that define you.
- Choose one genre and stick with it. You can write in more than one genre certainly, but initially in the writing game, you’ll pick up readers more quickly if they begin to associate your name with what you write best.
- Think about how you are different from every other writer out there. Do you blend in or do you stand out? Obviously, you want to stand out. Not in a negative or “it’s all about me” way, but rather in a “God’s granted me specific gifts that are unique to me” kind of way.
- Decide on a creative angle for your website/blog. I blog about spirituality/writing with a down-home feel that reflects the overall vision for my future books. I like to talk about Jesus and my salvation, while extending writing tidbits I’ve gleaned on the path to publication. Since I write contemporary, faith-based romance, I also cover topics that deal with romantic love, Christ-like love, women’s issues, and men’s perceptions of those issues. I throw in a dash of humor and stir the pot with a bit of a Ozarkian flair.
- Once you’ve decided on your brand, work on a catchy tagline. For instance, my brand is “Writing heartfelt, homespun, contemporary Christian romance.” Since my stories primarily take place in the Ozarks, I wanted my tagline to showcase a bit of my heritage, as well as give an idea of what it is I write. My tagline (for now) is “Dishing Hearth and Home on Plates of Love.” It’s simple. It’s me. And it’s what my books will be about.
- Don’t forget to dress how you write. In other words, when you’re in the public eye greeting your fans and readers (your friends!) have fun with your genre. Shannon stated that if an author writes westerns, they should consider dressing western. Since I dish up romance from the Ozarks, I often wear jeans or casual attire with a mix of layers–tees with jackets and brightly colored tops, scarves, and simple bracelets. My favorite color is red so, often, you’ll find me wearing a splash of it on a daily basis.
Shannon also offered some additional marketing tips during this fantastic workshop that I’ll be back with on Friday. I hope you can join me again!
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What is your brand? Have you thought about a tagline? Tell us about it, and while you’re at it…what do you think of mine?
Comments 13
Cynthia, this is a great post! So getting twittered! My tagline is romantic suspense…overflowing hope because it’s what I write and what readers can expect in each book; however, I’m wondering if maybe I should keep “overflowing hope” and not so much the romantic suspense. The reason is I have a very romantic suspense series, but I also have a saga and 2 other contemporary romances with suspenseful element, but not a solid suspense. So…what do you think? Ack! Help!
I love your tagline. It’s perfect and catchy. 🙂
Author
Jess, thanks so much for your kind words and RT!
I’d been thinking for awhile about just the right tagline. I made a short ilst of things about me that I could draw from: I like down home country cooking. I write about faith, family, and small-town living. Somewhere in my stories, there’s usually the warmth of a fireplace (they set the mood). Finally, it just clicked…”Dishing Hearth and Home on Plates of Love” seemed totally me.
At conference, the one thing I heard stressed was that authors want something short and catchy, and a unique summary/spin of what they write. If I were you, I’d definitely keep the “overflowing hope”–love that!–and add a descriptive adjective or two that could still incorporate the suspense theme, but make it clear to readers that there are other attributes, as well…I can’t wait to read your fabulous books!
Author
Ahhh, those pesky typos… “List”
This is a great post. Once again, thanks for sharing your notes with us – All awesome tips.
I love 19th century to early 20th century American History, especially the Civil War.
I write Inspirational Historical romance and Historical fiction.
Right now I use: Writing with one foot in the present and one foot in the past…
as my tagline.
Author
I like it, Loree! It sums up who you are and what you write.
Cynthia, I’m still working on figuring out my brand. I write historical romance set in the Victorian era. I’ve recently changed my blog’s banner to a picture of period accessories. I’ve had a Victorian gown made and plan to wear it at launch parties and signings. I don’t have a tagline. I just use my name everywhere. It’s short, unique, and I like it. =)
Author
Keli, I love your blog banner! It is as unique as you and the books you write.
And I agree. Your name is pretty great in my book, too!
Since this post is about personal branding, I’ll agree with the first one, but outside of personal branding I would say that there are several books I’ve read before knowing anything about the author. And I sort of disagree with number four. it is true that if you write books so wildly different from one another that each would have to draw a completely new and different audience. You’ll probably starve as an author, but I do believe that we’ve got some freedom, especially a historical romance writer. They put a romance in the 19th century and another in the 17th century but are still be writing romances they could pull that off well. I also like the last one about public appearance and the way we dress. spending so much time promoting on the internet it’s easy to forget about carrying it over into the real world.
Author
Gary, in today’s competitive world for publishing slots, it’s imperative that writers gain a following, to a degree, BEFORE a book is published, not just after. The more buzz a book/author generates prior to a release is simply smart marketing. In today’s tight economic times, this is indeed something publishers scrutinize more than ever.
Yes, there is some freedom, once an author is established, to write outside his/her genre. One thing that continued to resonate while at this year’s American Christian Fiction Writers conference (from editors AND agents alike), however, was that authors need to gain a following, a “tribe”, who will be compelled to read the book they are currently trying to sell (publish). Once established in their genre then there might certainly be some wiggle room for authors to get their feet wet in another arena, i.e. time period, if it’s something that his/her agent feels will sell. The bottom line: if an author’s fans learn to expect a certain genre/format/style from an author, and the following or subsequent books are vastly different, then the author takes the chance on losing readers.
Thanks so much for your comment!
Cynthia,
You are such a blessing on my writing journey. I’m not quite “in” the writing and publishing world yet, and your posts, tips, and discussions about writing and publishing are gentle waves steering me in that direction. I’m grateful for the information on branding and the chance to get to know you better.
I love your tagline! I think it’s perfect. I don’t have an official tagline, but it will probably be something along the lines of candid Kerry, like my blog. It’s just who I am – candid. Candid for Christ, maybe? 🙂
Hope you have a blessed rest of the week!
Author
Kerry, “Candid for Christ” works perfectly for you! Anyone who’s read your blog posts knows that you tell it like it is, even when it’s uncomfortable. You’re transparent with a heart for Christ.
Keep writing!
I like your tag line. Thanks for sharing more of your conference adventure. 🙂
Author
My pleasure!