Photo Credit: Arvind Balaraman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I’m in editing mode so today’s post is a slight variation of one from last year. Enjoy!
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When we’re “in the zone,” sometimes we can get so enamored with our writing that we neglect the one thing that will set us apart from other writers: our brand.
Last year, 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.” Some of her stories are set in Romance and Rose Bud, Arkansas. (Don’t you just love that?!)
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.
Here are some things I learned from Shannon’s workshop:
- 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 for newer authors, 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, and slice-of-life events with a down-home feel that reflects the overall vision for my future books. I like to encourage, and I often talk about Jesus and my salvation, while also 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 Ozarkian flair.
- Once you’ve decided on your brand, work on a catchy tagline. For instance, my “brand” is contemporary Christian romance with a “down home feel.” Since my stories are set 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 is “Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction.” It’s simple. It’s me. And it’s what my books are 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 in a western theme. 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 frequent basis.
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Please share…
- Photo Credit: Moi
Writers: how do you merge your “brand” with your “tagline”?
What are some creative things you do to market your brand?
Readers: When you think of your favorite authors and what they write, what do you remember the most? The story? The author? A combination of both?
Reminder:
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Photo Credit of pumpkin patch: Arvind Balaraman/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
These are all great tips, Cynthia! I listened to Susan May Warren talk about branding recently and she talked about thinking of your brand as “how you make people feel.” How do I make people feel? How do I want to make them feel in person, through my writing, when visiting my website…? That’s really had my brain pinging lately!
Author
Melissa, such awesome advice from Susan May Warren! I attended her workshop at ACFW this year and I’m so impressed with her heart for others.
As Christians, we’re servants first. That’s yet another aspect of our “branding” we should consider. Great thoughts!
Love all these tips — but especially that readers have to care about you before they care about your books. Interesting, because I can read a new author and not know them personally– but I always end up reading their bio, their acknowledgements, their dedication –which, in away, helps me “know” them and care about them.
And nowadays with social media, it is much easier to connect with authors and readers.
Author
Beth, so true! Connecting authors and readers has taken on new meaning. Now, we can reach out in a much more personal way and make long-lasting friendships, as well.
I always read the bio and acknowledgements, too. Those give us a glimpse into the lives of those whose books we’re reading, and as you said, “know” them on a more intimate level.
All great tips, Cindy.
I like the “dress how you write”.
Sometime I “talk” how I write…
Author
Loree, I would love to hear you “talk” in person! Maybe when you visit my way sometime, we’ll meet for afternoon tea in our civil war skirts and bonnets and I’ll whisk you off on a tour of Wilson’s Creek Battlefield.
This is such timely advice for me, Cynthia, as I’m in the process of honing my brand and tagline. *sigh* Why does writing a 100,000-word book seem easier sometimes? 🙂
Author
Sarah, fine-tuning our brand and tagline can indeed be a little daunting. I ultimately opted for something simple, yet totally me.