Creating Your Unique Author Brand: A Guide to the Right Writer Impression

What author doesn't want a loyal fan base of readers? If you want to have readers who support you through the highs and lulls of publishing your books, you need to build an author brand. You are the face of your books. Part of being that face means having a personal brand as an author that bookish fans can connect with on a personal level.

-What Is an Author Brand?

-Why Is Your Author Brand Important?

-How Do I Create a Strong Author Brand?

-Start Author Branding Today

What Is an Author Brand?

Your author brand is how readers generally perceive you and your writing. Think of it as your "author personality." It's a combination of the look and feel you give to readers (both literally and figuratively).

The most important part of your brand is that it's consistent.

Are you dark and moody?

Are you colorful and upbeat?

Are you thoughtful and inspiring?

The most important part of your brand is that it's consistent. Your readers come to you wanting a specific type of content. They want to connect with you on social media, email, and your books, knowing that your overall tone and mood will match their expectations.

Why Is Your Author Brand Important?

There are over 2 million books that are published each year.* How will you make sure that your book stands out on the bookshelf? (Hint: It starts with "author" and ends with "brand.")

Readers are just as interested in connecting with authors as they are in connecting with books. In fact, if a reader loves an author, they'll be the ones talking up your books at their book clubs. They'll be the ones signing up to be on your street team and spreading the word about your upcoming book launch. They'll be the ones buying your books on release day and posting a review that afternoon (because they devoured it).

Having a strong author brand strategy helps readers feel like you're not just any other author. You're an author they connect with and genuinely support.

How Do I Create a Strong Author Brand?

Strategically creating a strong author brand will help with everything from designing your website to marketing your books to choosing topics to write about in your author newsletter. That's because it's all about the look and feel you give to readers, and it shouldn't ever drastically change.

So as you're creating your author brand, put thought into:

• Is this a good representation of my true self and my work?

• Will my ideal reader connect with this?

• Is this something I can consistently do?

1. Brand Voice

This is probably THE most important piece of creating a strong author brand (aside from being consistent). Your voice. How you speak and write should be authentic, but it should also be unique to you.

• Are you sarcastic and punchy?

• Are you professional and polished?

• Are you warm and conversational?

My Brand:

The Author + Marketer is warm and professional. I invite conversation and questions, but I also serve as an authority on book marketing that authors can trust.

2. Visual Identity

This is the second most important piece of creating a strong author brand. Even at a glance, readers should recognize your work by how it looks. The visual identity of your brand includes:

• Color Palette

• Fonts

• Logos

• Imagery

• Aesthetic

My Brand:

The Author + Marketer uses the primary color palette below. You can really see this in action on my Instagram page @TheAuthorMarketer. You can also see it in play here on my website, with its repeating colors and simplified designs.

Here are the primary colors for The Author + Marketer brand.

3. Purpose

Every brand has a purpose. This can be found in the values or themes you write about or even the story behind your writing passion. Your purpose as an author is something that you can repeatedly come back to. Your purpose will ground your author brand because it consistently represents who you are as an author.

My Brand:

The Author + Marketer's purpose is to give authors the tips, tools, and techniques they need to successfully market their book. This drives every piece of content so that authors can connect with me and my work.

Start Author Branding Today

While a lot of work goes into creating a strong and unique author brand, it's worth it! Not only will it attract your ideal readers, but it will also make marketing yourself and your books so much easier!

With six years (and counting) working as a book marketer for a publishing house, I'm here to help authors. Have a question about book marketing? Sign up to get FREE tips, tools, and techniques to successfully market your book.

*Statistic from Berrett-Koehler Publishers