How It Works-Being an Author--What is An Author Brand?

In my banner, “Strong Women, Brave Stories" is my brand. What does that mean to a reader?

Branding is a complex concept. First, it has to do with what it is about my writing which sets me apart from other writers. But second, it also causes me to think about what my reader-needs or wants or who my writing appeals to. The first is relatively easy, but the second is more difficult.

The first part (see above) should be clear to any author after 5-10 books (though some get it much earlier). I think that “brand” develops as a writer gets into her stride. But the author must be writing the kind of book that really reflects HER DISTINCTIVE VOICE. My voice comes through most clearly in my historical sagas.

In my historicals, I always have a crusading heroine who is passionate about something. I call her a heroine ahead of her time. I also have a multicultural cast since I find that this brings natural conflict and because American history isn’t monochromatic. Finally, I always make sure my historical detail is accurate so I immerse my reader in the historical setting and period. At the end, I always write a Historical Note so that the reader will be able to know what I made up from the actual historical events.

Tom Morrisey, another author, helped me understand the second part--what my readers want. He asked me several questions about my “ideal” reader (the person most apt to buy my books), things like what kind of shoes she’d wear, where she would go on vacation what is her fave food and why. This helped me understand that my “ideal” reader is a woman very concerned with social justice, with human dignity. So my crusading heroines, my strong brave women, would be right for her. This part takes thought.

Some authors believe a tagline or signature line is the same as a brand. It isn't. Most of the taglines I see don’t really mean much because they are so general. I think everyone saw them being used by a few and just decided that it was to be a description of one’s type of writing.

As you can see, it is so much more. I would suggest beginner’s drop taglines until they really understand what their writing essence is and who it appeals to. Tom doesn’t do workshops on deeper branding but Randy Ingermansson does. His website is http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/. Drop by and click Tiger Marketing on the right column for some ideas.

My tagline gives only the most important part of my brand—strong women who take on injustice with bravery. If a writer chooses to have a brand, do it right. Otherwise, don’t bother. Just a tagline does less than nothing for you and for readers.