So what does this have to do with being a writer?
According to an article on Huffington Post, “Why Every Writer Needs an Author Brand,” it states that your brand is a promise you make to your readers. “You’re promising your audience a particular kind of reading experience, and you shouldn’t let them down. From project to project, maintaining continuity in your voice as a writer is vital to building a successful author brand and establishing a strong fan base…Genre typically comes first, and branding follows after. Your brand will exist within the genre you’re writing in.”
When you hear the name Mo Willems, do you immediately think of Pigeon, Elephant & Piggy? Funny books for the very young? When you hear the name Grace Lin, do you think of children’s books with Chinese characters? These two authors have built a brand.
So how does one build an author brand?
Kimberly Grabas, author of Quick Start Guide to Building Your Writer Platform, states, “Your brand stems from who you are, how you want to be known and who people perceive you to be.”
So I sat at my computer and thought. What kind of stories do I write? I looked through my collection of picture book stories + one novel and work-for-hire products. What theme or topic stands out? (to be revealed at the end)
Nina Amir said in the article, "6 Branding Tips for Writers and Authors," to determine this consider: the types of writing you want to do
- the subjects about which you want to write
- the types of stories you want to tell
- the themes you want to cover in your work
- the ways in which you want to serve you readers
- the clients or customers you want to attract
- the spin-off books (sequels or series) you would like to publish
- your values
- your interests
- your passion
- your purpose
In terms of companies, brand generally means what type of items I expect that company to produce. Apple makes computers. Would I be surprised if they started selling speakers? No. Would I be surprised if they branched out into a line of beverages? Yes. That's not their brand.”
Carrie also asked some good questions, "What are you doing that no one but you could do? What are you bringing to the table that is unique and special, and that people will like and seek out more of?"
Since I write a lot of nonfiction + fiction + Korean themed stories + American stories, another writer friend Hannah Holt helped me state my brand this way. DRUM ROLL…
My brand might be: an informational text and humorous fiction writer with an American/Korean fusion
Those of you who know my writing—do you agree? Or do you have anything to add or say in a different way? Let me know in the comments. Plus, let me know YOUR brand and what you think of this branding idea.