Author Branding Without The Scar
Do you have a brand? Do I have a brand? Is it painful to get one?
Writers understand the importance of marketing, but the concept of branding often perplexes. Yes, we need to stand out, but how and by what method? And what does branding really mean?
The following definition hails from an online article aptly named The definition of branding: “Branding is the art of becoming knowable, likable and trustable.”
Oh, I like the simplicity of that. How do I do it? Given I wrote a medical thriller, I should brand myself as a healthcare professional, yes?
Well…no….for the following reasons:
1) Who knows what my future holds? Confining my work to a specific genre might prove suffocating.
2) I don’t want to be Carrie, the medical provider who writes; I want to be Carrie, the writer who writes, and as such, I’ve been intentionally vague about my professional background.
3) I started with a public health blog. Oh, indeed I did. Two people came.
4) Writing humorous posts pleases me. Greatly. And when one enjoys the process, one is more inclined to park buttocks on chair and tap, tap, tap. Plus, humor allows an endless possibility of topics, from writing to reading to commentaries on the absurdities of life. Besides, plenty of blogs by writers on writing already exist, all more knowledgeable and skilled than I.
Still, snuggling into a precise niche might prove wiser, particularly to “establish reputation and credibility.” But for now, I prefer the generalist mindset. Best to avoid the scar of a brand I don’t wish to maintain.
Before I go, allow me to share Nathan Bransford’s take on the subject, an author whose website contains a wealth of information for writers. Admittedly skeptical of author branding, in his post entitled On the Internet There Is No Such Thing as a Brand. There Is Only You, he writes: “The only, and I mean only way to approach a world of social media is with honesty, transparency, and authenticity.”
Ooh, I like that, too. Although my blog makes light and exaggerates my quirks, what you see is what you get, which I hope is a balance between a writer’s need for professionalism and a human’s need to have fun.
After all, the world is sour enough.
What about you? Do you have a brand? Do you think it’s better to be a “generalist” or a “specialist”? Did you ever have a day of zero site visits? I did. On my other blog. It was fun.
All images from Microsoft Clip Art
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145 Responses to “Author Branding Without The Scar”
I’ve always thought of branding as similar to typecast, so I’ve been leery of it. I like writing funny and weird things, but also dark things and I always thought that if I ever become famous, I’d have to choose one, even though I don’t want to. After all, when people read a Stephen King or Tom Clancy novel, they’re expecting a certain thing and probably don’t like surprises. However, from what you’re saying branding is more about reputation, so that makes me feel a bit better. Do I have that right?
I think it could be either or, but I think it all starts with reputation. People may file you in a certain category on their own, and before you know it, you’re branded. But as long as you remain authentic and honest in how you present yourself, I think people may be more willing to let you stretch your boundaries. Then again, it may all be pointless. Once an author writes a thriller, people may not want to read anything else from him or her. For me personally, I’d be okay with that, as long as it wasn’t as restricted as only medical thrillers. And as long as I can still write light on my blog.
Thanks for the comment!
As long as it was something you like, I guess, it’d be fine. I think of A.A. Milne though, who wrote Winnie the Pooh. He started hating Pooh after a while, since he was an adult writer, but after that people on wanting to read more Pooh stories.
Uh oh. I write about poo a lot, too. Just not that kind of pooh…
Who? No. Neither, and yes. Seriously, I think the authenticity is the important thing. Glad you brought up the subject.
Ha ha–I enjoyed your answers. Zero blog hits is fun for the self-esteem, no?
Thanks for stopping by.
I looked for my brand, I even used a mirror. No luck. I’m unbranded but unfinished too so that does make sense. There is so much to think of, much to mince over, and you keep me thinking.
Yes, I try to avoid the mirror in looking for my brand, too. I may find things I don’t like.
Glad to keep you thinking. Aerobics for the brain are always good.
If my body can’t be fit, at least my mind can.
Hi Carrie, this is a great post, and obviously a bit of a talking point. If I may offer a bit of insight – in my day job I am a graphic designer working in marketing, and branding is pretty much job one.
There are two different types of branding; corporate branding and individual branding, and both of them are relevant for discussion.
A corporate brand is an interesting thing. It is not, as many people think, a logo. It’s a set of ideals and personality traits that define a company’s tone of voice for their public image and advertising. What’s important is that the brand only exists in the minds of the masses – the Apple ‘apple’ doesn’t make the Apple company successful – it’s the ideals and credentials that people associate with the brand that make it what it is. Conversely, McDonalds recently changed their interiors to natural greens and greys, but they didn’t affect the global opinion of their fatty, unhealthy junk foods. BP changed their logo from a green shield to a green and yellow flower, but didn’t change their policies on anything. At all. And people bought it, because flowers are nice. Then they flooded the Gulf of Mexico, and all the ‘sorry’s’ in the world couldn’t change their brand perception.
An individual brand is perhaps more on-topic, and could perhaps be described as the ‘thing’ about you. As you say, you don’t want to be defined by your background in Medical Provision as much as you do by the comedic content of your work, and an individual brand is exactly that. Think of the one descriptor you would use to describe both yourself and a friend if you met someone new at a party. For example;
‘Hi, I’m Chris and the thing about me is that I blog about my insecurities in a way I intend to be funny. This is my friend Erin and the thing about her is that she blogs about the meticulous details in the syntax of her novel. This is my friend Bill, and the thing about him is that he can fit four chocolate fingers in each nostril… etc. etc.’
It is never the only thing about a person, it’s just what you’d use to differentiate yourself from the crowd.
On a personal note, although I blog anonymously, I try to keep a consistent tone of voice across anything that is published under my name. I spend all day making companies look personable and respectable, when most of the time they’re far from it, and this has influenced my own branding and writing style to be as human and down-to-earth as possible. I’ve had a few readers identify me by my use of footnote jokes, too.
In terms of author branding, I don’t think it’s derived from what you say, but how you say it. If you blog about writing, you’re one of many, but those who do it well, or in a comparatively unique way will stand out and succeed. As an example; I found your blog not by chance, but by seeing your comments on various other blogs, and coming to associate your little avatar with a comment worth reading. From there, I developed a character from your writing, and clicked through to the Write Transition. You’d already made an impression, and that lead me to have faith in your abilities, and to read your past posts.
I would also ask you to consider whether or not a ‘brand’ is a good thing for an author to have. Stephen King wrote ‘Stand By Me’, but the volume of er… volumes of horror and suspense that he writes make it something of an anomaly, in the context of his ‘brand’. J.K. Rowling will always be expected to write a certain type of book, and she’ll never fully escape her ‘brand’. These are authors who are primarily defined by genre and audience respectively, rather than their content or craft (although we know them to be good, obviously). A versatile writer’s work will be identifiable across a wide range of media.
In conclusion; a brand is much more about how others see you than what you think it is, although through your writing you can control a great deal of that. I didn’t come here because of your history in medicine, I came because you made me laugh, and that’s what I’ll remember you for when I close the browser window and see you appear in my reader in the future.
Anyway, sorry for the essay, and great post! I’m off to read some more, and hopefully not have such lengthy opinions on them!
Chris, thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate you taking the time to write it as it gave me a better sense of how to go about this “marketing and branding” thing. It also helped put me at ease to see that others–well, at least you–recognize what I am trying to put out there. Sure, I’ll likely write thrillers, probably with a medical bend, and not humorous novels, but the blog is more about my personality, not so much my books. If a reader enjoys my blog, then perhaps he or she might enjoy my novel, even if it’s of a different style.
Thanks again for stopping by and commenting. It’s nice to hear from someone who does this on a daily basis.
No problem, it does become a little bit interminable after a while, and it’s very difficult to walk down the high street without criticising everything. That, and every company wants to be pretty much the same thing.
One of my favourite sayings (that I’m about to horrendously misquote) is that as a creative, you will put a little something of yourself into everything you do; it’s what gives it a soul. It’s what makes you realise that whatever something appears to be, a human being made it. With that in mind, whatever you’re writing, something of you will be there in the mix, and _that_, more than anything else, is your ‘brand’.
Wise words.
So missing you while you are on vacation. However, your toes told the tale — you are having a great breather. You deserve it. When you get back, would you be kind enough to look at my June 28 post “It’s Up” and give some feedback on the linked work? It would be greatly appreciated.
I enjoyed reading your piece. Nice work.
Hi Crubin, thoughtful post on a very difficult subject, branding. It’s easy to do if you are Agatha Christie and I think she never worried about it, just got on with it and by doing so ending up creating a brand. I wonder if we worry about this too much and should just get on with it. ahem…. easy way to say..I have no idea what my brand is!
I think you’re right in that maybe we just need to let it happen, though perhaps we can give it a gentle steer. Which is why I need to alternate my silly posts with those of more substance like this. After all, I don’t want to be branded as the over-educated potty humor blogger…
I love your humour!
Thank you!
Carrie, the health care provider who writes, is better than Carrie, the girl who killed a gym full of teenagers with her brain.
This is true. Especially if it meant being covered in pig’s blood.
I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to get over to your blog since I enjoy your comments on other blogs so much. Sorry!
I hadn’t really thought about branding for my blog since I do it just for fun; Weebles are a motif rather than a branding element. Like so many bloggers, I don’t fit into a precise niche so I hadn’t thought about how I would want to be perceived or identified. Ideally I’d like to be perceived as Wonder Woman but that niche was already taken.
While you were commenting on my blog, I was commenting on yours. Does that mean we both need to get a life?
Thanks for stopping by and for the follow. I know we’ve crossed paths in the blogoshere, so it’s nice to connect. Love your site–glad to have had the chance to check it out. And if you’re going for a brand of sharp wit and humor, it appears you’ve succeeded–your posts are hilarious. I look forward to reading more.
I think rather than meaning we both need lives, it means that we’re both just tuned into the same exquisitely awesome wavelength.
Thank you for following my blog as well—I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, as the saying goes!
“exquisitely awesome wavelength.”—Oh, I like that.
Great post, Carrie! As always I’m a day late and a dollar short … I’ve been putting together a series of future posts for my blog titled “The Things Learned About Self-Publishing.” “Branding and Building a Platform: A cautionary Tale,” is Part II.
But you already ‘said it’ here and you ‘get it.’
I never wanted to be “branded” as an expert on probate. I simply had an experience and learned things I though might especially help broken families that I wanted to share. But if I were to corner myself inside that box, talk about limiting.
My “thing” is politics. I’m also writing a gritty novel about marriage and relationships. I write anything and everything that touches my life and ignites my imagination. Mostly I write things that I hope will make a difference. (High, impossible, hopes.
)
I’ll refrain from writing my post here (now it feels too weird to post it at all
), but I will say that I don’t believe in this branding stuff. It works for a tiny few, but mostly I believe the concept began as one more workshop topic and nothing more. I’ve always been skeptical and rebellious about the “marketing” advice that’s been dished out the past decade or so. I want to see proof.
But again I must say that you have done an excellent job with your blog and with finding your way. I love how you tie the medical into your posts using humor. Just look at the results!
Thanks, Ann. That’s nice to hear.
Yes, I would imagine getting branded as an expert on probate might be a bit limiting! On the other hand, if someone really does want to be known for one thing, the expert on the topic, then I think precise branding would be the goal. I imagine that works better for non-fiction than fiction.
I look forward to reading your post on branding. It helps to get other people’s take on the subject. Plus, I’ve received some great advice from these wonderful comments.
I think to have a brand you must be your brand. If you chose one thing, you’re expected to BE that thing. And as with “who I am” in general, I find that who I know I am, others quirk their eyebrows at, and what others believe I am (when it’s not accurate), I think is absurd and obtuse. So if you’re going to put it out there you have to be absolutely sure of it, because you can’t just change it every time you think of a new cool idea. You could be a “writer of thrillers” but keep the medical part out?
It’s always amazing how others’ perceptions of us are often different than our own, isn’t it?
And you’ve hit on my thoughts exactly. I think I mentioned to an earlier commenter that I suspect I’ll stay in the thriller genre: I’m just not sure I want to be confined to only medical thrillers.
Thanks for the comment. Nice to hear from you.
I really, really don’t want to think of myself as a brand (I am a person!) so I like the ideas of just being me. Really, there’s no one else I CAN be.
As for zero-hit days, yes, I do have them. I think it’s a hazard of being one of those “writer’s bloggers.” Need to figure out how to expand to my potential READERS by the time my next novel is ready for launch…
You make a good point about branding to potential readers. Writers tend to follow other writers, but they’re not necessarily the ones who’ll be reading our work. (Didn’t you do a blog post on that issue?) The question might become then, how can we appeal to a wider audience? I try not to focus all of my posts on writing, and this does seem to help, but on the other hand, the posts on writing get a greater response.
Thanks for the comment. May days of zero hits be a thing of the past.
Ouch! My hand hurts from scrolling clear down to the bottom of your comments to add my own 2 cents (or penny’s worth or nonsense). And now, I’ve forgotten what I wanted to say–oh yeah, something about branding. I don’t get it, and am envious of those who do. Aren’t you glad I took the time to scroll all the way down here to say that? I hope you are. And 0 views. That does sound like fun!
I am happy for any words you give me. After all, you inspired my Friday Night Stroll post, even if it did end with a tree flipping me off.
I suppose by being who we are on our blogs, we’re branding ourselves whether we realize it or not. Which doesn’t bode well for me with all of my potty humor…
And yes, zero views is humbling, to say the least.
Carrie, I tend to blog about my writing life, but, ahem, I’ve made that a broad mandate.
I prefer to be a generalist because I never know which book will find an agent–the YA gothic mystery or the Adult Fantasy. Hard to market to a specifc genre when you write in different genres. I vote for generalist unless you are committed to one path and will never write outside the lines.
I think you’re right. Until I’m more sure of my path, generalist seems the way to go. Thanks, Kourtney. As always, I value your opinion.
I didn’t know you’d written a medical thriller. Where is it then? In fact I didn’t know you were a medical person. But then, the sharp intelligence, the incisiveness – it figures. Well, branding. Naturally, I don’t like it. It smacks of conformity and labelling and typecasting and also of hard work and forward thinking, none of which I like.
I guess I’ve done my “generalist” branding well then if you didn’t know these things about me.
My book is slated for release in September, but I’m still waiting to hear from my editor, so I don’t know if it’s release will get delayed or not. It’s a little nerve-racking. I’ve signed with a small e-publisher (some print as well).
I always thought a brand was your byline or logo. Mine is “Immerse Yourself in My Imagination” Other than that, I’m not really sure what it is. In regards to my blog, as you know, I have tried to pin down one topic for posts but ended up sticking with a variety to keep it interesting.
I really like your byline. It’s creative and well-suited to a writer. I think that’s part of a brand, but I think how we present ourselves is also part of that brand. I just don’t want to pigeon-hole myself into something I can’t change later. I suspect some of it will get easier when I actually have a product to brand. Other than my blog.
Yes, that might help.
Carrie,
This post is like a webinar. There’s so much talent, experience, variety and content you could turn THIS into a book…
I’m always conflicted when I see your “new” posts in my inbox: Do I go for the feather in my cap to be the First or….Do I hold back and reap the benefits of everyone else’s sage advice. (Guess we know which one I chose this time – miss 101
LOTS of thoughts are running through my head on this subject, but I’ll try not to burden you with all of them (aren’t you glad).
1. I think the unique aspect & strength of your blog (aside from writing quality and substance – that’s a given) is the CONVERSATION that transpires…so the QUALITY actually continues beyond the original post. That may well be your “brand?”
2. Which brings me to #2 (& I’ll stop here): Point of Diminishing Returns.
If the purpose of the blog (distinguishing it from your book) is a combo of writers group and promotion, at what number does one have to stop the conversing and do the writing…or abbreviate for time management sake…and thus affect the quality of the blog conservation? From this POV would a strong Brand/Following actually negatively affect the purpose of Writers Group?
Which takes me back around to that annoying question: For What Purpose? Branding to achieve more followers? Will it affect the bottom line? Money? Or something else?
From a very selfish POV, I love you just the way you are
First of all, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad I was able to convey meaning in 400 words. I’m sure my husband wishes some of my “speeches” were as short as these posts.
Second of all, I agree with you on the quality that the commenters bring to a post. I have benefitted greatly from the words and thoughts of all these wonderful visitors. I am grateful for every morsel they share. I doubt I’d join a writer’s group per se, but I think this does indeed act as one.
And finally, as for your second point, given I only post twice weekly, this hasn’t been a factor for me, though if I posted daily, I imagine it would.
As always, thanks for your insights.
I have to admit, I cringed a bit when I read the first part of the title of this post. I feel like I’ll never get the hang of this whole platform/branding thing. I have a hard enough time just blogging on a regular basis! Which is no doubt why I have a lot of zero-visit days.
I’m still a little afraid of just being myself on my blog. I think I lead a pretty boring life. I’m actually a little surprised that people read my posts! Guess that’s something that will get better with practice. I hope.
Oh, believe me, I live a boring life, too. Which is why I need to bring the outside world into my posts.
I think it just gets back to being yourself. The rest will follow. There. How’s that for profound?
Thanks for commenting.
I don’t get the branding thing at all. I like to write one way (sort of) for the blog, and another way entirely for stories and other “creative” things. I see the two as separate (the blog vs story). I would compare it to the writer David Hewson (who has just done the book version of “The Killing”). His works are different to his blog. His blog he uses for other thoughts e.g. articles on helpful things in scrivener.
My post for tomorrow has some links with points 3 & 4 that you may find interesting. It will also include the search term nonsense we discussed previously.
I suppose if you’re already a successful writer, you have more leeway with loose branding, but I think if you’re a newbie, it can be more confusing about how to present yourself.
I look forward to your post tomorrow.
Yes true of course. The whole blogging & social network thing has changed the way us newbies have to work.
I think you are SUPER funny! I really do!
Thank you! That’s nice to hear. Thanks so much for stopping by.
I consider myself an author and a brand–all my quirks and work included. I think it’s a wise choice, particularly since traditional marketing techniques seldom work for books. Kristen Lamb has great thoughts on this on her books and blog.
I think that’s the way to do it. In some ways, it’s easier to be authentic online, at least for me, anyway. I worry about book signings and other in-person promotional venues, when nerves and naiveté may keep me from presenting my true self. I might be a babbling brook.
Kristen Lamb does indeed have some great content. Thanks, as always, for the comment.
I think personal branding is an issue or will become an issue for eveyone having an online presence, not just authors. We are increasingly moving to an online world, no matter what you do. But I too struggle with my blogging brand. I had a vision before I started blogging, but the reality and what people respond to is different to that vision and I am still in explore/find the niche mode. Torn between humour which like you, I love to write – it’s just so much fun and has a rythm all its own – and the more serious midlife wisdom stuff. Of course the answer probably lies in a combination of both, which I can pull off sometimes. However I love your authenticity and your what you see is what you get philosphy. And I’ll see your quirks and raise you three
.
Ha ha–give me a little more time, and I’ll see if you have a “tell” (or at least I think that’s what they call it in poker).
I think you’re spot on–branding is important for anyone in the online world. As is authenticity and honesty, I imagine. And I believe one can toddle between humor and more serious posts as long as neither deviates too much from one’s typical style.
Thanks for your kind words and for the comment.
You definitely need to brand yourself…And it does sound painful.
No worse than getting bitten by a meerkat, I’m sure.
Lol
The end of this caused me to guffaw — oh my! — I’ve never used that word before! Thanks so much for this Carrie. I may have branded myself as a death metal enthusiast who eats cake and hates money — I thought about that yesterday, how little by little, I thinks that’s what I’ve done. I like the idea of transparency. I’m going to read those articles — I could use all the help I can get!
Nothing wrong with branding yourself with cake. Or chocolate, as in my case.
But in all seriousness, sharing your interests goes into the whole concept of transparency and authenticity. People enjoy learning facts about the authors whose works they read. At least I do. That doesn’t mean we have to bare our souls, but sharing tastes in music, cake, and the evils of money seems reasonable.
Thanks for commenting, and may you never experience a day of zero blog hits. It does nothing for the self-esteem, I assure you.
Carrie,
You are so right about being in tuned…
I’m obsessed when it comes to branding – it’s also not a surprise as it’s part of what I do for a living. When I first started blogging, and I was nominated for the Liebster awards and such, I changed the look and feel of the banners, so they would look like the rest of my blog. I’ll make sure to always write a comment the same way: an opening and a closing. I’ll always sign Le Clown. If someone refers to me as “clown”, I’ll make a smart ass comment to correct him. Branding will make your blog unique, it will give it its voice – that and great content, of course. I’d like to add to Nathan Bransford’s quote: One key factor to a successful social media strategy is to not continuously talk about yourself – unless you are Le Clown, but that’s his gimmick – and to go out of your way to talk about/with others. To create a dialogue with your readers. And that, Carrie, you do it marvelously well. Congrats on all of your blogging success.
Le Clown
Thank you, Le Clown. That’s lovely to hear. And I do believe I came across that Nathan Bransford quote…
You do indeed brand yourself well. In fact, I’d say very well. You allow readers to know your true identity but present yourself as another. That’s a tough thing to do, and to quote Le Clown himself: “you do it marvelously well.”…
Thanks for stopping by. I know you’ve been in comment overload today.
Carrie,
I should also re-read myself before pressing on “Post Comment”… Argh. Talk soon, friend.
Le Clown
No worries. I corrected your typos, so you won’t stress about it. But not your content.
Carrie,
Move to Montreal, please!! We would be best of friends… Next time I go to Cleveland to visit with stepmom-in-law, we have to grab a coffee.
Le Clown
Ha ha–remember, this is an introvert you’re talking to. Proceed cautiously.
Crubin,
“Proceed cautiously”. That made me laugh. Remember, this is Le Clown you are talking to.
Le Clown
Touché.
I gotta be me. Who knows what that is. I think in general, I’m special. Or maybe I’m especially general. Does that help? Branding sounds suffocating. I prefer to be like a writing puppy. I’d like to pee in all the rooms.
Ha ha! Now there’s a visual.
I’m not sure I want to pee in every room, just maybe the bathroom (medical thrillers) and the bedroom (thrillers). And those of us who enjoy your work know that you are indeed special.
I’m with GM on this one … there is something in the human soul that wants to stay outside a box – remain free to manoeuvre – go with the wind …
True. And who knows, maybe I will settle into a narrow niche someday, but at this point, I feel like too much of a newbie to do so. I’m probably a marketer’s worse nightmare.
Carrie, I think you lied….having zero, as in No Visitors…is not “fun”….your word, not mine. Having ONE visitor would be fun…at least you couldn’t cheat at playing Solitaire…unless, of course….you were both cheating. That would be “fun”, too.
What was the other question?
Ha ha! I meant “fun” as in…let’s see…humiliating, embarrassing, lonely, desolate, self-doubt-inducing, sad, miserable…
Thanks for the comment.
The best advice I have taken and given is to be true to yourself. My blog is named Inspiration Import which is the name of my own company through which I have independently published my books.
. I just prefer an all inclusive world. Lesley
I am currently ‘branding’ myself as the person I am not the person I want people to think I am as it can get really confusing!
Art is another avenue that I pursue and so I try to keep the balance between the two which pushes the concept of single branding to its limits.
The whole idea of starting a Blog to begin with came from articles saying I must Blog. The articles also say I must connect with like-minded, same genre authors and so on and so on. We have all read the same articles numerous times and there are many authors and artists that pigeon-hole themselves and likely do very well, but I am not one of them.
Today, I continue the branding process, but absolutely have to broaden my field of interest. How else can an artist/writer/musician/poet expand their horizon and gather inspiration?
So much for focusing only on selling and marketing my books…It is just not me! I am sticking to being true to myself and widening my circle with hopes that my formula pays me back and I truly believe it will even if it takes a lifetime
I’m so sorry, but I just saw your comment now. You went to my spam folder. Good thing I check that Viagra- and Cialis-loving place.
I checked out your website earlier when I saw you clicked the like button on my post. It seems more and more authors are independently publishing their books through their own company. My, how the publishing world has changed. Is wonderful to see. Thank you for sharing your insights on the subject of branding. I like your advice of being “true to yourself.” Seems simple, but carries much depth.
Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate it.
Askimet has be branded as a Spammer – not exactly what I had in mind but you know how rumours are 1
Well, that must be challenging to have to always be rescued from the spam pile.
Awesome post! I like generalist better, but really, we are specialists in being ourselves, which in itself is ‘branding’ when, as the author said, transparent and authentic.
Love the post! Your brand is YOU, which means AWESOME! 
Pink.
Thanks, Miss Pink. Although we might not know who exactly you are, you are very authentic in your posts, so I take your words as a nice compliment indeed.
Pink.
Wih 15 years of marketing experience, I know all too well the ups and downs of branding and I do agree it’s important for anyone trying to make a living off their talents to build a brand. But I also agree with you that not everyone wants to be stuck into a narrow niche. Yes, you can be very talented and make a lot of money at it, but what if you want to branch out? I think most authors stick to one genre because they have experience in it and are perfected it. It might be hard to do something else after that. I’m thinking of JK Rowling here… But look at Stephen King. He started in the horror genre but his talent allows him to write almost anything and be successful at it (e.g. The Green Mile). What I would find confusing is an author who keeps writing for different genres. I’d think they’re not sure what they’re good at and just experimenting. But two genres, maybe three? Why not? As long as you’re good at it, go for it!
I like the idea of sticking mostly to thrillers, but I don’t know that I want them all to be medical thrillers. That’s even more narrowly defined. But who knows? Maybe I will. I just feel it’s too early for me to know, so best to be a little more general.
Thanks for your insights. It’s good to hear from someone in the marketing game.
I think as long as you want to stick to thrillers, you’re fine. I just can’t imagine an author jumping from thrillers, to humor, to romance and be great at all three. As for branding, it’s always a good idea to do it yourself and do it early, so you can have the brand you want. Or else other people will start branding you and you may end up with something you’re not too crazy about, like “the potty talk blog” author. Not that anyone would do that to you!
Well, there is that risk, but I hope by including relevant topics like today’s post, that won’t happen.
And no, I do NOT see myself writing romance or fantasy, since I rarely read it. And I don’t want to write humor novels. I’ll save that for my blog. But a stab at mainstream fiction might be reasonable.
Carrie, I’ll read whatever you write. I’m sure any genre you pick will be more enjoyable and better written than 50 Shades!
Well, it will definitely have less sex.
I have “brand-envy.”
Oh, my. Will surgery help?
You can’t remove a “brand-envy” like a tattoo.
Ah, but have you tried bleach?
Ooh, that sounds painful. But I do like things clean, tidy, and fresh-smelling, so it’s all good…
TMI? More like “not enough “I” (I’ll work on my acronyms later), you can’t just throw in an intriguing corpse crime story like that out there and leave us all hanging…
Well, if you want to see what a body looks like after it’s been trapped inside a covered hot-tub (okay, not acid but still pretty gross), you can watch “Rizzoli and Isles.” But then you need to accept the fact that the chief medical examiner would show up at crime scenes in a slinky, low-cut, red dress, her long hair loose and flowing.
Hehehee sounds like a typical medical examiner to me, nothing out of the ordinary there!
Yup, and pool acid.
Oh, now that’s just nasty. Reminds me of a corpse I saw on a recent crime show. Sorry. TMI?…
When I first started my blog I had a few zero days it was humbling. Than I asked Navar to comment please, please… To get the ball rolling. I also had another blog it was about natural cleaning suplies the topic bored me so that I just walked away and never went back. I also went back to toxic cleaning stuff if it smells really bad it must be cleaning. I also think having the zero days helped me to have the courage when I have a new idea to venture forth and give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen nobody comes by I’ve already faced that fear. I’m glad your blog is humorous I enjoy reading your take on life.
Thanks, Starla. And I agree, a little experimentation can be good, but given I blog under my real name, I can’t go too far.
Good point keeps you in check! :+)
Good advice. As think as writiers we are often overwhelmed with all we have to do for marketing ourselves, branding being up there, way up there on the list. I like the simplicity of the approaches above as well as the honesty – just be yourself.
I agree. And I think a blog is one of the best ways to do it. Or maybe I’m just saying that because I don’t have the time or interest in Facebook, or Pinterest, or Tumblr or Linked In or…
This topic has been swirling around a lot lately. The need for a brand seems to be diminishing in favor of the need for a cause or a person to believe in. Apple grew its success on the personality of Steve Jobs. He WAS the brand. They also make a good product, so that is also necessary, but there are tons of products that are good that nobody knows about because they aren’t inspired with a reason to love them.
You raise a good point–if the product isn’t sound, no sense caring about the brand. I guess this whole post could be a moot point when my book comes out…
How weird! I just wrote about this on June 1 regarding branding and how important it is. Great minds, huh? Nice post, Carrie. Whether we like it or not, branding is something that writers must do.
I had to go back to your post to remind myself what it was, but as soon as I saw it, I remembered the “Jerk Alert.” Was very funny. There has been a fair amount circulating out there about branding lately, though I guess I was referring to it specifically as a writer. Ahh, what to do, what to do…
Thanks for stopping by.
I know….does your agent give you help with this? Or your publisher? I’m not familiar with any of that so just curious.
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I don’t have an agent. I signed with a small e-publisher (some print books as well). I suppose they’ll offer some guidance. When I hear back from them, that is.
I hope that is very soon, Carrie!
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Well, I think as far as branding goes, I only need to work on “knowable.” I’m already trustable and super-likable.
One of the fraternities at my school participated in branding. Those guys were hard core.
“I don’t want to be Carrie, the medical provider who writes”
Okay, then how about Carrie the lonely high school student with incredible powers who gets invited by the Greatest American Hero to go to prom only to end up with a messy dress and a hell of a story?
Yes, Promethean Times is known for its honesty and trustworthiness, especially when it comes to cultural references…
As for your idea of me being Carrie, the lonely high school student, I could work with that. I’ve always looked good in red, especially when it’s of the blood variety, though I prefer equine to porcine…
This is a topic I’ve been thinking about lately. I can’t really brand myself, although I think it’s important. All I’ve really accomplished in this department is declaring what I’m not. I’m not literary, serious, or even particularly noteworthy when you get right down to it. I’m just some chick who wants to use her laptop to brighten someone’s day and maybe make enough money at it to work from home with my kids in the future.
Maybe the branding is more important for the writer, his/herself. Once I accepted the above sentiments about myself and stopped trying to be something I’m not, I began having a heck of a lot more fun writing. I also wanted to do it more.
Thanks for writing about this so I could talk it out with myself right here in your comment section–I feel all…aired out…now:)
Oh, good. Like underwear, we need to be aired out from time to time…
But you are yourself on your blog, and it seems that’s the way to go about it. You have to enjoy it, otherwise what’s the point? And you’re a teacher, so you always have that angle to play up.
Good luck with your writing.
i am just me
Then it sounds like you have this branding thing down pat.
lol or just can’t be someone else
It’s something I think about a fair amount… but without a book coming out in September, I think you could say I have some time at my disposal. ; )
I think being authentic and true is your best defense. The brand has to grow from that. If people like to read you, being truthful, well, that’s the whole enchilada.
Agreed. And besides, if we’re not authentic and truthful, someone will always find out… (cue evil laugh)
One reason I love your blog is that you’re being yourself. A friend and I were just discussing this yesterday and I could not agree more with the post you shared. When I try to write for others and make it what I think it “should” be, I lose myself. The aim will always be honesty, transparency, and authenticity. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. I appreciate that. And I think you’re right, which is why people enjoy your blog so much. You don’t hold back (and if you do, then wow, you’re even more adventurous than I thought you were!), which makes it fun for the rest of us.
Aw thank you. I have held back a little when I didn’t want to get lectures haha….so far so good.
You’ve definitely found your niche and you’re damn good at it! I love reading your posts and have from the very first one – the humor is what draws me in and that may be because I’m such an intense person most of the time, needing that humor to lighten me up a bit. Whenever I am ‘funny’ it’s typically laced with extreme sarcasm. And can I just say how much I love Daniel Nest?
I’m not sure if I will ever grasp the ‘branding’ thing really – I can only blog and write what I enjoy and hopefully someone else will enjoy it, too.
Well, I think if you are writing what you enjoy and are being yourself, then you’re probably making your “brand.” Or at least, that’s what I take away from Nathan Bransford’s thoughts. You come off as very authentic, so I think you’ve nailed it perfectly.
And yes, Daniel Nest is great, isn’t he? Such a charming aspect to his wit.
Thanks for your kind words, Sheila. They mean a lot and encourage me to stay on the path I’m forging.
The whole “branding” conversation makes me shudder. I own a computer training business, and I’ve spent years developing its branding, web presence, advertising, marketing, blah, blah, blah. Part of that process was writing a monthly tips newsletter. I did it for nearly four years, and it sucked a little bit of my soul out with every single word because it was *totally* “not me”.
As an author, my brand is my face, my name, and my smartass blog. The know/like/trust thing is critical, but most marketing consultants fail to communicate that in our hyper-digital age, our audience is longing for a personal connection.
They might be happy to know I’m an expert in cars/computers/firearms/whatever, but experts are a dime a dozen on the internet. Real human beings they can identify with are rare.
The moment my reader says, “Hey, you’re just like me” is the moment they become a fan. To me, that’s what author branding is all about. If somebody reads my blog and identifies with me, they might decide to read my books. That personal connection isn’t created through respect for credentials, it’s created through that indefinable spark of “You’re just like me… I like you”.
And the beauty of letting the “real” me out to play on my blog is that the people who like me will find me and stick with me. Lots of people might decide they *don’t* like me – that’s the nature of honesty – but that’s a good thing. If they don’t like the “me” they see on my blog, they probably won’t like my books, either. Hello, experts: I just “targeted my market” and “reached my niche”.
…Yikes, holy long comment, Batman. Sorry, I’ll get off my soapbox now.
Your comment was fabulous. You articulated perfectly everything I’m feeling. I wish I would have written it! In fact, you should take your comment and make a blog post out of it–there is a lot of useful info in there for others to learn from. Really spot on observations. Thanks for sharing them. I appreciate the time you took to give me such an honest response.
I never really thought about this much. Maybe I should have. This is a good post, prompting thoughts of how do we want to present ourselves? I don’t think I’ve decided yet but I’m leaning towards “as myself”. Is anyone going to be interested then?
I’ve thought a lot about how I should be presenting myself. I started out very proper, and as I mentioned, no one came. Then I started being myself, and low and behold, people came. I was still myself on my “proper” blog, but only a part of myself. Now I’m all of myself. Must be a lesson in there somewhere if you can sort through all of those “myself”s.
Thanks for stopping by, Lynn.
I think you have hit the nail squarely. I have a brand, it hurt a great deal (ouch). Then I decided I needed one on the other cheek as well (I am clearly a glutton). Reality then reared its ugly and somewhat large head and said do what you want, write what you want, be yourself and if nobody comes that is okay also.
So I did and I do. Now my brands are just me. They fit better, hurt less (sometimes) and make more sense to me.
That’s good to hear. To me, it seems easier to become more focused in a brand later on if one chooses, but it’s more difficult to go from focused to general once your niche has been labeled. Much like it’s always easier to go from part-time work to full-time work than vice versa.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Always appreciated.
I’ll take Nathan Bransford’s definition. Not sure I’d call that branding, though. More like being genuine.
On the internet, a creator has the opportunity to be so much more than just a name on a cover. They have the chance to give substance to their name by backing it with a real person, not just a vague idol with a pen somewhere behind a desk. Not that there’s necessarily anything wrong with the vague idol with a pen somewhere behind a desk. But the internet is all about connection, and people connect best to people.
At one point advertising and promotion – of which branding is a large part –may have been about fooling the customer long enough to get their wallet open, but on the internet that doesn’t really work so well. We need more. We need to connect, we need to connect with someone genuine, and we give our support accordingly.
Branding is a great thing when it means “doing your own thing and finding people who appreciate that.”
Well put, and I agree with you. That connection is what ultimately counts.
I debated long and hard whether to use a pseudonym, but I opted for my real name for two reasons: One, I thought it would be hard enough for people to find my book–why make it harder? And two, it seemed less genuine, although, if one still blogs as themselves, even with a pen name, it can be genuine.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Interesting issue. My common denominator, “brand” if you will, is observational humor, and like you, I’m not comfortable pigeon-holing myself. That said, the more I write, the more I see themes surfacing. I suppose we are forever evolving!
I agree. And who knows, I may never produce another book (oh, I hope that’s not the case!) or I may produce seven more medical thrillers. But since I’m still a fledgling, I’d like to keep my options open.
Thanks for dropping by.
I like the idea of being a generalist, but I think my day job is becoming part of my branding. That’s probably not a bad thing in my case since my two WIPs both feature archaeologists.
And given that both have series potential, I’ll be writing about those characters for the foreseeable future.
That being said, like you I rather be known as JM McDowell, the author—not JM McDowell the archaeologist who writes.
It will be interesting to see how we’re perceived once the books are out there. WHEN we gather an audience, their views will probably have a major influence on how our “brands” are perceived and develop.
Hey, I had all of 21 views on Monday. I hope I’m not the only one who’s summer views/comments/likes are decreasing!
Summer numbers are down, for sure. But luckily, no more zeros.
I understand the need to present my healthcare background as a means of carrying more credibility with my book, and I don’t have a problem with that. In fact, my credentials will be in my author bio. But since you are in the same boat, it appears you know what I mean when I say I want to be recognized as a writer first, a health professional second. And although I see myself staying in the thriller genre, or some variant thereof, I just don’t know if I want it to always be medical. Maybe, I will. But one never knows.
Thanks, JM. As always, I appreciate your insights.
Hey, be careful! Zero site visits is a way of life for me! Still, the echoes are fascinating, I admit. Can I suggest some us are born to branding, some of us achieve branding, some have branding thrust upon us? Whatever JKR does now, she will always be Harry’s creator, just as Barry is remembered for Peter, Milne for Pooh, and so on.
I don’t know why we’re all so averse to branding, because it’s surely the way to make money: nearly all the wealthy authors I can think of are one-genre ponies who only stray from the paddock once in a while for self-indulgence sake – and it doesn’t matter if they do, because their bids for freedom go completely unnoticed.
That’s a very good point–the brand often is thrust upon a writer. And I suppose I’d be okay with that as long as people viewed me as a writer–genre-specific or not–and not just a healthcare professional who thinks she can write…
Thanks for the insights. To me, people’s comments and thoughts are the best part of blogging.
My brand is me. I did write a couple of copycat posts ( my head is bowed in shame)
on my old blog -which did not follow me to the new blog. It did not make me happy and the writing suffered….so, being yourself is the way to go!
Keep on doin’ what your doin’-it’s working.
That’s good to hear. If you don’t feel authentic in your writing, I think it will be reflected to the readers.
Thanks for the comment and thanks for the tweets.
I’m not sure if I have a brand or not. The Gemini thing could potentially count as one, but I write about such random stuff I think the content obliterates anything I try to do as a pseudo- twin. Regardless of whether or not you have a brand, you have a book, that’s going to be published. That trumps everything. =)
Hmmm, although I don’t it was your intention, whenever I think of you, I think of candy shivs. Sorry to have branded you as such, but it stuck in my mind the minute I read it. Perhaps you could write stories about psychopathic stabbers?
Thanks for coming by, Stacie. I see you’ve got a new post up. I look forward to reading it. It’s been awhile.
All I have to say is….FIRST! Sorry, too much Internet. But I can only wholeheartedly agree with the “generalist” approach and also the “humour” thing. The reason writing humour (for me) is so rewarding is:
1) I crack myself up (yeah I’m easily amused), and I like laughing.
2) It’s such an awesome feeling to know that I could make someone else laugh/smile.
3) I can’t handle serious topics because I have deep personal issues and chronic depression
4) I may have exaggerated a bit in 3)
5) This is no longer a list, even though it’s being marked as such
Anyways, I’ll be happy if you stick to your “general humourist” approach, I’m enjoying it a lot!
Thanks! I enjoyed your list, especially since you do crack us all up. And if you’re having “deep personal issues,” it’s probably because of those dolls. I heard they’re making a cross-continental trek to your door…
As for being the first commenter–way to go! It’s good to be first at something, isn’t it? Well, unless it’s being the first to get eaten by a bear…
Well, if the video of you getting eaten by a bear gets millions of views on Youtube, would you still be averse to it?
Now if you’ll excuse me…I have to go doll-proof my house…
I hear it’s good to sprinkle demon-resistant herbs outside your doorstep…