Is it ever too early to worry about branding yourself as a writer or author? Elisabeth Carson-Williams, teacher turned young adult historical novelist, joins us to share her thoughts on when author branding should begin and what surprising benefits it has brought in her writing career.

Branding is for ALL Authors

Branding. That’s one of those trendy, millennial concepts, right? TikTok-ers and viral video moguls and influencers use this. I don’t need to brand. I’m a writer. Once I get an agent/publisher/book deal, someone will handle this for me. Wrong!

If you’re an author, you need branding.

At the 2019 Historical Novel Society Conference, my eyes were opened to the necessity of branding. I attended Karen Chase’s Masterclass, Brand the Author. Without an agent, book deal, or finished manuscript, I wasn’t sure I would ever use any of the information or resources she shared. It was way too early for me to start any branding, right? Again, wrong!

Who needs branding?

Creative types—writers—who are reliant on the general public for sales. Income.

How does it help sales?

Branding provides a way for readers to find you by making you identifiable.

  • Color schemes
  • Fonts
  • Messaging
  • Images

These elements, done consistently, allow readers to easily find you. Finding readers, whether early in your career or multi-published, is essential to sustaining a writing career and generating income.

Why should I brand?

Do you plan to sell your work to more than just family and friends? Harsh reality check: your creation is just a product, one product among thousands. Products need marketing. And you, dear author, are a business owner…so you do the marketing. Regardless of publishing path, YOU will have to figure out how best to reach readers to generate sales. That takes marketing. Branding is a powerful marketing tool.

But I’m an author…

Like the title of the Masterclass: Brand the Author, you will brand your author-self. To quote Karen, “…your livelihood is tied to the feeling you ignite in your reader.”

You may write in multiple genres. You may write in multiple mediums. But you remain the constant. By branding what makes you unique, your readers will follow that persona, your brand.  

When should I start the branding process?

It’s best started early—the earlier the better, so you can grow your following. You can grow a following once your novel is released, but it will be a stronger following if you grow it before. If you begin after your book is out, you’re already behind on establishing brand trust and those looking for you.

Who will be looking for me? I’m not published yet!

  • Future readers
  • Potential agents
  • Potential publishers

Branding allows you to present as an industry professional. You present as being serious about pursuing a long-term career, not a one-and-done writer. Remember, you are growing a following.

Unintended benefits of branding

Going through the process provided more benefits than I expected. Just a few of the benefits include:

  • Tangible goals for my writing career
  • Streamlined professional life
  • More control over my career

With a clear focus of where I want my career to go, I can easily assess what is working and what is not. Decisions are much easier to reach with a firm understanding of my brand.

I was reluctant, initially, to trust the branding process. Now, having been through it, I cannot imagine trying to launch a book and a brand simultaneously. Achieving the dream of being a writer requires perseverance and patience in growing a readership. Branding provides the roadmap.

Learn more about the fabulous Lis Carson-Williams and check out her smashing new brand (and her book-in-progress) on her website, ECarsonWilliams.com.

I thank Lis for her insights on the importance of author branding. She’s correct! It’s never too early to create a unique, authentic author brand that works for you and connects with your target readers. Authors need to be the boss of their own business, so I’ve created a do-it-yourself branding workbook that takes authors and writers through a step-by-step process of creating sustainable author branding strategies for themselves. It’s available to pre-order from now until May 15th. Learn more here.