Personal Branding for Authors

Selling your art can be challenging. Here is why Personal Branding for Authors is important.

Whether you are an author of fiction or non-fiction having images that reflect who you are and your author persona is important for building your online presence. Here are some ways to update your brand especially your imagery so readers can recognize you for the amazing writer you are.

Where do you need images

There are often multiple places where images are needed. Your website, social media accounts, and online seller platforms like Amazon. Don’t forget the book jacket. Using the same image, or similar images from the same photo shoot creates consistent brand recognition for your readers.

Your website should be the main place to send people because that is yours and you can control it. Other platforms and social media platforms have algorithms and may not be around forever. If you are building out a website here is a free guide for images you should have.

What influences imagery

There are a lot of things that can influence the images. Some things that have had a bigger influence in recent shoots for me are personality, genre, and writing style. The wardrobe, lighting patterns, and backgrounds used help tell the story of you as the author. A mystery author who writes from a personal experience and uses time-traveling crime-solving tropes will look a little different than a personal finance author who writes about saving money through tax strategies.

Know your brand and audience

Do you know who your readers are? Or at least know the target audience you are trying to reach. What are they drawn to? Do they like an “expert” who looks the part or something a little more casual and warm? How people describe you and your writing or services can be a good way to see what they actually yneed.

This can also be an opportunity to get some images of coauthors or even your family. The images below are of father and son who co-authored a book and wanted one together.

Personal Branding for Authors is just as important as any creative industry, especially with everyone using social media and web research before committing to purchases. Present a strong persona with images that fit your writing style, genre, and personality with a personal branding session