Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Building your Author Brand


Recently I gave a presentation 'Building your Author Brand' to the Prana Writers group on the Gold Coast. The Prana Writers came together as a group three years ago when we were all successful applicants for a Gold Coast City Council initiative called 'Write That Book'. Under the mentorship of international award winning author, Louise Cusack, the members of our group spent one year completing a novel and the following year editing it. The second year was possible through a Regional Arts Development Fund grant.


This year we have continued to work together towards achieving our goals. At our last meeting I wished to share with the group the experience and knowledge gained from the publication, marketing and promotion of my first book, Pond Magic.

‘Author branding’ is a term I first heard a couple of years ago at a writers’ conference. The concept made complete sense to me; the author is the brand. And while many writers may find self-promotion daunting, I took it on with gusto.
 
But just what is a brand and how do you create an author brand? Someone once told me it is:


‘a promise, an experience and a memory.’
  

Recently a writing friend complimented me on my website. As I encouraged him to create his own, he said: “Oh no, I don’t have a product.” The truth is you don’t need a product (or a published book) to promote your author brand. In fact the earlier you start the better. As a writer you are already producing ideas readers may find interesting. You are self-employed – a one man band. And, unless this is a hobby for you, you should begin to look upon your writing as a business and yourself as a professional. Once you do, walking into a pitch session with a potential publisher or agent will be so much less intimidating.


So just how would I describe my author brand?

Fun, creative, flamboyant, international

and above all…

professional.


Now, think of five words to describe yours…

I am available for Author Talks and Creative Writing workshops for adults and children.

4 comments:

Karen said...

Congrats Angela,
Fabulous concept for a pro-active writers workshop. I'll message you ideas on where and how you could present this workshop. Good luck :))

DimbutNice said...

Hi Angela, Found this insightful and motivational. Encountered you at a few functions in the last 18 months but never managed to say hi. So Hi! Your lovely sites warm me up on these chilly GC autumn mornings almost as well as a mug of Elma Chay (apple tea). Thanks.Look forward to more encounters.

Angela Sunde. said...

Hi Dimity,
Thanks for stopping by - the weather has been very cool, hasn't it? I'll have to try a cup of that tea. I popped over to check your blog and fed the goldfish while I was there. I adored the way they followed me around - so cute.We certainly must catch up and meet properly at the next event. I look forward to it.

DimbutNice said...

Dear Angela, The goldfish really appreciate all the attention as do I. Just wish someone would feed me some days. Will keep an eye out for you and hopefully make it to the CYA conference again this year too.

 
BLOGGER TEMPLATE BY DESIGNER BLOGS