I’ve read a lot recently about author branding, and it has me thinking–and sweating. Murderous Relations has done well for me, selling a little under $700 worth since I put a price tag on the ebook in December. I understand that my take from the book could be considered insignificant by many. But it represents rather a lot to me.
But as so often happens in life, success brings with it dilemmas. My question becomes how do I match the success of my first book with my next book? From my limited knowledge of branding I understand that the second book must replicate to some extent the style and tone of the first novel. Plus, I would like in some way to signal a tie-in between the two books for the reader at the outset. To that extent I’m thinking about the second book’s cover and more specifically its title.
As readers of this blog know, my envisioned title for my second book was Murder at Troublesome Creek.Now I’m considering using Murderous Intent. I’m writing stand alone books. I can’t list the new book as the second in a series. So I thought perhaps the repetition of the word murderous in both titles along with the use of my author name might trigger a tie-in between the two books in the reader’s mind. But I don’t know. I’m charting a new course here.
So how do you handle branding in your books?
texaswier
April 3, 2012 at 1:00 am
I suggest just writing your books the way you want to and let the readers sort it all out. And they will. If they like you, they’ll recommend you to their friends, and if they don’t, well, they won’t bother reading more. As far as brands, the only brand you should concern yourself with is “am I the best writer I can be?”
Volume, monitored by content. Just keep plugging. They’ll find your books. Your name is your brand.
Anna Drake
April 3, 2012 at 7:04 am
Thanks for the good advice. The good news is I am plugging. For the first time in a long time, I’m able to settle at the keyboard and get some writing out. Yes! And I do like the title Murder at Troublesome Creek better than Murderous Intent. Yee Haw! Best wishes and thank you for stopping by.
texaswier
April 3, 2012 at 8:33 pm
I must admit, I like the title as well.
Best,
George
Anna Drake
April 4, 2012 at 6:04 am
Thank you, George. Good to see you again.
Peggy Strack
April 22, 2012 at 6:18 am
I agree with George. Sometimes we get so caught up in branding/marketing of our books, we forget to write from the heart–then much is lost. I know when I read a book by an author and like it, I will buy the second regardless of its connection to the first.
Anna Drake
April 23, 2012 at 8:41 am
Yes, you are correct. Writing from the heart is so important. Now, if I could just write from my heart and keep the brand life would be good. Still, all things considered, the heart must win out.
Thanks for visiting and thanks for responding.
Arlee Bird
April 26, 2012 at 12:52 pm
I agree that your name is your brand and that’s where the focus should be. Get yourself out there and known so your audience will be interested in you and not just specific products.
Good job for at least doing something to get started.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Anna Drake
April 27, 2012 at 7:05 am
Thank you for your good advice, Lee. Getting out there can a challenge, but you are correct about the emphasis needing to be on my name. You’ve handed me an interesting challenge. Thanks again.