Branding
A few weeks ago a friend of mine was creating a tagline for her style of writing. She brainstormed a few clue words, like endearing, charming, captivating, delightful, honest, sincere, sparkling, original…you get the idea. She settled on “Engaging stories. Enchanting characters. Endearing romance.“
I’ve heard of other authors branding themselves with tag lines like that, and after listening to a workshop CD talking about creating this buzz, this name for yourself. The presenter, who is a big publicist, said you should have three things, no more, that focus on the product that is you.
Here are some others I found:
Shirley Jump – “Romantic Comedies with Sweet Attitude”
Mia Zachary - “Sensual Romance with a Touch of Sass”
Karen Templeton – “Edgy…charming…fun…real”
Suzanne Brockmann – “New York Times Bestseller” (oops! But I want THAT one!)
Some don’t need a brand, like Catherine Mann, who writes military romantic suspense, or Lisa Gardner, another New York Times Bestseller who writes romantic suspense, or Carly Phillips, who writes light romance.
So the question is, do you need a brand? Do you have one?
I’ve been thinking about it since my friend was brainstorming hers. Since I write romantic adventure, and my strength is my heroes, I thought about something like, “Heart-pounding adventure, hot blooded romance.” Or something.
What do you think?
Here’s the article by the woman who gave the talk in Reno:
Auhor Branding
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7 comments:
I was thinking about branding not to long ago. But I was thinking more about it in relation to voice and style. Is it better to have a unique voice and style that crossing over different genres or to brand yourself?
I think this is a good idea, but it's got to be something that stands out, I think. So many of the brand taglines that have been created by romance writers kind of run together in my mind. They're not distinctive enough.
BTW, I went to Theresa's workshop in Reno and really enjoyed it. I'm fascinated by the business side of writing.
I've been thinking about branding too, and I actually came up with what I think is a sassy way to brand at least for me. Now, I just need to create it somehow on my website that I"m working on.
I don't have a brand at present, but it's something to think about.
BTW I love the one you came up with for yourself! You should definitely keep that one.
I definitely think shorter and to the point is better! For Raine we came up with Seduction and Suspense for me it's Sultry Southern Fiction.
What might happen to that when I sell to NY I have no clue (I'm being possitive here LOL) but Im thinking more and more of sticking with the Southern angle which I enjoy anyway =)
Interesting stuff, Mary! Thanks for posting it!
Tess, I guess it depends on what you want. I know Trish is another who writes across genres, and ultimately, it's the voice that will keep readers coming back. I think branding, in this context, anyway, is to help readers find you.
Elizabeth, can't wait to see your sassy brand!
Thanks, Bonnie and Esri!
Cece, I like the southern angle - would definitely get me to buy!
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