#PublishingReinvented 234 - Reputation: The R in Our New Era

Building Your Author Brand: Why Reputation Is a Key to Long-Term Success

An author’s reputation and brand are often as important as the words they write.

Readers don’t just buy books—they buy into authors. Indie authors are being told we need a series to make a return on investment. That means we need to build a brand.

But how?

Whether you’re an indie writer or a traditionally published author, establishing a strong, trustworthy brand will mean the difference between fleeting sales and a loyal readership. Here's why your reputation matters and how to craft a brand that resonates.

Why Reputation and Brand Matter So Much for Authors

1. Trust Is Currency in the Book Market
   Readers are inundated with choice, and trust is what sets one author apart from another. A reliable author brand signals to readers that they can expect a certain level of quality, tone, and experience with every book.

2. Loyalty Drives Sales and a Return on Investment
   When readers love an author’s brand, they return for future books and even recommend them to others. A loyal fan base can also mitigate the unpredictable nature of book sales, providing a steady income stream. Who can say no to that?

3. Reputation Extends Beyond the Page
   In the era of social media, your reputation isn’t just built by what’s in your books—it’s also shaped by how you interact with readers, how professional you appear, and how you handle criticism.

4. Branding Is a Promise to Your Readers
   Your brand conveys what readers can expect from your work—be it gripping thrillers, heartfelt romance, or mind-expanding fantasy. Delivering consistently on this promise builds credibility.

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Practical Strategies for Building and Protecting Your Brand

1. Define Your Author Persona

• Decide how you want to be perceived. Are you the whimsical storyteller? The edgy provocateur? The comforting voice? The canny reporter?

• Align your online presence, book covers, and marketing materials with this identity. Cohesion fosters recognition.

2. Be Professional and Reliable

• Respond to emails and inquiries promptly.

• Meet your deadlines and communicate transparently if issues arise.

• Keep your promises, whether it's delivering a sequel or hosting a book club Q&A.

3. Leverage Social Media Thoughtfully

• Focus on platforms where your target readers are most active. For instance, fantasy authors might thrive on Instagram, while romance authors could dominate TikTok (if it doesn’t disappear - watch this space.)

• Post consistently, mixing personal insights, professional updates, and engaging content. Authenticity builds trust. Who are you? Why are writing these books? Let followers know.

4. Engage With Readers Meaningfully

• A simple “thank you” to a fan’s comment or a thoughtful answer to a question can go a long way. Check comments on your posts every few days and reply when you can, but don’t feed trolls, ignore them.

• Run polls, ask for feedback, or share behind-the-scenes glimpses into your writing process to create a sense of connection.

5. Handle Criticism Gracefully

• Negative reviews and feedback are inevitable. The way you respond (or don’t) can significantly impact your reputation. Resist the urge to argue publicly; instead, focus on improving your craft.

• Acknowledge constructive criticism privately and grow from it. Can you learn anything from it?

6. Collaborate With Other Authors

• Partnering with authors in your genre can boost your credibility and reach. Joint giveaways or co-marketing efforts will introduce you to their audience and vice versa.

• Support your peers by sharing their work, endorsing books you genuinely enjoy, and fostering a sense of community.

7. Produce Consistently Excellent Work

• Your reputation hinges on the quality of your books. Ensure that each release builds upon the trust readers have placed in you.

• Invest in professional editing, cover design, and formatting to elevate your work.

8. Monitor and Shape Your Online Presence

• Google yourself regularly to ensure there are no surprises about what readers might find.

• Set up a professional author website that includes a blog, contact information, and links to your books. A polished website signals professionalism. Canva has great low cost site options these days.

9. Offer Value Beyond Books

• Write guest posts, teach workshops, or create free downloadable content like short stories or guides.

• Share your expertise or unique insights, positioning yourself as a thought leader in your niche.

10. Build a Newsletter (Substack anyone?)

• Newsletters provide direct access to your audience without relying on algorithms. Use them to share updates, exclusive content, and personal stories that deepen the connection with your readers.

• Make subscribing worthwhile by offering incentives such as free chapters, discounts, or exclusive previews.

• If you have a Substack put it in the comments below and some of us will follow you.

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The Long Game of Author Branding

Branding is a marathon, not a sprint. Your reputation will grow organically as you consistently deliver quality work, engage authentically with readers, and uphold professionalism in every aspect of your author journey. Mistakes may happen, but how you handle them often matters more than the misstep itself.

Your reputation and brand are the bridges between you and your readers. Build them thoughtfully, maintain them carefully, and watch as they pave the way to enduring success.

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MID JANUARY BONUS:

January Blues!

• Short cold days and post-holiday fatigue can dampen motivation. Combat this by staying active, walking breaks mid afternoon, eating well, and reading inspirational books.

• Remember: Writing doesn’t have to feel perfect—it just has to get done.

And stay tuned for lots more this January!

Next week we will break apart the impact of Alignment, being aligned with your genre, on an author’s success.

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