I Asked So You Didn’t Have To
Experts’ Opinions on The Pertinence of Branding and How to Succeed
For today’s writers, publishing a book can’t be considered the end of the journey - it’s just the beginning of a much larger one. An author’s brand lives beyond the words written inside; it's important to weave a thread between writer and reader that can grow into trust, loyalty, and a lasting connection that keeps them coming back and recommending you. Marketing in the literary world has shifted from traditional promotions to forming social and professional connections. You almost have to be an influencer nowadays, promoting your work, creating content surrounding it, and honing in on a fan base. When searching for a traditional publisher who would take care of it all for you, now you need to show them the potential and why you stand out.
To see how branding rewrites the author’s role, I asked several professionals to share their perspectives on what it means to build a literary identity.
Here’s What They Said
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Here’s What They Said 〰️
“A writer needs to remember to stay true to their artistic direction and advocate for themselves when seeking publishing. Be wary with giving too much power to marketing and promotional departments because it is important to work together to be represented in a way that makes sense to you.”
Pictured: Richard Blanco, Presidential Inaugural Poet and Professor at Florida International University
“For present-day authors, writing the book is only one step in the process. Perhaps a more foundational one is developing an author platform, meaning a way to reach individuals who may be interested in buying the book. This could entail developing a website, a social media presence on one or more platforms, an email list, or some combination of the above. Before and after publication, authors then use their platforms to generate interest in their offerings — which may include other products and services besides the book — and hopefully induce some people to make purchases.”
Pictured: Linnéa Chapman, Professor at Florida International University
“In the age of media, the marketing space is oversaturated with companies pulling for the consumer’s attention in a tug of war. You’re not only competing with others in your industry, but with all products available since consumers have a limited disposable income. I need to know why I should buy your book over a cup of coffee from Starbucks, and the odds that I’ll stumble upon your work without a marketing/brand strategy are slim. The written word is fading as the preferred format to consume media, so it’s important now more than ever to encapsulate what your work represents in an easily digestible spectacle of your work through marketing and branding to draw your target market in.”
Pictured: Miranda Gates, Marketing Project Manager
“Branding for authors and writers goes beyond the page. It’s a way to build meaningful connections with readers that establish loyalty and trust. The key focus of marketing should be strengthening that connection with your audience.”
Pictured: Alexa Acosta, Marketing Specialist
“The question that publishers should be asking themselves is not, should I advertise my book, but rather HOW, do I advertise my book. Getting brand awareness is the first step of the marketing funnel and consumer journey that leads to continued growth.”
Pictured: Ivan Perez, I Heart Media Sales Specialist
Taken together, my experts’ perspectives can help you create an outline on what to focus on when it comes to thriving as a writer in today’s literary spaces. Overall, they remind writers and publishers to understand their identity, create a community, and take action.
The renowned Richard Blanco brings a note of caution, urging authors not to lose their artistic voice in the bustling noise of promotional campaigns, and he insists on advocating for yourself. While educator Linnéa Chapman calls writers to build a platform that will become what will be known as the author’s first impression and project manager Miranda Gates delivers a wake-up call to writers, reminding them how easily a book can vanish in the whirlwind of modern media without a strategy to stand out. Ivan Perez adds another perspective to the mix, stressing that the real question for publishers is not whether to advertise, but how to do so effectively. Finally, specialist Alexa Acosta highlights the heart of branding - connection - reminding us that readers crave more than just stories; they crave bonds.
For writers and publishers alike, the message is clear: branding is not an accessory to the craft, it is an essential part of the story. It transforms the pieces you write into experiences outside the pages and turns your readers into communities. Nobody wants to be DNFed for not connecting to the right people.
A thoughtfully formulated brand doesn’t just sell a story, it keeps the conversation alive long after the epilogue. To succeed, authors must blend artistry with strategy, funneling their creativity into social platforms and smart practices that let their work reverberate. Branding, then, is the bridge between the art and your audience, turning words into worlds that your readers and the communities you tend to will want to return to again and again.
