So you’re writing that novel you’ve always wanted to write and you’re thinking of sending out query letters and book proposals. Or maybe you’ve decided to go the self-publishing route and have your book on Amazon.

You get that nod from a publisher and that’s it, right? Or you stick your book on Amazon and buyers will automatically come, correct?

Wrong!

Publishers are looking for authors with a following. And even if you get published, you still have to market your book and your name! This is the little known secret that publishers don’t tell you!

And plus, just because you stick something up on Amazon doesn’t mean you will sell your books, or at least not at the rate you are hoping for!

So what is an author to do?

Build a brand!

And what is a brand? A brand is a graphical representation of your business or pen name that helps prospects (whether publishers or online customers) recognize who you are and what you do.

Brands build recognition. By consistently applying your brand to online and marketing methods, you will advertise your name as an author.

Make sure your brand is professional and of high quality. You want to stand out amongst the slush pile on acquisition editors’ desks or the pages and pages of similar books on Amazon. If your brand looks cheesy or like everyone else’s brand, you will not get noticed. And then you will not be advertising your name!

When you build your brand, make a plan to get it in front of your target market. If you plan on submitting manuscripts to publishers, have professional business cards and return address labels printed. Think of creative promotions that will make your name memorable to an editor. Make a plan on how many editors you will write per week and stick to it!

Whether you are looking for a traditional publisher or a self-publishing opportunity, develop a blog. Provide excellent content and draw your target market to you. Implement online strategies like article marketing, video marketing, or social media marketing to get your name in front of people on a consistent basis.

However you market yourself, make sure your brand is consistently applied across all mediums, both online and offline. Be professional in your approach to advertising your name and you will soar above the competition and reach your dream to be published and known!

And your author’s brand will sizzle!