Your Author Brand Is More Than a Logo: How to Build a Brand That Lasts
When most people think of “branding,” they think of logos, fonts, and color palettes. And while those are helpful tools in creating a consistent author presence, your true author brand goes much deeper than visuals.
Your brand is how readers perceive you. It’s the tone you write in, the topics you care about, the way you show up in your emails, and even the vibe your Instagram feed gives off. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few books under your belt, taking time to define your brand is one of the most strategic decisions you can make as an author.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to develop a brand that actually supports your writing career—and how to keep it simple when you’re just getting started.
Why Branding Matters for Authors
Whether you're publishing your first book or you're a seasoned writer working on your tenth release, a strong brand helps readers:
Recognize your work instantly
Understand what to expect from you
Form a connection that goes beyond your books
Think of it this way: a brand gives readers a reason to follow you between releases. It helps them get to know you, trust you, and remember your name—so that when your next book is ready, they’re already listening.
Start With Voice, Not Visuals
Before you ever open Canva or hire a designer, ask yourself:
What kind of emotional experience do I want readers to have when they interact with me or my books?
What values do I want to reflect?
What parts of my personality do I want to bring into my brand?
Your brand voice is how you communicate those answers. Maybe your tone is poetic and wise, or maybe it’s cozy and humorous. Maybe you’re that encouraging big-sister energy or that sharp, snarky, no-fluff guide.
This voice should show up everywhere—on your website, in your Instagram captions, in your email newsletters, and even in how you respond to DMs or reviews. The more consistent you are, the more trust you build.
Define Your Brand Pillars
Brand pillars are 2–4 core themes or topics you want to be known for. These are not just about your genre—they’re about what you care about, and what makes your perspective unique.
Examples of brand pillars might be:
Fantasy escapism, neurodivergent rep, and slow-living inspiration
Thrilling romance, healing journeys, and reader connection
Faith-driven storytelling, indie publishing wisdom, and southern charm
Pillars help you create content between book launches. They give you direction for what to post and how to serve your readers on a deeper level than “here’s my book cover again!”
Now Let’s Talk Visuals
Once your voice and pillars are in place, you can start building your visual identity. But don’t overthink it—this part should support your brand, not define it.
When you're starting out, keep it simple:
Choose 1–2 fonts you love and use them consistently.
Pick 3–5 brand colors that reflect your vibe and use them across social posts and graphics.
Design a basic logo (or even just a stylized name) using a free tool like Canva or hire someone for a simple one-off logo project.
You do not need a full branding suite to get started. What you need is consistency—something that helps readers recognize you quickly across platforms.
What About a Website?
Once your brand voice and visuals are defined, your website becomes an anchor for your online presence. It should clearly reflect your brand with consistent tone, color, and messaging.
Make sure your site includes:
A homepage that introduces your vibe
An about page that reflects your voice and story
A books page (even if you haven’t launched yet!)
A contact form or email list signup
Remember, your website doesn't have to be fancy. It just needs to feel like you and provide readers with a way to stay connected.
For Debut Authors: Start Small, Stay Consistent
If you’re launching your first book, your brand doesn’t need to be perfect. But you do want to have:
A clear voice
Defined pillars
A visual style that feels like you
These will help you plan content, write your newsletter, and start building a community before your book even releases. A strong brand gives you the confidence to show up—and the consistency to stand out.
Your author brand isn’t about being “polished”—it’s about being recognizable and real.
For Established Authors: Use Branding to Build Longevity
If you already have books out, branding helps you:
Connect with your audience in-between launches
Keep your marketing feeling fresh and aligned
Show up online without constantly reinventing the wheel
Branding isn’t just for the beginning. It’s for the in between, the next level, and the sustainable growth you want in your author career.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to rush into creating a full brand identity. But you do need to start thinking about how you show up. Because your brand isn’t just how things look—it’s how you make readers feel. And that connection is what builds a lasting, thriving author career.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!