In the world of publishing today, writing a book is only half the job done. The other half, which often feels even more daunting, is ensuring that your book finds its readers and leaves an impact. For first-time authors, especially those publishing through small presses or self-publishing, this reality can hit hard. Author branding is spreading awareness about the book and author so that readers can now about the book being launched. The good news, however, is that the foundation for a book’s success can—and should—be laid much before the release date. That foundation is author branding.
GET A FREE MARKETING GUIDE
Author branding is not just about creating a good-looking logo or choosing a stylish pen name. It’s the sum total of how you, as a writer and individual, are perceived by your readers, potential readers, and the literary world at large. It is the voice you create, the values you represent, the visuals you use, and most importantly, the emotional connection you build with your audience. And just like readers can spot a compelling story from the first page, they can also sense an authentic, well-formed brand before they even hold your book in their hands.
Starting your branding journey before publishing gives you time to build trust and familiarity. When readers begin to recognize your name, engage with your content, and understand what you stand for, they are far more likely to invest in your book once it’s released. This pre-publication period is your chance to plant the seeds of curiosity, loyalty, and anticipation. And these seeds grow slowly—they require time, consistency, and clarity of purpose.
Start with Identity, Not Just Ideas
The first step in this journey is defining your identity as an author. Ask yourself: what kind of stories am I telling, and why? What themes keep recurring in my writing? Who do I imagine reading my book, and what do I want them to feel? These may seem like abstract questions, but their answers will shape your brand tone, your messaging, and even your social media presence. For example, if you are writing heartfelt contemporary fiction with themes of healing and resilience, your brand should evoke warmth, sincerity, and quiet strength—not sarcasm or shock-value marketing.
Also Read: Best Book Marketing Companies in India
Once you have a clear sense of your author personality, it’s time to claim your space—online and offline. Create a basic website or even a landing page that introduces you, gives a glimpse into your upcoming book, and invites people to connect. This doesn’t have to be elaborate; in fact, simplicity with authenticity often resonates better. At the same time, choose one or two social media platforms to start showing up consistently. Share snippets of your writing life, talk about your book’s journey, and engage in conversations with fellow writers and readers. You don’t need a polished product to begin; you need a presence that feels genuine.
Build Relationships Before You Build Hype
Another often-overlooked but incredibly powerful tool is email marketing. Even before your book is ready, you can begin building an email list of readers who are interested in your voice, your themes, or your writing journey. Offer them something simple but valuable—a sample chapter, a character sketch, or even a curated list of your favorite books in your genre. This way, you’re not just reaching out to people when you want them to buy something; you’re building a relationship. Email is personal, direct, and far more reliable than social media when it comes to long-term engagement.
Also Read: How to Publish a Book in India – A Complete Guide
Alongside this, participate in the literary community. Comment on other writers’ posts, attend virtual book launches, and engage in meaningful conversations. When you’re visible and supportive, people notice. They remember your name. And when your book is ready, they are more likely to support you in return. This community-based branding may seem slow, but it is far more sustainable than sporadic promotions. Think of it as planting a garden, not buying a bouquet.
Create Curiosity and Momentum
As your manuscript nears completion, begin creating small moments of engagement that hint at what’s coming. Share a meaningful quote from your book, create a mood board for your characters, or post about the challenges you’ve faced while writing. These personal touches give readers a window into your world. When people feel involved in your process, they also feel emotionally connected to your success. That emotional connection often translates into pre-orders, reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations when the book finally arrives.
Branding, especially for first-time authors, isn’t about big marketing budgets or slick campaigns. It’s about visibility, authenticity, and connection. By starting before your book is published, you give yourself time to grow into your brand, nurture your readers, and step into the literary world not as a stranger—but as a voice they’ve already been waiting to hear.
Self-publishing in India and traditional publishing are two main routes to getting a book into readers’ hands. With self-publishing, authors retain creative control and publish their work independently, often using platforms like Astitva Prakashan. This route allows for faster release and higher royalties, but the author is responsible for editing, design, and marketing. Traditional publishing involves submitting a manuscript to a publishing house or literary agent. If accepted, the publisher handles editing, design, distribution, and promotion, though the process can take longer and royalties are typically lower. Both paths have pros and cons, depending on an author’s goals and resources.
