Branding When You Write in Multiple Genres
“How did you decide to write different genres? Everyone says to stick to one.”
I’ve been asked this question more than once. Each time it has surprised me. When I first decided to publish, I didn't know that the "experts" advised against writing in different genres. I just set out to write the books that were on my heart.
My response to that question usually isn't what the author wants. They're hoping for some profound, prolific guidance. So when I say, “I didn’t think about that, I just did it,” they’re often disappointed. But what these people are really asking is, “How do you market yourself when you write in different genres?” And the answer to that is: build your author brand, not your book brand.
Find Your Fonts
Finding the right typography that reflects you will also reflect your books. For example, if you’re a historical fiction author, you’re likely drawn to vintage styles, and therefore, a classic serif font would match you and your book. If you write thrillers, you’re likely more modern, and a sans serif font would match.
But what if you’re writing in both? That’s where the typography pack comes in. You can cohesively combine both.
Find Your Colors
You’ve likely seen videos of people getting a color analysis done to learn which color palette best matches their skin tone. Your author brand has a color palette, too. To use the previous examples, historical fiction often feels earthy, like browns and greens, while thrillers are darker and moodier, using colors like navy and silver.
Having a consistent color scheme will also help your cover designers know which styles you like and will lead to better covers for your books.
It’s Sustainable
If you choose to focus your branding based on your books, it’s constantly changing, especially when you’re writing in multiple genres. Switching between color palettes and font types is not only exhausting, it’s confusing for your readers. And it can lead to burnout. Focusing on building your author branding creates sustainability for you and trust for your readers. They’ll be able to look at a post and think, “Oh, that’s so-and-so,” leading them to engage more regularly because they’ll understand who’s posting.
Build Your Brand
But you may be asking, “How do I know where to start?” That’s a great question to be asking, and it’s one I’m ready to answer.
Coming October 1, the Solar Society (Substack paid subscribers) will have access to monthly workshops, a subscriber chat, and a discount on design services. October’s workshop is Typography: How to Choose Fonts to Build Your Brand. But if you don’t want to wait, digital courses are also coming to the website on October 1. These are self-paced and more detailed than the Substack workshops will be.
So what’s in it for you right now? Join the Solar Society before September 30, and lock in the founder price of $5 (half off!) But that’s not all. I’m giving away one branding audit to everyone who joins the Solar Society before October 1. Each month of membership is another entry into this giveaway.
Branding Audit - $75 Value
A 30-minute call (optional)
Identifying the first impression
Identifying three areas of improvement
Identifying three areas of long-term growth
☀️ Do you write in multiple genres? If so, what are they? Share it in the comments.
Hey there, fellow author! I’m Anna Barroso. I’m a Christian, wife, mother, homemaker, author, and Author Brand Consultant. I help Christian authors have the tools they need to create and maintain their unique branding and sustainable social media. Click here to view my work. To learn more about the stories I write, click here.
