I recently had a conversation with an author preparing to self-publish his book. As part of that conversation it came to light that he believed Halo was primarily a children’s book publisher.
It was an interesting conversation, one in which I was able to share with him the large number of other types of books that Halo publishes; poetry, business, religious, psychology, self-help, fiction and travel. Just to name a few. But it got me to thinking.
Do we allow ourselves to be incorrectly branded as a one trick pony?
A successful woman business coach for company leaders has a practice of taking her customers to lunch periodically just to check in. It is a way to keep her name in front of them, to help foster their relationship and also to make herself available for any future projects.
During one such lunch she met with a long time customer and president of a local business. He shared a recent frustration in which he’d hired a speech writer to help him with a keynote address and he’d ben unhappy with the results.
The woman was surprised and asked why he hadn’t called her to write the speech.
“I thought we had a good relationship. I am surprised that you didn’t call me.”
His answer was an eye opener for her.
“I didn’t know you wrote speeches.”
She had allowed herself to be pigeon-holed as a provider of one service rather than making sure she’d branded all of the services she offers.
She quickly set about rebranding herself and her company, starting with her current customers, to make sure they knew all of the services she offered.
“How much business have I missed out on because people made an assumption?”
The same is true for you as an author. I know that Halo has several authors that write in a variety of genres.
- Children’s and self help
- Fiction and poetry
- Business and children’s
- Travel and fiction
Think about well-known authors that cross the line:
Dave Barry a humorist known for his syndicated column and non-fiction humor books has also written adventure fiction and co-wrote a series of Peter Pan stories; Peter and the Starcatchers.
Stephen King is famous for the horror genre but he has also written one of the most widely respected non-fiction books on writing as well as young adult fantasy fiction.
Judy Blume has written successfully in three genres; adult fiction, young adult and children’s books.
Readers may come to us through one particular book we’ve written and it is up to us to make sure they are aware of other types of writing that we offer.
One of the best ways to do that is what I’m doing right now…blogging.
Never assume readers will take the time to learn about your other books. You have to take the initiative. You can write blog articles, LinkedIn articles and also make sure that your Amazon author’s page clearly outlines the different types of writing you offer.
For example I have written a non-fiction book for authors entitled Finding Your Voice but have also penned a series of children’s picture books with Milo Finds His Best Friend.
Bottom line: Make sure that readers and those that will recommend you and your books to others, have a clear understanding of the complete scope of books that you offer.