3 Reasons Why It's Important To Build An Author Image

In the new millennium, image is EVERYTHING! Public figures such as musicians and entertainers use their image/persona to set themselves apart from their competitors in order to sell more of their product or to gain more exposure for themselves. Who says authors are any different? The truth is, they are not. It's one of the best kept secret's in the industry, but building a reputable author image can be just thing you need  to set you aside from other authors and turn your books into  New York Times Best Sellers. 

Here's Why We've Found It's Important To Build Your Image:
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​YOU CAN CONTROL YOUR FANS PERCEPTION OF YOU
Were you a dork in high school? Perhaps your a very solitary person, but always secretly dreamed of being the social type? We're guessing that since your an author, you have developed an uncanny ability to create characters out of nowhere, however, we are betting that most of you have never considered taking the time to creating a alter ego/persona for yourself. The best part about building your image as a author is the ability to create a new you! 

​Beware that when you create a persona, you must be able to obtain and hold on to it. Now that you've published your work and announced who you are to your fans and the world, you are no different than P.Diddy or Beyoncé.  You might think we're crazy, but here's our reasoning: 

​Example:
What would you think about Beyoncé if all you heard on the radio was about all the Gucci and Prada she wears, but when you saw her in real life, she was wearing sweatpants? Don't lie. You'd judge her. (We're laughing with you, not at you because we would judge her, too). Don't think for one second that your fans won't judge you too. 

​Be mindful of how you look when you go to book events, post on social media and yes my friends, even when you run to the grocery store, because you are a author now and you never know who might recognize you for your work. Don't be that author taking selfies with fans holding your book with your hair in a messy bun in tubes socks and fuzzy house slippers! Ok? Just promise us that ! 
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YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF WHAT WORKS 
If your an independent author, the trail and error method is probably something that your extremely familiar with. Such methods come with a sharp learning curve, but if you pay close attention to how your fans react to your new persona  and measure your feedback you can really understand your audience and truly see what they like and dislike. Use the information that you gather to create a solid balance between your personal and business life that your fans will grow to love and respect.

​The Right Image Will Increase Book Sales

Authors have been creating their own persona's since the beginning of time. Not only does  creating a author persona  peak the interest of your readers/customers, but chances are, it might peak your book sales, too. Controversial authors capture their audiences in ways that force their readers to go pick up a book. Don't be afraid add a few more characteristics to your personality that weren't there before, or of becoming a totally different person entirely. 

Ending Note: We'd like to mention that we're not asking authors to cosplay or to focus on being someone else. We're simply saying that now that your in the public eyes, you should be conscious of who you are and how you come off to people.  Most authors don't have the luxury of a publicist or a team to consult with about what they post online, or how they carry themselves throughout life. So, these are simply small suggestions that the WV Team has gathered to encourage persona building. 

​Thanks For Reading! 

​HOW TO BUILD A SUCCESFUL AUTHOR IMAGE -Webinar Coming Soon!