Ever wondered what Carrie Bradshaw would say if she swapped her New York Star column for indie publishing? I like to think she’d sit at her laptop, cocktail in hand, and tell you to own your author journey with the same confidence she brought to the book world when she published Sex and the City.
Whether you’re typing away on your next masterpiece or figuring out how to hit the bestseller list, branding is one of your secret weapons. So, let’s take a walk down the indie publishing runway (Carrie-style) and get your author brand in the spotlight where it belongs.
1. Find Your Voice… And Let It Be Heard
In the world of indie publishing, your voice is everything. It’s your character, your story, your statement. Carrie knew her voice: witty, insightful, and unapologetically her. As an indie author, you need to embrace the same boldness, but here’s the secret sauce: it’s not just about finding your voice. It’s about discovering your RE-MARKABILITY™. What makes you unforgettable, unmissable, and undeniably you? That’s the voice that will set you apart from the crowd.
Example: Think of Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. Gilbert’s voice is introspective, conversational, and deeply personal. Her ability to connect with readers by sharing her own vulnerabilities and insights sets her apart. Whether she’s writing memoirs, self-help, or fiction, her authentic and relatable voice resonates with audiences around the world.
Actionable Tip: Craft a brand statement that speaks to your unique value and what sets you apart in a crowded market. Think of it like your “Big” (see what I did there?) idea – something that resonates through everything you do, from your book covers to your social media presence. Own it, live it, and make sure it feels authentically you.
The French call it je ne sais quoi. I call it RE-MARKABILITY™. If you’re unsure where to start, here’s a resource that might help: the RE-MARKABILITY BLUEPRINT™ over at Thinkosophy™. It’s a helpful guide to figuring out your personal brand and uncovering what makes you truly unique.
2. Relationships Matter… But Not Just in the Pages
Carrie was all about relationships. Whether it was friendships, love interests, or work connections, she knew how to cultivate them. As an indie author, your relationships with readers, bloggers, and other writers are just as critical. Think about it. Without a strong support network, even the best stories can get lost in the shuffle.
Example: Take John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars. He cultivated a loyal reader base through personal connections on YouTube, Twitter, and his podcast. By building a strong, engaged community, he created a fanbase that supported every book launch.
Actionable Tip: Don’t be afraid to engage. Building a mailing list is a great way to stay connected with your readers, host Q&A sessions on social media, and participate in bookish events, virtual or in person. Real connections build loyalty, and loyal readers are your best marketing tool. These are the people who will shout about your book from the rooftops when it’s time for launch.
3. Stay in Your Lane (Or Don’t) … Know Your Niche, But Be Open to Experimentation
Carrie wasn’t afraid to step out of her comfort zone. Remember her adventure into writing for Vogue? As an indie author, you need to know your niche, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment. Sometimes the best stories happen when you go off-script.
Maybe your heart lies in cozy mysteries, but don’t be afraid to dabble in psychological thrillers or even romantic comedies. Experimentation can breathe new life into your writing.
Example: Margaret Atwood is known for her speculative fiction, but she has experimented across genres from historical fiction to poetry. Her ability to evolve keeps her writing fresh while staying true to her core themes of dystopia and feminism.
Actionable Tip: Identify your core audience and craft your brand around their needs. You don’t want to cater to everyone. That’s like trying to please every editor in Manhattan. But if you’ve got a clear target, you’re golden.
If you’re the DIY type, this DIY author guide can help you figure out how to nail your brand without breaking the bank. But if you’re thinking, “I don’t have time for this,” or branding is not your forte, then head over to Re-Tool where you can get professional help crafting your author brand. They’ll do the heavy lifting while you focus on writing that next bestseller.
4. Your Cover is Your First Impression… Make It Count
Carrie knew the power of a great first impression (and a killer outfit). Your book cover is no different. You might have the next great American novel, but if your cover doesn’t grab attention, readers might scroll right past it. And let’s be honest, nobody wants their book to be the literary equivalent of a wallflower at a cocktail party. Bottom line, most people are visual learners, and they’ll choose their next good read sometimes by the cover alone, so give them something captivating.
Example: Think of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. The cover, designed by Keith Hayes, features a striking image of the famous painting central to the story, partially torn to suggest intrigue and hidden layers.
The minimalist, textured design draws readers in with its understated elegance and mystery, while also reflecting the novel’s themes of art, beauty, and tragedy. It’s a perfect example of how a book cover can hint at the depth within and create an emotional pull for potential readers.
Actionable Tip: Invest in a professional designer who understands your genre and your brand. It’s like outfitting your book for its red-carpet debut. The cover needs to scream “pick me up” while staying true to your brand’s essence. If you’re not into DIY or lack the design skills, let Re-Tool design your cover for you. Think of it as giving your book the Manolo Blahnik treatment—polished, stylish, and unforgettable.
Need inspiration? Check out 99designs or Reedsy’s marketplace for some incredible cover design talent.
5. Deadlines are Sexy (Said No One Ever) … But Necessary
Carrie thrived on deadlines (even if she did love cutting it close). As an indie author, your deadlines are everything. Without them, that manuscript might just sit in your drafts, and “someday” won’t turn into today. Deadlines push you to focus, stay on track, and bring that book across the finish line.
Example: Author Amanda Hocking, who became famous in the indie publishing world, credits her success to sticking to strict self-imposed deadlines. Without them, her rapid publishing schedule and career might not have taken off the way it did.
Actionable Tip: Set realistic deadlines for every phase of your writing and publishing process, from drafting to editing to marketing. Use tools like Scrivener to manage your writing and Trello to create a roadmap for your entire process.
Be as detailed as you can; think of it like your very own project runway, but for books. And once you set those deadlines, treat them like they’re non-negotiable. You wouldn’t stand up Mr. Big, would you?
6. Every Post, Tweet, or Blog is a Chance to Tell Your Story
Carrie’s column wasn’t just words on a page. It was her life, her story, her brand. As an indie author, every piece of content you put out into the world is a piece of your story. Social media, blog posts, newsletters – they’re all opportunities to engage and connect. It’s like writing a mini story that keeps your readers hooked, even when they aren’t turning the pages of your book.
Example: Think of Colleen Hoover, who uses social media to share personal stories, engage with readers, and create a community around her books. Her authenticity and storytelling extend beyond her novels, which keeps fans invested in her journey.
Actionable Tip: Don’t just promote your books. Share your journey, your struggles, and your wins. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds an audience. People want to connect with you as much as they do your books. Just like Carrie let us peek into her life, give your readers a glimpse into yours. Write from the heart, be real, and keep them coming back for more.
7. The Long Game… Building a Legacy, Not Just a Book
Carrie’s journey wasn’t just about landing one great column. It was about building a lasting voice. As an indie author, you want more than just a single book launch. You want a career, a legacy. Think about what you want your readers to say about you five, ten years from now. It’s not just about the book you’re publishing today. It’s about the story of you as an author.
Example: Stephen King is the ultimate example of longevity in branding. Known as the “King of Horror,” his brand has spanned decades, evolving as his career progressed, but always staying true to his voice and unique genre.
Actionable Tip: Think beyond your current book. What does your brand look like five years from now? Ten? Plan for the long haul by diversifying your content, writing in different genres, or expanding into audiobooks, courses, or merchandise. If you need help expanding your brand, Re-Tool can help you map out your next steps and get you thinking bigger and bolder about your future as an author.
Final Thoughts: What Would Carrie Do?
If Carrie Bradshaw were navigating the indie publishing world, she’d tell you this: Find your voice, tell your story, and never stop evolving. Indie publishing isn’t easy, but with the right mindset, some strategic branding, and a little bit of flair, you can build something truly remarkable.
Remember, every writer’s journey is a little like a great romance. It’s full of ups and downs, but in the end, it’s all about the story you leave behind.
So, what’s yours going to be?
