Be an Authentic Author

Being an authentic author is about being true to who you are as a person, business person and sharing your message from the heart.

You want to be able to produce a product that represents you and your brand in the best light, having a great title, cover, content and design that will make people want to buy and read your book.

Firstly are you passionate about the topic, or you are simply writing because you have found a ‘gap’ in that market?

If you are a funny person feel free to write in a humorous way and share those types of stories and experiences.
If you are more serious then write your book in that style or tone- but don’t be BORING.

The same ‘style’ goes for your book cover. Does it  represent YOU and your business?

If your business and brand is busy and colourful then your book cover can have the same appearance.

On the other hand if your personal or business brand is very minimalistic and simple, then your book cover might best represent you, if designed with the same simplistic design style.

Your Authentic Book Cover

Think about your book cover as being the book’s FACE in terms of;

• The colours you choose and the emotions they will evoke- do you want them to feel happy, inspired or give the feeling of wealth and success?
• The imagery for the cover- is it a photo of you in your casual or professional wear- does it reflect the image you wish to portray?
• The font– is it modern and up to date, old fashioned or in the fonts of your logo or brand?
• Does the book title tone match your voice and the message you want to share?
• What about the subtitle, does it share the benefit to your reader and the reason why they should read your book?
• Are you positioned as the expert and authority in your field- does it represent you. An example maybe a fitness instructor as the author of the Ultimate fitness guide, and then wearing a black business suit on the front cover photo- this clearly wouldn’t be an authentic image.
• Are your testimonials from people within your genre or from someone totally out of left field that are not aligned with your passions and purpose?

The back cover copy needs to be in  your voice too- don’t write what you are not. If you are a quiet professional type person then having a LOUD back cover with over the top sales type copy will not be authentic to your voice. Does the back cover speak to your reader, meet them where they are and answer the burning questions or desires they have.

Attracting Your Authentic Audience

Your avatar (the person who will love and read your book) is more likely to be attracted to you if all the pieces fit together. This can only happen if you are being authentic to you, your message and our audience. You will have VERY happy and engaged readers who want to read more, and experience any other products and services you may have, if they connect with you, your story and give them the answers they are looking for.

This raises the point of your author platform also being a true representation of you. After all if your book is all about health and well-being, and your social media is all about you partying all night long… this is not congruent or authentic, and you are less likely to attract the best community that wants more of you, your products and services.

What messages are you giving out on;

• Your website- does your look and feel say casual, professional or fun?
• Your facebook page
• Instagram images
• Does your photograph on your website match that of your book- if not this can be confusing for people, especially for women who may have a completely different look.

Remember your avatar is often someone just like you. They read what you read and do what you do, hang out where you hang out.

Authentic Editors and Ghost-writers

The same message goes when choosing an editor or ghost-writer. You want your message and your words to be read in YOUR voice, not theirs.
A good ghost-writer and editor will honour the author’s voice, style and tone.

If you are using a ghost-writer do they have the same passions as you. If their main area of expertise is writing business and property  books, and you are writing a spiritual book full of meditation and mindfulness techniques, then is the person a right ‘fit’ for expressing your voice? Will they be passionate about the topic and putting the right ‘energy’ into your book?

Your book is an extension of you. It is a result of your knowledge and experiences. You are the only one who can be you- so your book should be as UNIQUE as you.
Share stories of adversity, non of us are perfect and we are who we are today as a result of the life we have had.
Often sharing what you have been through to be where you are now is the best way to connect with your readers.

That’s why becoming an author takes courage.

Be true to you, write from your heart,

 

 

 

Share your message. Make a Difference. Leave a Legacy

Fiona Jones

9 times Best-selling author of The Millionaire Books and co-founder of Author Express

www.AuthorExpress.com