The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think

Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast

Book Marketing Tips and Author Success Podcast
The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think
Jun 27, 2025 Season 5 Episode 26
Penny C. Sansevieri and Amy Cornell Author Marketing Experts

Ever felt like you're just shoving your book down people's throats? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation, Penny and Amy tackle the critical difference between book marketing and brand marketing—revealing why the latter might be your secret weapon for long-term author success.

Brand marketing creates the foundation upon which all your book promotions will stand. But here's the surprising insight: the best time to network is when you don't have anything to sell. This counterintuitive approach allows you to build authentic relationships, observe what resonates with potential readers, and establish connections with influencers before you need their support. As Penny notes, "If you're going to make mistakes, make them before the book is out."

For authors anxiously waiting months before publication, this episode offers a roadmap of productive activities and unique ideas! 

Whether you're preparing for your first launch or looking to revitalize your existing author platform, this episode transforms the overwhelming concept of marketing into an authentic, relationship-focused approach that feels less like selling and more like connecting. Ready to build your brand rather than just sell your book? Listen now, then share your biggest marketing challenge with us!

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Episode Artwork The Author's Identity Crisis: Why Brand Marketing Matters More Than You Think 25:37 Episode Artwork The Pay-to-Play Dilemma: Paying for book reviews & coverage 34:59 Episode Artwork Unlocking ChatGPT’s Creative Power for Authors 31:27 Episode Artwork What Most Authors Get Wrong About Debut Success 38:55 Episode Artwork Amazon's New Algorithm Changes: What Authors Need to Know 36:20 Episode Artwork The Power of Reddit: Reach Millions Through Ask Me Anything Events 34:26 Episode Artwork Creating Memorable Author Book Signing Events That Sell Books 51:22 Episode Artwork Too Good to Be True? The Bookstore Scam That's Breaking Hearts 23:00 Episode Artwork Dust It Off: The Author's Guide to Book Resurrection 38:08 Episode Artwork Building Your Author Brand for Media Recognition 44:26 Episode Artwork Book Bundling: How to Turn Your Backlist Into a Marketing Goldmine 34:17 Episode Artwork The Grey Box Syndrome: Why Authors Who Skip the Basics Get Ignored 38:54 Episode Artwork Naming Your Book: Avoiding Title Mistakes That Kill Sales 28:59 Episode Artwork Amazon News: How to Navigate Amazon's Inconsistent Ad Guidelines 9:23 Episode Artwork The Strategic Author's Guide to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited Program 26:15 Episode Artwork Starting Your Own Publishing Company: Myth vs. Reality 17:42 Episode Artwork Savvy Book Pricing Strategies That Sell 23:17 Episode Artwork Amazon News: Author Central Changes and Search Result Trends 17:44 Episode Artwork The Sneaky Ways Authors Sabotage Their Own Success 53:14 Episode Artwork Don't Give Up on Your Book: When to Push and How to Pivot 31:46 Episode Artwork Book Marketing Costs: Solid Investment or Waste of Money? 31:13 Episode Artwork How to Get Your Author Website to Rank on Google 38:56 Episode Artwork Why Your Book Isn’t Showing Up in Amazon Searches and How to Fix It 37:25 Episode Artwork How to Resurrect a Book That's Dead in the Water 31:04 Episode Artwork Cracking the Library Code: Get on Shelves and in Front of Readers 18:29