I recently inherited a few jazz CDs from my father-in-law’s collection. As I prepared to listen to them, I noticed they all had one thing in common – branding.
Each CD included an insert referring to a documentary series by Ken Burns. I haven’t seen the documentary, but I’m familiar with Burns. I chose the particular CDs because each contained recordings of jazz greats, such as Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald.
These CDs were a sure hit for my father-in-law, who was a:
- Documentary fan.
- Ken Burns fan.
- Classic jazz fan.
- PBS fan.
- Kansas City native.
What about You and Your Branding?
First, your fans love books. Reading or listening to books is how they spend a good portion of their leisure time.
Second, Ken Burns has a well-earned reputation for excellence. Take this instance. Recorded music from the early part of the 1900s may not offer the best sound quality. Buying music you’re excited about only to hear hisses and cracks can be deflating. I can attest that the recordings on the CDs I now own are of superior quality. To bring this factor into focus for you, always strive to deliver your best book every time so your growing audience will never be disappointed. So while no author begins with a stellar reputation built over many years, a first-time author can start out strong and keep the quality eminent.
Third, your fans may be voracious readers of the type of book you write.
Fourth, your fans may be plugged into your publisher’s marketing efforts. Many publishers stay in front of readers by showcasing their releases, so they’ll learn about your book first.
Fifth, some serendipity may be involved in your readers’ choice of your book. For instance, you may not know that some of your readers chose your book because of its setting, topics in the storyline, or other factors that reflect individual tastes. There is nothing you can control about serendipity. Just write your best book and enjoy the fans!
As a fan of the Sirius radio station Watercolors, I will now offer a contemporary jazz playlist to play as you write. You’re welcome.
First, it’s super easy to support our brother in Christ, Patrick Bradley. His smooth tunes will keep your fingers moving on the keyboard!
Other excellent tracks from great artists. Some of these include vocals!
From Blake Aaron, a professor at Cal Baptist University: Fall For You
Karrin Allyson: Life Is A Groove (Jordu) (Album Version)
Incognito: Lost Until I Want To Be Found
Lindsey Webster: By My Side
Philippe Saisse: The Girl With Botticelli Eyes
Which artists did I miss?
Chuck Mangione’s Feels So Good surely deserves a place!
And belated congratulations on your selection as Agent Of The Year.
***
Branding’s nothing that I sought,
it just walked through the door,
and sometimes I really ought
to appreciate it more,
but often I feel pigeonholed,
a hostage to the poems I write,
even though I have been told
that my words often take flight
to come nest in a reader’s heart
and warm a lasting smile.
So it’s my job to play my part,
and take it as worthwhile
and the sonnets thus prevail
over my cherished Amish zombie tale.
Perfect analogy. I can’t please everyone with the kinds of stories I write. But I can strive for excellence in every piece of work that bears my name.
Excellent article (as always!), Tamela – – thank you.
And thank you for offering the playlist – – I’m eager to listen to these. 🙂