Volume 12 | subscribers | 1 different countries | 22 June 2009 Contents Part 1 - Welcome! Dear %$firstname$%, I have just returned from a few days away in East Devon and Dorset. It was the perfect opportunity to recharge my batteries walking through fields and along windswept coastal paths and having cream teas (a requirement in this part of the country!). Whilst there I visited the delightful garden of Bramble Hayes with its swing seats, all made by owner Martin Young. He produces highly individual designs and uses local timber from regenerated forests. Do check them out at his aptly-named website ‘sitting spiritually’! My mother and I are pictured here in one of them…we were there for some time!
I also had a chance to catch up on some reading and highly
recommend Tribes
by Seth Godin. It is all about how everyone has an opportunity
to bring together a tribe of like-minded people and do amazing
things. Go for it!
Leda Sammarco It's a book thing. Part 2 - Feature ArticleAre You On Brand? Do you remember that Microsoft advertising slogan
‘Where do you want to go today?’ When your book goes out into the world it is an extension of you and if you want to connect with a wide audience and develop a following of loyal readers, then you need to have a strong and positive brand. When people recommend a book they will often say ‘I’ve just read the latest (insert your name here) book. It’s wonderful – you must get it.’ They focus on the author’s name, not the title! The author Wayne Dyer said 'Your reputation is in the hands of others. That's what a reputation is. You can't control that. The only thing you can control is your character.' Whilst you can’t control what people will think of your book or you as an author, there are things you can do to develop both the tangible and emotional elements that make up your brand. It is about far more than having a logo or a strapline; it is about who you are. Think about the message you are giving out in your book and ask yourself how you would like people to perceive you. A strong brand requires a high quality product, so whether you go through a publishing house or self-publish, your book needs to look great and be well-written. Readers will respond to a well-designed cover and become attached to your writing style. In order for your brand to be recognised you need to be visible and the messages you give out (in media interviews, on your blog and social networking sites and at speaking events) should be congruent. As you develop as an author your brand will also evolve, so keep evaluating it. You may find it helpful to think about other authors you like and what their brands means to you.
A successful businessman, Mike weighed 28 stone and was a stranger to exercise. He was then involved in a serious car crash, but walked away without major injuries. Feeling like he had been given a second chance, he decided it was time to make some changes. This began with healthy eating and some exercise and ended with him losing 15 stone and running marathons including the world’s most challenging: the Athens Classic (just four years after the car crash). He is now known to his friends and fellow runners as ‘The Incredible Shrinking Man’ or TISM! If this has whetted your appetite and you’d like to find out more or order a copy, then check out his website. To share any comments on this article, please go
to my blog.
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Finally,
many congratulations go to my client Mike Hare, who has recently
self-published his inspirational memoir entitled ‘From
Sofa to Start Line.’
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Copyright © Leda Sammarco 2008. All rights reserved.
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