Branding defines how readers recognize, remember, and connect with an author and their work. A clear and consistent brand helps writers stand out, build trust, and create lasting relationships with their audience. The Branding program at Killer Nashville University focuses on shaping an authentic author identity that supports long term career growth.
These resources explore how branding influences visibility, messaging, and reader perception across platforms. From clarifying your voice to aligning visuals and content, this program helps writers build a brand that grows with their work and strengthens their marketing and publicity efforts.
Courses
Building a Brand That Reflects Who You Are
Sara Wigal guides writers through building an author brand that reflects their values and goals, exploring tools such as SWOT analysis, market positioning, and personal storytelling.
Building an Author Brand That Lasts
Carly Watters and Clay Stafford explore how authors can build and sustain a compelling brand—one that resonates with readers, reinforces your author identity, and supports long-term success. They also share insights on marketing, publishing, and shaping a career that reflects your voice and values.
Creating a Brand Readers Recognize
Bente Gallagher shares her experience building an author brand—what it truly means to become a “brand,” and why expectations can grow harder to escape as your visibility increases. She examines the elements of branding (name, style, image, consistency) and offers guidance to authors who use pen names, including how to create and maintain a distinct identity.
From Branding to Visibility: Growing Your Author Platform
JP Jones, Laura Brennan, Mary Glen, and Tom Robinson share strategies for building a strong author brand and promoting your work effectively. They provide practical insights into visibility, audience engagement, and long-term career growth.
How Readers Judge a Book by Its Cover
Avery Aames, Barbara Agnew, Denise Swanson, Heather Webber, Marcia Talley, and Sara Rosett join a bookseller to explore how cover design influences buying decisions—and how visual branding shapes a reader’s first impression.
Inside a Global Author Brand: A Conversation with Sherrilyn Kenyon
Clay Stafford interviews bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon about building and sustaining a powerful author brand. Together, they explore the marketing strategies behind her global success and how writers can apply those same principles to shape and promote their own careers.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Building an Author Brand
Mary Coley, Claire Applewhite, Pamela Fagan Hutchins, and Robert Downs examine the fundamentals of author branding, offering practical guidance on balancing creativity with marketing strategy to cultivate a consistent, authentic public image.
What Makes a Book Cover Work
This session explores the essentials of effective book cover design, looking at how visual elements, typography, and branding choices shape first impressions and help position a book for its ideal audience.
What Makes a Book Irresistible
Cal Stone, Charles D’Amico, Dianne McCartney, Judith Gaines, and Sandy Clements explore the marketing power of great packaging—showing how covers, blurbs, and descriptions work together to capture attention and draw readers in before page one.