Comments on: Saturday Craft Series: Business Cards

By: Diana Tidlund

Diana Tidlund — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:33:34 +0000

yep…I agree. They always do the best stuff. But you know what I think makes it the best stuff??? It’s because it comes from them and they are two of the nicest, sweetest people I’ve ever met….they could have given out spray painted doggie doo and I’d have still liked it because it came from them. It’s not so much about the stuff…its about the person giving the stuff…sorta like opening up a christmas present that you instantly think…omg…I hate it…who the hell gave me this crap…and you look and see it was lovely Aunt Kris who doesn’t have much and would go outta her way for anyone and suddenly…that thing you hated a couple of minutes ago is one of the most cherished items you’ve ever received. And yes…you keep it and don’t recycle it…LMAO

By: Laurel N

Laurel N — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:35:08 +0000

Oh, business cards are for dropping into the “drawing for a free lunch” fishbowl at my favorite stop. I win a couple of those a year. lol

By: Laurel N

Laurel N — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 07:32:35 +0000

I am so glad you addressed this issue! It is overwhelming for the aspiring author to think of putting forth the time, effort and money for branding.

If you don’t get the books written and out there you have no need of branding, and who knows which genre is going to get picked up. Don’t get the cart before the horse. The only thing I would do sooner rather than later is look into getting your domain name if you really need/want it to be something specific.

Thank you for reminding us we are capable of writing our own happy endings – without a boat load of bells and whistles.

By: Paula R.

Paula R. — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:17:13 +0000

Okay. I am gonna pull out my RWR and see what’s what. I didn’t get a chance to read it when I first got, now I have to look at it.

Peace and love,
Paula R.

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:50:37 +0000

Exactly. Before each conference, if I remember, I print out one sheet, which is about six to nine cards. I pretty much never use even that much! If I use ONE it’s shocking.

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:49:20 +0000

Well, be prepared for your eyes to bug out. The suggestions by and large are a huge waste of time and energy that most authors could better use by writing more.

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:48:29 +0000

Thanks for chiming in. I knew I wasn’t the only one who didn’t use business cards for…well, for anything!

By: Julie Leto

Julie Leto — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:47:53 +0000

No, you’re not off at all. As far as I know, all the authors who are now “branded” did so completely organically. The brand grew from the work–not the other way around.

A very astute observation, Paula!

By: Paula R.

Paula R. — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:38:01 +0000

You know what, as an unpubbed writer, I can’t even fathom “branding” myself. I don’t even know what genre my work will fall into yet. I know what I want, but there is a big difference between what is coming out and what I want. Anyway, I didn’t think authors started out branding themselves, it just kinda happened. At least that is what I thought. Did any of you, plotmonkeys, have a brand in mind for yourselves? I get the sense that it sort of evolved, like with Janelle’s Wildes. I feel like the more well-known an author becomes, their books become recognizable and they are “branded,” if you will. Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb comes to mind, J.R. Ward, Jessica Andersen, Allison Brennan, Robyn Carr, Carly…Am I way off in thinking that?

Peace and love,
Paula R.

By: Carly

Carly — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:43:01 +0000

I agree with Julie. No business cards! Even as a published author, I have them? I can’t tell you the last time I used them. As someone who spared no expense for years and years, all I can say is NOTHING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE QUALITY OF THE BOOK! If an editor wants to find you, THEY WILL~! Save your money!