As an author, you are a creative person. So what do you do when that creativity starts to pull you into a different direction? How do you deal with the desire to write in new genres that might not be anything like what you’ve already curated your author brand around?
You don’t do what I did, I’ll tell you that much. But I know what’s been proven to work with others!
Consider what you’re branching out into
Really take a look at the thing that you want to write. Is it a new genre, or just a new theme on the genre that you are already writing? Do they have similar themes to what you’re already writing? Because if it’s similar enough to what you’re already doing, there might not be the need to do anything! If your new stuff has the same audience demographic as your old market, you’re probably fine to keep going as you were and not worry too much about it.
Check in with your audience
If you’re not sure, just check in with your existing audience to see if they would be interested. If they are, you know you’re fine! If only some are interested, it might be a good idea to segment those people interested to bring them along on your journey on pursuing a new genre.
Craft a new identity
In order to ensure you don’t confuse your old audience, it’s usually a good idea to create a new name for the new genre you are going to pursue. This is so that you are not potentially confusing either your old or your new audience. If they look you up, they will have an expectation of the kinds of books they will find and it’s up to you to make sure that expectation is met! Creating a new name is an easy way to ensure that happens!
Start the communication
With this new identity, you’ll want to do all the thing you’ve done with your existing author persona: Create your profiles and lists! This includes:
- Social media profiles
- Newsletter mailing list
- A site or landing page that allows people to find all your content
Start targeting readers that new genre
Do a little research into your new genre and take a look at how to attract readers. The tactics might change between genres, so it’s good to make sure you understand how readers in that new genre communicate, where they congregate, and what they respond well to. Once you have that understanding, be sure to start engaging those new readers on their terms and get them reading!
Decide if your existing audience would be interested
If you think there’s at least a portion of your existing audience that might want to follow you on this new endeavour, give them the option to do so! Make an announcement about the new identity and let them know. You might be surprised to see how many of your existing fanbase are willing to follow you into this new endeavour.
Or do what you’ve already been doing!
I am someone who did none of this and I can tell you that you will still be fine if you don’t go through the effort of creating a whole separate identity and brand for every possible identity for each genre you want to try out.
It does come with a financial cost, though. Authors with very tight niches and strong branding tend to do much better than those who go ahead and write whatever they feel like, but you will still have plenty of opportunity to find a fanbase who will love what you do, no matter what you’re doing.
Just try not to start making jewelry. It’s a lot harder for an audience to make that kind of jump.
