Updating Your Author Brand for the New Year

A Fresh Start for 2025

Here we are—2025 is upon us, and if you’re anything like me, the start of a new year feels like opening a blank notebook: full of potential, waiting for you to write something incredible. But in the publishing world, “incredible” doesn’t just happen. The industry is always evolving, which means your author brand needs to evolve, too.

Now, before you panic—no, I’m not telling you to burn everything down and start over. Your brand is a reflection of who you are and the stories you tell! The new year is simply an opportunity to refresh, refine, and maybe even reimagine how you show up for your readers.

So how do you make 2025 the year your author brand truly shines? I’ve got you covered—with actionable steps and a free resource to help: your 2025 Author Brand Action Plan workbook! Let’s dive in.

What Is an Author Brand, Anyway?

If the term “author brand” feels a little too corporate, let’s simplify it. Your author brand is the way readers perceive you and your work. It’s your unique identity as a writer, shaped by your voice, the themes you explore, the way you engage with readers, and even the visuals you use in your marketing. It’s what makes you you—and what makes readers come back for more.

Think of your favorite authors. Whether it’s Neil Gaiman’s dark whimsy or Colleen Hoover’s emotionally raw storytelling, an author’s brand isn’t just their books—it’s the entire reader experience they create! Your author brand works the same way.

The good news? You don’t have to have everything figured out. Author brands grow and evolve over time. The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want to build next.

Start With the Big Picture

Before you plan for the future, take a moment to look around. The publishing world is changing every day—reader tastes, marketing tools, emerging platforms—and staying aware of those shifts can help you make smarter decisions about your brand.

For example:

Audiobooks: They’re more popular than ever. Could this be the year you dip into audio?

Serialized Fiction: Platforms like Kindle Vella, Wattpad, and Substack are opening new doors for authors. Is there a short-form project calling your name?

Genre Trends: Are certain themes or tropes gaining traction in your genre? Readers love comfort tropes, but fresh twists on familiar ideas will always stand out.

The goal here isn’t to chase every trend—it’s to identify what makes sense for you and your readers. Staying informed helps you adapt without losing focus!

Revisit Your Brand Identity

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities, come back to the core of your brand: you.

Your voice, your perspective, your stories—that’s what readers connect with. Take some time to revisit what makes your writing stand out. Ask yourself:

What themes or messages are at the heart of your work?

Who are your ideal readers, and what are they looking for?

What do you want readers to think or feel when they see your name?

Revisiting these questions can give you clarity. For instance, if you write cozy mysteries, your author brand might focus on warmth, small-town charm, and clever twists. If you write grimdark fantasy, your brand might center on complex moral questions and immersive worldbuilding.

The clearer you are about what you offer, the easier it becomes to communicate that to readers—and to show up authentically wherever you’re building your audience.

Take Action: Build Your 2025 Author Brand Plan

Now comes the fun part: creating a plan! Whether you want to grow your audience, launch a new book, or refresh your platforms, you need clear, achievable steps to get there.

Here’s where the 2025 Author Brand Action Plan workbook comes in. This free resource will help you map out your goals for the year, along with actionable steps to make them happen. Start with these basics:

1. Set 2–3 big goals for the year. Do you want to grow your email list? Publish a book? Expand into audiobooks? Get specific.

2. Break goals into small steps. For example: “Grow my email list” could become “Create a free short story as a reader magnet and send monthly newsletters.”

3. Refresh your platforms. Update your author bio, social media profiles, and website to reflect where you’re at now. Readers should immediately see who you are and what you stand for.

4. Find a content rhythm. Whether it’s weekly Instagram posts, quarterly newsletters, or monthly blog updates, consistency (not perfection) is key.

Small, consistent progress adds up faster than you think.

Tools and Resources to Streamline the Process

There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to building your brand. Here are a few resources that can make the process easier:

Content Planning Tools: Platforms like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar can help you plan and schedule your social media posts, newsletters, and blog content.

Visual Branding Tools: Canva is an excellent resource for creating professional graphics, banners, and visuals for your website and social platforms.

Email Marketing Platforms: ConvertKit, MailerLite, or Substack can simplify email marketing, helping you grow and nurture your reader base.

Data-Driven Insights: Tools like Google Analytics or social media insights can show you which content resonates most with your audience.

Pair these tools with our 2025 Author Brand Action Plan checklist to create a clear, manageable strategy for your year.

Embrace Experimentation Without Losing Authenticity

The new year is a great time to experiment. Maybe you test out a new format, like short-form video or serialized fiction. Maybe you finally start that podcast, or explore AI tools to help you brainstorm your next book.

But here’s the thing: not every new tool or trend will be right for you, and that’s okay. The magic happens when you mix innovation with authenticity. Readers will always respond to your unique voice—no matter the platform or format.

Ask yourself: Does this feel like me? If the answer’s yes, go for it. If not, let it go.

Learn From Other Authors

Every author’s journey is different, but we can all learn from each other. Look at authors whose brands feel strong and intentional. What are they doing well? Are they building vibrant communities through newsletters or reader groups? Experimenting with video content or podcasts? Engaging readers through interactive storytelling?

You don’t need to copy anyone else, but you can learn from their strategies. Take inspiration, adapt it to your voice, and make it your own.

Author Brand Challenges

Let’s be real: building an author brand takes work. Market saturation, changing algorithms, creative burnout—it’s all part of the deal. But challenges also bring opportunities.

If a platform isn’t delivering the results you want, maybe it’s time to focus on another. If you’re struggling with content ideas, the 2025 Author Brand Action Plan checklist can help simplify and refocus your efforts. Sometimes, taking a step back to reassess is exactly what you need to move forward.

Make 2025 Your Year

Your author brand is more than a marketing strategy. It’s how you share your stories and connect with readers who need them. It’s a long game—but every small step you take adds up!

So as you step into 2025, remember this:

1. Stay informed, but don’t chase every trend.

2. Lean into what makes your voice and stories unique.

3. Set clear, achievable goals, and celebrate your progress along the way.

4. Most importantly—keep showing up. Your readers are out there, waiting for the stories only you can tell.

Ready to get started? Download your 2025 Author Brand Action Plan workbook and take those first steps toward a stronger, more intentional author brand.

Here’s to creativity, growth, and making 2025 a year to remember. Let’s do this!

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.