Branding vs. Just a Pretty Logo: What’s the Difference?
If you think branding is just a logo, buckle up—we need to talk.
As an author, you pour your heart writing your stories, creating characters and worlds that make the reader feel seen and enjoy their time in your world. But when it comes to your brand? That’s where things can get a little murky.
You could have hired someone already to create a cute logo, picked a few colors you liked, and called it a day.
But then… marketing doesn’t get better. Your social media feels all over the place. Readers don’t instantly recognize your name. And worst of all? You feel completely disconnected from your own brand.
That’s because a logo isn’t a brand.
Branding vs. Logo:
What’s the Difference?
A logo is just one piece of branding. It’s like the cover of a book—important, sure, but not the full story.
Branding, on the other hand, is the entire reader experience.
It’s the feeling someone gets when they land on your website, scroll through your Instagram, or see your book at the store. It’s the way your brand looks, sounds, and connects emotionally with readers.
To say it in social media lingo, it could be the aesthetic, the vibe, everything surrounding you as an author.
Think about your favorite authors. You can probably recognize their books or posts before you even see their name, right? That’s branding at work.
Why Branding Matters for Authors
Still not convinced you need a brand? Let’s break it down.
Readers recognize you instantly
Big names like Carissa Broadbent and Ali Hazelwood have a strong brand identity. Whether it’s the aesthetic of their book covers, the way they engage with readers, or the themes they write about, you know when you’re looking at their work.
Branding builds trust & makes marketing easier
Readers are more likely to pick up a book from an author they recognize. When your brand is clear and consistent, it builds familiarity and trust—two things that turn casual readers into lifelong fans.
You feel aligned with your author career
If your brand feels scattered or not quite "you," marketing your books is going to feel like an uphill battle. A strong brand makes everything feel more natural and effortless.
3 Key Elements of a
Strong Author Brand
Branding doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional. Here are the three core elements every author brand should have:
1. Visual Identity (Colors, Typography, Logo)
Your brand's visual elements should reflect the mood and themes of your books. A dark fantasy author will have a very different aesthetic from a cozy romance writer.
Colors: Pick 3-5 brand colors that fit your genre and vibe.
Typography: Choose 1-2 fonts for your website, graphics, and book materials.
Logo: Keep it simple, but make sure it aligns with your overall brand feel. For authors, I do suggest to work more with Wordmark than with too complicated designs.
2. Messaging & Voice (How You Talk to Readers)
Your brand isn’t just how it looks—it’s also how it sounds. The way you write captions, emails, and website copy should feel uniquely you.
Are you warm and encouraging? Witty and sarcastic? Professional and poetic? Define your tone and use it consistently.
Your tagline, bio, and book descriptions should all reflect your brand voice.
Indie authors’ voices that I love and are super recognizable are Meg Jones, Hailey Dickert, Victoria Mier.
And if you need help, hire a website copywriter is an amazing opportunity. Just because we know how to write fantasy and romance books, it doesn’t mean we are good in writing copy that sells. For example, Delaney from the DarkRoastCopy.Co is amazing and she’s just a vibe.
3. Emotional Connection (How Readers Feel About You)
Branding is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about the feeling you create for your readers.
Ask yourself: What do I want my readers to feel when they engage with my brand? Inspired? Comforted? Challenged?
Your brand should reflect those emotions in everything from your website design to your social media captions.
Your Brand Should Feel Like YOU
Branding isn’t about pretending to be something you’re not. It’s about amplifying what makes you and your books unique so that readers can instantly connect with you.
If your brand doesn’t feel like you right now, let’s fix that.
Check out my branding packages and let’s craft a brand that truly represents your author journey. Work with me here.
