The 3 Most Important Qs to Ask Before Taking Author Photos

Many new authors choose the best quality photo of themselves they have and throw it on their Amazon author page. If you stop at this, you’re missing out on a key piece of your larger book marketing strategy.
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Here are the three most important guiding questions to help you prepare for a shoot or choose the best from the options you have. ⁠⁠
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1. What are my “genre norms”?⁠⁠
Create a list of successful authors in your category and get a sense of the “genre norms.” Take notes on outfits, expressions, backgrounds, etc. If you compare photos across genres, you’ll see that authors of business nonfiction, children’s literature, and psychological thrillers all present very different photos.⁠⁠
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2. What’s my spin on the genre norms?
Once you understand the standards for your genre, you can bend or break them strategically to communicate why you’re unique. Perhaps you want to communicate that you’re a quirky, informal business writer. A mad genius type. Studying up will show position yourself strategically within the existing landscape rather than appearing amateur. ⁠⁠
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3. What visuals would help communicate my brand/message?
Successful authors don’t just write a book, they create a brand. Creating a brand isn’t about trying to sell something you AREN’T, it’s about distilling and communicating who you ARE so people can connect and engage with you. Perhaps your brand is serious and driven by data and excellence. Maybe you’re the informal and personal type who just wants to help people. Or maybe your brand is cooky and colorful, out-of-the-box. Choose colors, backgrounds, expressions, poses, and accessories that showcase this.⁠⁠

Let’s practice! What colors, settings, accessories, props, etc. feel the most true to you?