Timely. Original. Engaging. Your title and design should be consistent through all applications. Continuity is key when it comes to the look of your business cards, bookmarks, postcards, posters, and website and all should have the same look and feel as the book. Your look or brand should resonate with you (and any person you are speaking to) so that when you say the name of your book, pass out a bookmark, say what you do for a living, "I'm the author of____," it explodes and does not fizzle. That said, always remember to carry your book, business card, bookmarks, etc. with you at all times. Always. All the time.
Thanks for the post Lin. I have branded my company and book "Mission Possible" and you are correct, continuity is key. My website, book cover, bookmarks, sales handouts, business cards, book handout cards, etc. all have the same look and feel. All were produced with a good quality printing company locally and it shows. Cheaper is not better as far as I'm concerned - I like quality. And yes, my car is my traveling office and book promo-mobile!
You are right - branding the company is the highest priority. I believe I gave the wrong impression in my earlier post. I have branded my company and my book "separately" - but branded them both, nonetheless.
My next book will still have the advantage of my company's branding, but have its own eye-catching image and promotion. Your website needs to promote you as an author, and also the books you write. Clean, concise and engaging is what its all about. And yes, its all about the genre and marketing to the correct prospective readers.
And I agree with both of you. I suppose I thought it was implied, but thank you for parceling out the "company" brand issue. That said I meet authors who only want to market the book and leave themselves and any affiliation behind the curtain.
Lin A. Lacombe
From Passion to Publicity
Literary Publicist