Be Uniform.

Be uniform in your writing. Readers like to notice author's patterns. Use the same hashtag in every single blog post, Facebook shout-out, and Twitter shout-out. Use the same author image in all of your social media outlets, and the same symbol to represent your work.

Be Professional.

I cannot stress the importance of professionalism when it comes to being an author. Naturally, readers want to read the best books by the best authors. If you come across to potential book buyers and publishers as a novice writer, they will not bother to buy your book or read your work. Pay the extra dime to have a professional photographer do pictures of you for your author image. Have them take multiple images; full body and close-ups for the back cover of your book. The picture of yourself that appears on the back of your book should be the image used across all of your social media outlets. The other pictures can be used as extras to display on your author website. 

On the topic of author websites, this is an area where some new authors fall short of the professional standard. Pay the website company to establish your own URL that does not include their website at the end of your URL. Most authors include their first and last name as the name of their website. If your first and last name (.com) is already taken, add the word "books" or "author" behind your name.

Be Unique.

Create your own unique voice. When it comes to writing, do not try to be like everyone else. Answer the following questions:

Who are the people you come into regular contact with? 

Outside of writing, what are you passionate about? 

In what subject areas are you knowledgeable?  

The overarching theme of your answers to these questions is what you should be writing about. Let me share my answers with you to give you a better idea. I come into contact with teachers and students each day. Outside of writing, I am passionate about teaching, planning lessons that are exciting. I am passionate about Jesus and God's Word. I enjoy and am knowledgeable in the subject areas of astronomy and oceanography. 

The theme of my knowledge, passions, and people within my sphere of influence led me to writing The A+ Life: Encouraging Teachers in Christ. I also have a podcast, The A+ Life Podcast. I write blogs and short Facebook shout-outs to encourage teachers to live for Jesus. I explain ways to incorporate Christ in their classrooms. 

Be Bold. 

It took me years to conquer my fear of reader rejection. When it comes down to it, not everyone is going to enjoy your work; not everyone is going to like you. Such is life.

Be Different.

You need to establish your own unique voice as an author. There's only one you! You are not replaceable. Neither is your knowledge and skill as an author. When it comes to writing books and blog articles, dare to be different, dare to be brave.