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Mar
30
2011

Author Taglines

Do authors need to have a tagline?

Taglines—I’m talking about those little messages that sometimes are found on author websites, business cards, blogs etc. A little one sentence, sometimes only a few words, that tells you what an author writes. Maybe it’s “Sexy, sassy, suspenseful Sally X” who writes romantic suspense. Or maybe it’s “Take a bite out of love with Sally X” who writes paranormal romance. *I made those up, can you tell?! 😉

I’m toying with the idea of a tagline, but I’m not sure if I really want one or not. So I thought I’d do what I always do when faced with a decision and I’m just not sure of, ask my fellow authors/writers/readers. Does it make a difference to you if an author has a tagline on their website or business card? Does it make them more memorable? Do you think it’s silly?

Leave a comment and let me know your thoughts!

 

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Heather

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  1. Janet Walters says:

    I really don’t have a tag line, but when I need one I use eclectic writer. Some people do and some don’t. Actually I seldom pay attention to them.

  2. Shoshanna Evers says:

    I like taglines when they’re memorable, and forget them quickly if they’re not. But, even an unmemorable or cliche tagline gives me a sense of what type of story I’m in for if I buy an author’s books.

    My favorite taglines are humorous or have the author’s name in them, which makes me more likely to remember them.

    My tagline is: Sexily *Evers* After

    To me this shows a few things – first, that I write sexy stories, second, that they are romantic stories with a HEA, and third, that my last name is Evers!

    So I’m all for a tagline. You can put it on your business card, on your website, and in your email signature. 🙂

    1. Heather Thurmeier says:

      Thanks for your thoughts, Janet and Shoshanna! I’m still undecided about using a tagline. I guess I’ll let the idea settle a little before I make a decision. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

  3. Cara Bristol says:

    I think taglines are catchy and clever. It instantly gives the reader a little more info. about you. My tagline is “Erotic stories to light your fire.”

    1. Heather Thurmeier says:

      Hi Cara,

      I like your tagline! Tells me instantly what you write. I’d like one, but just haven’t been able to settle on anything yet.

  4. jeff7salter says:

    Heather, I like the concept of a tagline, but I can’t think of one for the six novel ms. I’ve already completed … much less the dozens of others I have notes or starts on.
    Not claiming any special status here, but I think a lot of writers have numerous writing weapons in their arsenal. How could one tagline do them all justice?
    Maybe if a writer has different pseudonyms for all her/his different types of fiction … perhaps then she/he could develop a tagline for each.
    Or, maybe my tagline would be: “writes what he feels like”.
    LOL

    1. Heather Thurmeier says:

      Hi Jeff,

      See I can’t think of one either. I don’t think an author *needs* one to be successful, but I do think that it helps to build our brand. But coming up with something that is appropriate and catchy is challenging. And we always think the synopsis is hard!

      1. jeff7salter says:

        absolutely. I HATE writing the synopses!

  5. jennifer121 says:

    Hi Heather, this is a great subject – I do not have a tagline and I am torn with this decision also. I like catchy ones but I need to see it over and over again to really remember. My biggest problem is my niche. I write erotic romance, sexy contemporary romance, children’s books and working on a parenting book. So, I am all over the map. I was toying with A Little Bit Naughty…A Little Bit Nice but still unsure.
    Sorry – I dont’ think I helped answer your question!!!!

    1. Heather Thurmeier says:

      Jennifer, I like that tagline! Seems fitting for you. I think I *may* have found my tagline. We’ll see if it sticks.

  6. Deborah says:

    I like the one you are currently using, “heart, humor, and a happily ever after.” It’s general enough not to be tied to just one title but definitely captures a specific theme. It’s also catchy. 🙂

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