Truth be told, there's a lot that goes into brand development—blood, sweat, tears, research, logo drafts, color palette swatches, hours of keyword and tagline research and testing. So, I'm going to break this down into its core moving parts so you can take the first step on your brand journey.

Branding is your identity—it's what makes you recognizable, relatable, and most importantly, marketable. It's the difference between being known for something or getting lost in the sauce. As an author, your branding isn't just about products or ad campaigns. It's about you as a person and the stories you write.

Branding can be broken down into three core categories: your Foundation (Mission/Vision, Values, and Unique Value Proposition), your Audience, and your Identity (Voice, Story, Tagline, and Visual Identity).

The aesthetics are only a small portion of it. It doesn't matter if you shell out nearly a grand for a graphic designer to make your branding flawless if you haven't laid the foundation and don't know your market.

Want the full breakdown—including how we built Hawthorn & Aster's brand from the ground up? This one's for Author Circle members.

Editing is one of the biggest hang-ups in self-publishing—and one of the most expensive. But is it absolutely necessary? And if you can't afford it, what are your options? We're breaking down the full editing process, the real costs, and everything in between so you can make the best decision for your book and your budget.

Wondering whether to go wide or stay on KindleUnlimited? This guide for indie and self-published authors breaks down everything you need to know about publishing distribution strategies—including the pros and cons of KDP Select, what "going wide" actually means, and how to decide which platform approach is right for your book. Whether you're a first-time author feeling overwhelmed by your options or an experienced indie looking to diversify your revenue, Hawthorn & Aster is here to help you navigate your publishing journey with confidence and clarity.

If you've ever sent out 100 ARC copies and only received 30 reviews, you're not alone—and no, it's not your book. In this guide, we're breaking down the real math behind ARC review conversion rates, why readers ghost, and whether working with an ARC dispersal platform or a romance book marketing company is the right move for your indie author journey.

If you're an indie or self-published romance author wondering whether hiring a book marketing company is worth it—you've come to the right place. In this guide, we're breaking down exactly what to expect from a romance book marketing company, what red flags to watch for, and how to find the right fit for your book. Whether you're planning your debut launch or your fifth release, understanding how ethical book marketing actually works could be the difference between a campaign that flops and one that gets your story into the hands of readers who will love it.

So you want to publish a book—but no one told you about editing stages, cover timelines, or why marketing matters before launch. Let Hawthorn & Aster’s resident gay bookish auntie walk you through the process with clarity, humor, and real-world advice.