Author Branding 101 with Claudette Shatto

Author Branding 101: What to Do Before (and after) You Publish

Your book is just one piece of your author brand. In this interactive workshop, Napa Valley College professor and children’s book author Claudette Shatto shares how she spent four years building her brand and establishing herself as a trusted voice before publishing her debut book, Gazill Hill. Now, she’s helping other writers do the same—whether you're pre-publication or already published.

This is not a lecture. It’s a working session designed to help you clarify your message, define your author identity, and explore ways to expand your visibility with purpose and confidence. Through guided prompts and take-home worksheets, you’ll begin building a brand that reflects who you are and what you stand for as a writer.

You’ll walk away with:

• A personal brand statement that connects your work to your purpose
• Three content pillars to guide your messaging online and offline
• A list of partnership and outreach opportunities aligned with your goals
• Tools to start building or refining your platform—no matter where you are in the publishing journey

Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, for children or adults, this session will help you think beyond the book and take practical steps toward a brand that builds trust, opens doors, and positions you for long-term impact.

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Claudette Shatto is a business professor at Napa Valley College, a keynote speaker, and award-winning educator who specializes in leadership development. She is the author of Gazill Hill, a multicultural children’s picture book.

Claudette’s workshops blend storytelling with actionable business strategies, helping writers and creators clarify their message and expand their visibility. Her work bridges education and entrepreneurship, offering practical tools and inspiration for anyone looking to grow their brand with purpose
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Open to the Public
NVW Members: $5
Guests: $10
Students: Free with ID

Napa Valley Writers, a non-profit organization, is a branch of the California Writers Club and holds monthly meetings. For more information, contact [napavalleywriters@gmail.com](mailto:napavalleywriters@gmail.com)