defining 'author platform'

1

I've come to hate the term 'author platform'. It sounds concrete and specific – like something you buy at Home Depot ("Excuse me, miss? Where can I find the author platforms?" "Aisle 3, beside the snow shovels"). But the term itself seems to be a bit vague, meaning different things to different people.

Here are some definitions I've rounded up:

Author platform describes all the ways in which you can gain visibility among readers. It refers to your web presence, public speaking and classes...