The Writer's Alphabet - P is for Platform
Platform is a word most writers know, and like "edit" or "query" it strikes fear in the author's heart. Not for what it is, but more for what it isn't. That is to say, platform is the thing most writer's don't have. But don't fret. You can make one so easy! I wrote a blog about this a couple months ago that more than covers the issue. I hope you enjoy the reposting.
Friday, August 2, 2013
I started my research the way I always do...with the internet. I was immediately overwhelmed. There were a million sites telling me a million things to do and my mind was boggled.
There was, however, a theme. Thank God.
I noticed the word "platform" over and over. How it was vital I had one and how all agents look for one. Platform? What the hell was that? And where the hell can I get one? I read on.
Turns out, a platform is not a tangible thing. Who knew? The best description I can give is that platform is really about how someone can find you and learn about what you offer. That may not be the best explanation, but it made sense to me. Platform therefore, is your presence on the internet. In the beginning, my platform was like, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. So, I studied and read some more. Now, a couple years and nine books later, this is my platform:
My facebook pages, both personal and my fan pagesMy Twitter handleMy blogPosts I have made guest-posting on other blogsReviews of my booksMy LinkedIn accountMy Pinterest pagesMy Amazon Author PageMy Smashwords profileBook trailers on YouTube
Of course, the best part of my platform is actually my body of work. Each book is a new introduction to me as an author and each story gives me another way to reach new fans, followers, friends, and fellow authors. Every time I get a new written review or I post a new blog, my platform increases. And about the best thing I can figure, it never gets smaller. Win-Win!I may not know everything about building a platform, but I am here to help you, if I can. Happy platform-building!
Friday, August 2, 2013
I started my research the way I always do...with the internet. I was immediately overwhelmed. There were a million sites telling me a million things to do and my mind was boggled.
There was, however, a theme. Thank God.
I noticed the word "platform" over and over. How it was vital I had one and how all agents look for one. Platform? What the hell was that? And where the hell can I get one? I read on.Turns out, a platform is not a tangible thing. Who knew? The best description I can give is that platform is really about how someone can find you and learn about what you offer. That may not be the best explanation, but it made sense to me. Platform therefore, is your presence on the internet. In the beginning, my platform was like, nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. So, I studied and read some more. Now, a couple years and nine books later, this is my platform:
My facebook pages, both personal and my fan pagesMy Twitter handleMy blogPosts I have made guest-posting on other blogsReviews of my booksMy LinkedIn accountMy Pinterest pagesMy Amazon Author PageMy Smashwords profileBook trailers on YouTube
Of course, the best part of my platform is actually my body of work. Each book is a new introduction to me as an author and each story gives me another way to reach new fans, followers, friends, and fellow authors. Every time I get a new written review or I post a new blog, my platform increases. And about the best thing I can figure, it never gets smaller. Win-Win!I may not know everything about building a platform, but I am here to help you, if I can. Happy platform-building!
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