How to Build a Platform

If you’re an aspiring writer, you have probably heard you need to build a platform. Now-a-days, a writer doesn’t just pound out pages, hand it over to a publisher and let them do the rest. Oh no, a writer has to get their name out there and build a readership before they even get published. Then they have to market their book vigorously.
A writer’s platform is your personal ability to sell books through who you are (your name), the people you know (connections), and media outlets (blogs and social networks).

1. After reading over and over again that agents advise aspiring writers to create a blog, I finally caved and created Write with Fey. For several months I had nothing to show for my efforts. I had the illusion that after a few months I would spontaneously have success. These are the same delusions that all aspiring writers have about publishing. I didn’t give up though and now I have a blog I am proud of. Be consistent with your posts, offer good content, and comment on other blogs to get exposure.

2. Another method to build a platform is to join social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. I was equally skeptical about both, but I eventually succumbed and created a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/chrysfey 

FYI: You don't need to be published to have a Facebook page. When I first created mine, the category was under "writer" because I'd only published flash fiction on ezines. After I published Hurricane Crimes, I changed the category to "author." You don't even need readers to create one. I didn't have any readers. Even if you have little sales, create a Facebook page. Your blog and social media sites can help you get sales. I say can because these places alone won't bring you sales.

A writer's platform is like a real platform that raisesyou up above everyone else. And the ladder in the picture represents the steps you take (creating a blog, publishing etc.)to get to the top of that platform.

With my blog and Facebook page (and other efforts listed below), I built a name for myself. You can too!

To build a platform you can also:

· Write guest posts for successful blogs and websites.· Host authors on your blog.· Join organizations in your niche.· Create an e-newsletter.· Write articles for big media outlets.· Use personal contacts to help you market.· Speak in public.· Set up appearances and interviews.· Teach classes/workshops.· Publish . . . publish . . . publish. The more you publish, the more you’ll get readers and the bigger your platform will get.

I haven’t done all of these, and you don’t have to either. Pick 2 or 3 that sound the best to you and dedicate yourself to doing those. If one doesn’t work out, drop it and move on to another.
Just remember that it takes time, energy and dedication to build a platform. It took me three years to get recognition for what I was doing with my blog. And it took me one year and three months to reach 100 likes on my FB page. Also, doing these things are not a guarantee that you'll have a ton of sales, they are to help you get your name out there. Building an author platform is a constant work-in-progress.

So stay positive! And don’t give up!

Stay tuned for posts on blogging and author Facebook pages.

Questions: If you’re a distinguished blogger/author, do you have additional tips for aspiring writers on what they can do to build a platform? What worked for you?