Is a Platform necessary for being published?

[Sarah]

I was wondering if it is unlikely for your fiction manuscript to get taken up by a literary agent if one does not have a platform.

Should you make a website before sending manuscripts off to agents, even if the website is brand new and has practically no traffic? Many articles say don't even bother if the websites and twitter accounts have less than 10,000 followings.

Just a question for anyone who is in-the-know.

[Jennifer]

literary agent are on it way out. Most publisher do not ask for agent anymore. By the time you go to publisher, they might assume you have website already. Then you will be scrambling to get one done. So, it is better to get it done beforehand. I was in that boat and I am scrambling.

[Sarah]

Thanks, Jennifer. I hope the 'scramble' isn't too rough.

[Dakota]

A social media platform and/or website is not necessary. Some will tell you that you have to have a certain number of twitter followers, but that is not all of them. This will rarely cause you to be turned down by an agent, however.

Agents are still needed and used for traditional publishing. If you're looking to talk to a few, get a realistic view of the traditional publishing field, there are some discord servers and social media avenues that can direct you to "straight from the horses mouth" knowledge. I'd recommend asking and going those avenues. However, I did recently see an AMA from an active agent stating she did not look at social media following.

BUT if you are going the traditional route, you HAVE to have an agent to get into a big publishing house. Small press? No, you do not need an agent. Otherwise you do. But there are tons of resources for you out there to help get an agent and fine tune your pitch, and work with an agent as a mentor.

[Sarah]

Cool, thanks for the info. Dakota.

[J.R.]

Some agents/publishers do look for big platforms. But frankly, many of the people with big social media followings don't get much interaction anyway which just makes them looks silly and calls into question their platform. (You have 100K followers, and your posts get two likes? Um.) Rather than gathering followers, I'd treat getting an agent or publisher similar to how I would treat trying to get a job in the corporate world. By agreeing to represent you or take on your manuscript, an agent/publisher is making an investment in you as a person and as a writer, just like an employer would.

To that end, I'd at least establish a presence on social media. I'm on a hiring committee, and we're suspicious of individuals with no presence on the web at all. I wouldn't worry too much about trying to gather up followers to have big numbers as I would concern myself with posting thoughtfully, intelligently, and (unless you're writing something political) in a relatively neutral/non-controversial manner. This shows the potential agent/publisher you're capable of acting professionally and interacting with others socially. It also lets the potential agent/publisher see you as a human being. It's a chance to make a positive impression. It's also a chance to make some friends who might be able to help you in the future.

[Sarah]

Thank you very much, J.R.

[J.R.]

Good luck, Sarah! If you do end up getting involved on social media as an author, make sure you check out #PitMad on Twitter as an alternate way to pitch your manuscript(s). I have three author friends who managed to get agents through #PitMad.

https://pitchwars.org/pitmad/

[Sarah]

Awesome, I'll be sure and check it out!