Let’s talk about the P-word.
I’ve got to be honest with you – the vast majority of the authors I meet have no interest in joining their platform. They will resist delving into that world with every fiber of their being.
I’m going to be honest again – I get it. I do. I am an introvert, and a writer myself, and nothing makes me happier than helping people from the privacy of my own office, doors closed, camera off, comfort food close at hand.
However, the world we live in is not a private one. The internet has changed everything, as has the colossal growth of self-publishing.
I’m sure at this point you are probably comfortable calling yourself an author. But are you comfortable calling yourself a salesperson? As mentioned above, this is rarely a favorite part of an author’s journey – but it’s an important one.
Yes, your book is your baby, but in the end it is a product that needs to be bought and sold, just like clothing or cell phones or toothbrushes. It sounds cold, but it’s the truth. And the quicker you embrace the idea, the less scary or stressful it is, and the quicker you can start differentiating yourself from other books and authors in the marketplace.
And keep in mind, editors buy authors, not just their books – they want to establish long-term relationships with their authors, but they also want to know they are going to get a return on their investment in your book. They want to know that you’re bringing a quality product to the table and that you will be a motivated partner in getting it into the hands of your customers, the readers.
But wait, you might say, I write fiction! Platform’s just important for nonfiction authors, right? Wrong. Regardless of what genre you write, you need to be able to illustrate what YOU are bringing to the table. Demonstrate your expertise, and show that you are bringing a built-in audience of potential book buyers who are actively interacting with your content.
What counts as a platform?
Your social media following – how engaged your audience is
Your ability to get yourself interviewed on radio, television and in print – before the book is published!
The size of your personal mailing list the fans with whom you keep in regular touch and who consider you a worthy supplier of information on your topic.
Your public appearances – paid speaking, workshop, seminars, live events that you do – or should be doing – to raise your profile
Your expertise – your qualifications to share this material or write this book
Ready to take the leap with me? I’m going to share with you 8 Tips for Building a Killer Platform.
Tip #1: Have an Author Website
It doesn’t have to be fancy, in fact it can just be a placeholder, but you want to make sure you have your name, what project you are currently working on, and a way to have people contact you.
Make sure to include links to your social media pages, blog, etc.
Tip #2: Find Your Strength
What do you naturally like to do (and do well)?
If you say writing, it might be blogs, e-books, or social media posts
If you’re a skilled public speaker, it might be hosting workshops, seminars, paid or free speaking, classes, or webinars
If you’re a natural perform, then you’ll be looking at radio/podcasts, TV, videos, vlogging, hosting, etc.
Try things out until something clicks for you – and your audience
Tip #3: Be a Media Darling
You want to show:
That you are delivering content that can attract journalists – and will therefore attract more when your book comes out
That you can handle yourself on media – you’d be amazed how many people suddenly become wallflowers or know-it-alls or boorish when they get close to journalists
It proves that your content is interesting to the world – at least, in theory.
Issue press releases, and find ways to connect yourself and your book to current events
Be relentless
Check out sites like HARO, SourceBottle, PitchRate, which allow you to respond to reporter queries and pitch yourself as a source for articles they are working on
Tip #4: Don’t Procrastinate!
This is not something that is done AFTER the book is published – while it is being written and edited, while it is being published, AFTER it is being published, on and on
Tip #5: Understand Your Genre and/or Market
Research, research, research
Ask yourself what is working for other authors/experts in your field – you’re going to do a lot of copying before you are going to be completely innovative
Tip #5: Understand Your Audience
What do they want?
How do they want to receive it?
Use tools like Google Keyword Analyzer
Tip #6: Free is Good
Write blogs, share excerpts from your book, share content and resources that your audience enjoys/and or can benefit from
You may worry that giving things away for free is bad, but really, readers are thinking, If they’re giving this away for free, I can only imagine what I’ll get from their book!
Freebies can also include webinars, workshops, speaking engagements, newsletters, and e-books
Tip #7: Think Outside of the Box
What can you be doing differently?
How would YOU like to be reached out to (as a reader)?
Tip #8: Never Stop
Always remember this acronym: ABP – Always Be Platforming
To you and your book!
Megan
