If you are an aspiring author of any kind, you’ve probably heard the term “platform” thrown around and wondered, “What are they talking about?” And if you tried to get published or get a literary agent, their main objection would probably be (if you haven’t started) to build a “platform.” So, what do most publishers and literary agents mean by build a platform?
Well, most mean the ability to influence a group of people that’s large enough to make publishing a book less of a financial risk. Before 2006 and the advent of social media, audience-building meant you had to have a television show or radio show or write a regular magazine column or newspaper column. On average this required a lot of capital or the right contacts so you can be picked.
But today, by starting a blog and making use of social networking tools like Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, you can build an engaged platform with the investment of your enthusiasm, creativity and time. I’m not saying it’s easy, trust me, but I am saying it’s more possible than ever. So, go do the difficult work and build an asset you can reap the fruits from. (By the way, as a part of my social media strategy I consider my blog and newsletter to be my “stage” and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., to be “arenas.”)
What can you do today to start?
- Start a Blog. Get a blog from wordpress, blogspot, or typepad. Or use squidoo or tumblr or a microblogging site. And muster the discipline to blog consistently.
- Build a Social Media Presence. This starts with 5 easy rungs. Yes, “rungs”! A rung is: “a rod or bar forming a step of a ladder.” And I believe what social media has done is formed something, an unprecedented opportunity (the step of a ladder) for people like you and I to extend and amplify our influence.
- Be Generous. Generosity should be your guide. It turns out in this connected economy, what people gravitate and relate to, is those who give of themselves. That “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (see Acts 20:35) is a brilliant marketing strategy and when you lead by serving and by giving, people follow.
Such a great article. It could be applied to most cultural careers actually. But then, when most have a platform, wouldn’t it become difficult for publishers to actually pick the new talent in the big pool?
Thanks Charlene for your comment! And yes this could be applied to many careers. Actually if more people created a platform it would be easier for publishers to choose because with more than one million new book titles published last year, getting your voice heard is a challenge. And what publishers are really responsible for is being the bank of an idea. So the act of spending money to get that idea to the public and there will always be room for that.
If your thoughts on creating a platform is to build a social media as a magnet to attract an audience then all i can say is,”I am working on it.”
Thank you, for great advice and enforced idea’s.
Thanks for your comment PMontez! When building a platform I recommend using social media as arenas (http://indispensablemarketing.wordpress.com/2012/08/14/three-components-of-a-good-social-media-strategy/)
You are so correct, and fortunate to have your expertise guiding me an others with your Social Media savvy.
thx again
Aww, thank you! I really appreciate that and your feedback.
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Some excellent points, thank you
Thanks Unlock your Creativity!