Meryl's Notes Blog
Things wordy, geeky, and webbyGuest Post: The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 11:40 AM |Welcome to meryl’s notes blog (this here place you’re lookin’ at) in Plano, Texas. We’re honored to be a stop in Laura Cross’ WOW! Women On Writing Blog tour. We’re giving away a prize. Read on to see what you can win.
About Laura Cross: She is an author, screenwriter, ghostwriter, freelance book editor, and writing coach specializing in nonfiction books and script adaptation (book-to-film projects). She writes two popular blogs, www.NonfictionInk.com and www.AboutAScreenplay.com, and teaches online writing workshops. Her latest book is The Complete Guide To Hiring A Literary Agent: Everything You Need To Know To Become Successfully Published. You can download a free chapter, view the book trailer, read the full table of contents and purchase the eBook at www.GetALiteraryAgent.com.
The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform by Laura Cross
Literary agents and publishers are looking for nonfiction writers with established platforms. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to land a book deal or acquire an agent without one. A platform encompasses the ways you are visible and attracting potential readers. It conveys your expertise and influence. Every author’s platform strategy will be unique to him or her. One size does not fit all. You must follow a path that is natural for you and your writing. However, there are five essential components or supplies you need to build a writer’s platform:
1. Understand Your Brand Image: Establish an author identity and use it consistently throughout your material. Your personal brand is how you package and present yourself to readers to distinguish and differentiate yourself from other writers.
2. Develop and Promote Your Expertise: Are you the go-to expert in your field? You can establish your expertise through:
- Professional credentials
- Writing articles
- Being featured on radio and television, and in print media
- Testimonials and endorsements
- Speaking engagements
- Teaching workshops, seminars, teleclasses, and webinars
- Hosting your own online radio show or podcast
- Creating informational products
- Being a resource for reporters, journalists, and television producers
- Sending out press and news releases
- Creating and distributing online informational videos
- Answering questions via LinkedIn groups and YahooAnswers
- Blogging and guest posts
3. Have an Internet Presence: Every potential author needs a website or blog. If you already have a web presence when you begin approaching media you will have an edge over other writers. A blog can add to your credibility, help you establish your expertise, and provide a means to capture potential readers for your database.
4. Build A List of Contacts: Publishers want to know just how many potential readers there are for your book. The number of fans you have from Facebook, followers on Twitter, connects on LinkedIn, and subscribers to your blog provide tangible figures. Producing a weekly or monthly e-zine or newsletter is an effective way to grow your list of contacts. Your website and blog can include an opt-in page to capture subscribers.
5. Engage In Community: You can network through local and regional events, national conferences and conventions, and online social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Online networking sites give you access to connections and a platform to share your writing and expertise.
Your turn: What are you doing to establish and grow your author platform?
Win: You can win a class (choose from any of the classes — Meryl is jealous because she doesn’t qualify!) or a digital copy of her book. For a chance to win, please leave a comment at least 50 words long answering her question. Or write about your favorite character in a book. You have until 11:59pm on February 16, 2010 to qualify for the drawing. The unbiased and robotic Random.org has the honor of picking the winner.
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10 comments
Considering the book isn’t finished, agented or sold yet I may be putting the cart before the horse but…I started a blog and tweeting. I’ve also started doing a lot more speaking engagements. Through those I’ve been interviewed or mentioned in local newspaper articles. My thinking is, when I need publicity for my book, these guys at the paper will already know my name and be more likely to turn a press release from me into an actual article. Also maybe those organizations I speak out will have me back to talk about my book. Hopefully!
Jodi’s blog …$1.49 for a New(Relatively)Hardcover
[...] my book blog tour stops at Mery’s Notes with a guest post on Creating A Writer’s Platform and a giveaway of one of my online writing [...]
I have established a website and have been to many schools to talk about my book and teach students about writing. I have submitted my book for reviews by both online and traditional type reviewers. Then presented them on my website. In addition, I have created book trailers and tweet and have a FB fan page. I am at a loss as to how to brand myself, though and I am still learning about Keyword Optimization and SEI. Finally, I do not yet have a blog, and am wondering how important that is to your platform. Suffice to say, while I have learned a lot, there is MUCH more to discover.
Jennifer and Jodi – both of you are doing an excellent job beginning to build your platforms. And Jodi, it’s never too early to start promoting a book – some experts even recommend you begin promoting one to two years before release.
Best,
Laura
Laura Cross’s blog …Creating A Writer’s Platform and Writing Workshop Giveaway
Wow Laura, that is a helpful list to follow for setting up one’s platform. I see now I have a lot of work to do as I continue to work on my books!
So far, I have:
Established a lifestyle blog that continues to increase its readership.
Set up a Fan Page on Facebook to give me a more immediate way to interact with readers.
I do tweet on Twitter, but I am not convinced yet.
Guest posted on more popular blogs than my own with cross marketing efforts.
Currently working on a 3 part guest post.
Host a monthly radio show.
Developing informative videos featuring lifestyle tips, reviews, how-to clips.
Joined a writer’s group to learn more about the publishing industry.
Attending my first writer’s conference next month.
Thanks for asking this question. Detailing this list helps me see what still needs to be done. BTW, love the old fashioned typewriter on the book cover – never see those anymore!
[...] help-here’s a new estimate. 2.) I can’t meet the deadline. 3.) Yes, but… 4.) No. Meryl’s Notes: Guest Post: The Supplies You Need to Build a Writer’s Platform 1.) Understand Your Brand Image 2.) Develop and Promote Your Expertise 3.) Have an Internet [...]
Hey Lucy – you are a power woman with your platform.
I loved the typewriter photo for the book cover – it’s nice to know other writers are getting a kick out of it.
All the best,
Laura
Laura Cross’s blog …Creating A Writer’s Platform and Writing Workshop Giveaway
Yay! Great post on this topic.
Okay, what I’ve done is changed my blog from just a writing tips blog to an author platform for me. I changed the design and focus and included things like a page for agents and editors that highlights all of my current projects and has samples of things I’ve written and links to my ebooks. I now include some flash fiction as posts to keep my fiction chops up and to get feedback about my stories.
Also, I’m ghostwriting a book for a client and I’ve forwarded this post to them. I’ve been pushing them to get their platform in order before we are done with the book!
George
George Angus’s blog …Jazzed About #MOJOtweet: A Book Review
Thanks to Laura for her guest post and responses.
@Jodi, it sounds like you’re on the right track. All wanna be authors should be doing this before we start the book proposal.
@Jennifer, schools make great partners with authors especially those who specialize in children’s books or topics of interest to kids.
@Luci, like Laura said — you are a power woman! Wow.
@George, you’re doing a great job in seamlessly changing your focus.
[...] to George Angus for winning Laura Cross’ book tour contest! Y’all can still win a book from Elisa Lorello. Interesting that it’s President’s [...]
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