Building an Author Platform
Whether you are traditionally or self-published (or perhaps only beginning your writing career), you need an author platform. In building an author platform, you create a foundation from which to find people who will buy your book.
An author platform can be comprised of different parts such as social media followers, reviews, endorsements, interviews, guest posts and by-lines in relevant publications.
If you are self-published, an author’s platform will enable you to find an audience for your book. If you have an eye on traditional publishing, an author’s platform will demonstrate your ability to already reach an audience, potentially securing you that prized contract.
We’re going to take a look at both fiction and non-fiction and the slightly differing ways to approach building your author platform.
NON-FICTION AUTHOR PLATFORMS:
Put simply, non-fictional authors need to convey that they are experts within their chosen field. Their author platform should reflect this, and focus on ways to build credibility, a pre-existing audience and establish interest in their subject matter.
SOCIAL MEDIA.
A large and established social media following is very attractive to publishers, as it demonstrates that the author already has a platform and readership base (hence why we see so many celebrities writing memoirs and cookbooks).
However, if you don’t already have a large social media following do not despair. In non-fiction a small, but highly engaged, audience is still very powerful. Focus on one or two platforms and start building – look to industry contacts, colleagues, and acquaintances. Share industry content, links to relevant publications and your expertise.
EXPERT ENDORSMENTS.
It’s perhaps a stretch to hope for any celebrity or New York Times style endorsements when you’re just starting out – so think creatively. Reach out to colleagues and acquaintances in your field, perhaps your old university or the head of your company, provide them with a copy of your book, explain how much an endorsement from them would mean (a bit of flattery doesn’t hurt!).
CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA.
If you have already been published in industry, or national, publications or media, you should be promoting these bylines and articles across your social media, website and other marketing.
If you don’t already have any published contributions then this could be an excellent boost to your author platform. Research industry publications and articles accepting submissions, it’s often worth reaching out to the editor with a couple of suggestions for articles (related to your book). This is an excellent way to boost your credibility and social proof to readers, and potential publishers.
FICTION AUTHOR PLATFORMS:
With fiction, the emphasis remains on the quality of your story. Your author platform requires that you demonstrate credibility markers, to show that others find your writing to be of a high standard – therefore enticing new readers.
QUALIFICATIONS.
You absolutely don’t necessarily need a particular level of education to be an amazing storyteller – but if you do have a creative writing degree or an MFA, this should be included in your author platform. This level of qualification demonstrates you have produced work at a high level and your skills have been recognised.
AWARDS.
There are a huge range of fiction writing awards available, including awards for first books, short story collections, genre based categories and self-published books. A finalist, commended or actual award from a recognised body lends credibility to all of your work, so don’t hold back from submitting your book to be considered!
READINGS AND WORKSHOPS.
Forming relationships with your local bookstores can be invaluable to securing a reading for your new book, or invitation to contribute to a writing workshop. These ae both excellent additions to your authors platform and should be shared widely.
REVIEWS AND ENDORSEMENTS.
Glowing reviews carry an incredible amount of prestige with readers and publishers alike, and should ideally form a huge part of your author’s platform. Building a solid base of reviews even before publication can mean the difference between an exciting launch and an uphill battle. Potential reviews can be found through friends and family, as well as engaging the services offered by a business such as Scribbles – we offer virtual book review tours and book publicity services.
Endorsements are harder to garner than reviews, but not impossible. Although a celebrity endorsement would be nice, don’t discount a generous quote from a book club, writing workshop, newspaper or fellow author with a larger social following. The best way to connect to people is to reach out in an authentic way, explain briefly (by email, DM or even video) what you hope to achieve with your book and any relevant backstory.
Building an author’s platform may seem like a distraction to your writing. However, rather than view it as a chore, your efforts should reflect your desire to have your book reach the readers it deserves, a means to fulfil its potential.